FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February, 24th, 2025

BHA Contact: Dre Arman [email protected]

BLM Contact: Bruce Hallman [email protected]

Interagency Collaboration Leads to Reward for Private Citizen

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to issue a reward of $250 to a private citizen for their efforts to report illegal motorized use on public lands, which resulted in a conviction for violation of the BLM’s travel management policy. 

On November 13th, 2024, BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Amanda Schramm, received information from Idaho Department of Fish and Game Officer Aaron Andruska.  Andruska informed her that a citizen provided him with photographs of an ATV that went into a seasonal motor vehicle closure area located on BLM land managed by the Challis Field Office.   The ATV went around signage stating the area is closed from 10/01 to 12/31 annually.

The citizen also sent a photograph of the pickup truck, including license plate, that was parked at the gate.  The citizen talked with the individual(s) on the ATV who stated they were retrieving an elk that was harvested the previous day.  

Officer Schramm contacted the registered owner of the pickup truck who stated he was helping a friend retrieve the elk.  He stated he saw other tracks going around the signage and he also, went around the signage.  A violation notice was issued based on information provided by the reporting party and interview with the responsible party. 

“As a BLM law enforcement officer, I am appreciative of people who are willing to go out of their way to support regulations that protect public lands, wildlife and hunting opportunities.” – Amanda Schramm

This incident involved cooperation between the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, a private citizen, and BLM law enforcement.  Everyone involved kept the best interest of public lands in mind as they worked to resolve the incident. 

If you see illegal motorized use while recreating, please consider sending information to your local law enforcement officer and sending a submission to Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Illegal Motorized Use Rewards Program. More information about this program, as well as how to report a tip can be found at: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/ohv_and_illegal_motorized_use_program

As shed season opens up in Idaho, IDFG would like to remind public land users that there are new regulations for out-of-state shed hunters that can be reviewed here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/nonresidents-need-valid-idaho-big-game-hunting-license-gather-antlers-idaho

Public land users are also encouraged to utilize agency provided maps for motor vehicle travel on BLM lands. Areas managed by the Challis BLM Field Office which can be found online at: https://www.blm.gov/documents/idaho/public-room/map/challis-georeferenced-travel-map