A Pocatello man has been sentenced to state prison and permanently barred from hunting in Idaho following a multi-year investigation into an illegal hunting operation in eastern Idaho.
On June 2, 2026, 48-year-old Joelseph “Joe” Jenkins was sentenced in Teton County after pleading guilty to two felony charges — unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony possession of wildlife taken unlawfully — as well as two misdemeanor charges for operating as an outfitter or guide without a license and illegally baiting black bears.
According to Idaho Fish and Game, the investigation began in 2022 and uncovered an extensive illegal guiding operation in eastern Idaho. Authorities say Jenkins guided paying hunters without the required licenses, illegally baited black bears, and facilitated the unlawful harvest of multiple big game animals. Investigators determined the operation resulted in the illegal killing of nine big game animals, including black bears and elk, while generating more than $55,000 in income.
As part of the sentence, District Judge Steven Boyce ordered Jenkins to serve a minimum of two years in prison, pay thousands of dollars in fines and restitution, and forfeit his hunting privileges for life.
The firearm charge carried particular significance because Jenkins was already prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction. Despite that restriction, investigators documented his involvement with firearms during the illegal hunting activities.
The case involved cooperation among Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers and other law enforcement agencies. Reports indicate that undercover investigative work played a significant role in documenting the unlawful guiding activities and wildlife violations.
The lifetime hunting suspension applies in Idaho and may also be recognized by most other states through the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement that allows participating states to honor hunting and fishing license suspensions imposed elsewhere.
Wildlife officials say the case demonstrates Idaho’s commitment to protecting wildlife resources and maintaining fair-chase hunting opportunities for law-abiding hunters. Illegal guiding operations not only violate state law but can undermine conservation efforts and the integrity of Idaho’s hunting traditions.
For Idaho hunters, the case serves as a reminder that wildlife crimes involving commercial operations, unlawful take of game animals, and guiding without proper licensing can lead to felony convictions, prison time, substantial financial penalties, and the permanent loss of hunting privileges.
Hunterizer Reminder: Idaho hunters can use the Hunterizer app to stay on top of hunting regulations, season dates, license requirements, legal hunting methods, shooting hours, bag limits, and after-harvest requirements across the state. The app’s “What Can I Hunt Today?” feature helps hunters instantly see open seasons based on their location and date, while species-specific zone maps make it easier to understand where hunting opportunities are available. Hunterizer is updated with the latest Idaho regulations to help hunters stay legal and informed in the field.
