STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The elk who reside in the neighborhoods south of Ketchum this year are getting a little extra love from some of the neighbors this year.
A group of women in Gimlet have organized to protect the resident elk against hunters that cruise the neighborhood waiting for the bull elks to set foot off land.
Lots of “No Hunting” signs have been posted along the private roads in Gimlet, and residents have even hired a patrol man to watch for hunters.
It’s not just about the elks’ safety but the safety of residents, said Julie Brewer.
“It’s not safe having hunters shooting close to our houses, or having wounded animals running into our yards. The hunters are often trespassing and sometimes poaching, both of which are illegal. It’s shocking that Idaho laws allow hunters to hunt in residential areas if they have permission from a property owner or they’re on state or BLM land.”