COEUR d’ALENE — A man who poached multiple deer and an elk during a two-month “killing spree” in 2024, exhibiting behavior that a judge called “frightening,” has lost his hunting privileges for the next 17 years.

Cole R. Clark, 23, pleaded guilty in December to two counts of unlawfully killing wildlife within a 12-month period. 

First District Judge Casey Simmons sentenced Clark on Friday to five years in prison, with parole eligibility after three years, then suspended the sentence and ordered Clark to serve 60 days in jail, followed by four years of supervised probation. 

Simmons also ordered that Clark’s hunting privileges be revoked for 17 years, until he is 40 years old. 

“The fact that you took accountability for what you did and did not shy away from the seriousness of this case gives some hope to this court that this had an impact on you, hopefully a lasting impact that will keep you out of the court system,” Simmons said. 

Still, Simmons said he was concerned by “the level of deviant behavior” Clark exhibited and the fact that Clark left edible meat to waste. 

“Frankly, I am relieved you were caught,” Simmons told Clark. “You weren’t going to stop without someone basically making you.” 

The charges stem from September 2024 to November of the same year, when prosecutors said Clark illegally shot multiple animals, including an elk, using artificial light and left animals to waste. 

Prosecutors said Clark, who is not a licensed guide or outfitter, offered to guide and outfit hunting trips for a fee. He organized two such hunts for undercover Idaho Fish and Game Officers, providing a camping site and transportation to and from illegal bait sites. 

“He showed no mercy and respect for the animals he killed,” said prosecuting attorney Monica Bushling. “He was not doing it because he was desperate. He did it to do it.” 

Before receiving his sentence, Clark told the court he had made poor decisions and exercised bad judgment. 

“I deeply regret the choices I made,” he said. “I spent a lot of time reflecting on my actions. There is no good excuse for it. I let myself make choices against the values I was raised with. I know my actions have consequences.” 

Simmons said Clark’s actions deprived law-abiding Idahoans of the enjoyment of the state’s wildlife. 

“Hunting, in this state, is a privilege that is not afforded to everyone,” he said. “This court believes that hunting as a privilege is something that should not be wasted.” 

Simmons said supervised probation was necessary to deter others from similar behavior. 

“This is not tolerated in our state,” he said. 

In a statement Friday, Idaho Fish and Game thanked the public for reporting potential wildlife crimes through the Citizens Against Poaching hotline. 

“Public involvement plays a critical role in ensuring Idaho’s fish and wildlife exists for future generations,” the statement said. “The investigation into the unlawful taking of the elk in this case was aided by a call from a member of the public to the CAP hotline.” 

IDFG encourages anyone who observes or has information about any wildlife crime to call the Citizen Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Information can also be reported through IDFG’s website, under the “enforcement” tab.