Two Boundary County men have been charged with felonies after each killed a bull elk one day before the season opened on Sept. 5.

Bonners Ferry veterinarian Rowland Hall, 56, and his hunting partner Dennis “Butch” Liermann, 32,  of Naples, were charged with illegally killing the elk.

The alleged poaching occurred in Boundary County at Trapper Creek in the upper Priest Lake drainage area.

Idaho Fish and Game officers didn’t file charges until last week as Hall and Liermann were away on a hunting trip in Alaska, according to Craig Walker, a conservation officer with Idaho Fish and Game  in Coeur d’ Alene.

“I believe both men are facing the same charges.  Officer Rob Soumas with Idaho Fish and Game wrote up the tickets and they were the same charges,” said Walker.

The two face up to five years in prison, a $50,000 fine and the loss of their hunting privileges for life, if convicted.

Judge Justin Julian removed himself as judge in the case and Judge Barbara Buchanon out of Bonner County heard the probable cause hearing on Oct. 6.

“A summons was issued by Judge Buchanon and mailed to the men and they will need to contact the court to arrange a hearing date,” said Walker.  “I am not sure at this point whether the case will be heard in Bonner or Boundary County.”