Press Release 5/2/2025
It is with contrition and sincerity that I want to address the event that occurred while on personal time and property in October of 2024 as I believe the public has a right to hear directly from their elected Sheriff. I hold myself to a high standard of conduct and want to ensure that my constituents and staff do not feel there is any opacity to the situation.
On October 10, while on my private property in Idaho, I shot a mountain lion. I was in possession of a non-resident deer and elk tag at the time. As a Non-Resident of Idaho with an unfilled deer or elk tag, I could use either of these tags to harvest a mountain lion during any open corresponding season of the open deer and elk tag (Idaho State Statue 36-1101(a) IDAPA 13.01.08.250.04). However, instead of notching the rightfully held tag, I purchased a mountain lion tag after the fact. I want to emphasize that at the time of the shooting I was lawfully able to shoot the mountain lion; it was in no way, shape, or form poaching of any kind. This action has caused me great consternation in the months following.
On October 25, I was contacted by Fish and Wildlife regarding the mountain lion harvest and asked to walk through the events. I told the Fish and Wildlife agent that I had shot the mountain lion with the intention of using my existing tag but made the regrettable decision to purchase a mountain lion tag after the fact, which contradicted what I said earlier.
Upon returning to the office, I self-reported to the Douglas County Prosecutor's Office and met with my command staff team to brief them on the entire series of events. I did not take any action to conceal the on-goings.
Following a review by Fish and Wildlife, the case was referred to the Latah County Prosecutor's Office and a criminal complaint was filed on February 13, 2025. Upon being served with the complaint, I took multiple steps to ensure that required parties were notified. My office notified the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) within the required 15-day period. As of today, I have not received any comments from CJTC. I cooperated fully with the Latah County Prosecutor's Office and the offense was dismissed civilly after payment of a fine on March 20, 2025.
I have requested a peer review of this incident for continued consideration.
I deeply regret my decision not to use the existing tag. This has weighed heavily on my mind ever since. I made a choice in the heat of the moment and unfortunately it was not the most prudent decision.
I am committed to keeping the public informed of any further outcomes that may arise from this issue.
Respectfully,
Kevin Morris
Douglas County Sheriff