The case involves allegations of unlawful take, tag violations, road shooting, use of a motorized vehicle, failure to retrieve game, and trespass during an elk hunt.
Charges Filed in Fremont County
Public court-record summaries list seven misdemeanor counts against Harshbarger. Those counts are:
- Two counts of hunting or attempting to take a big game animal unlawfully.
- One count of hunting without a valid tag.
- One count of shooting across a public highway.
- One count of hunting with the aid of a motorized vehicle.
- One count of failing to make a reasonable effort to retrieve game.
- One count of trespassing to hunt or fish.
The charges stem from a Dec. 20, 2025, elk hunt in Fremont County.
Allegations Tied to a December Elk Hunt
The investigation began after a Citizens Against Poaching tip reported people shooting at elk near Spring Hollow Boat Ramp in Fremont County.
Officers and a sheriff’s deputy responded to the area and found two dead elk, a six-point bull on private property, and an antlerless elk on nearby Bureau of Reclamation land.
Investigators allege Harshbarger had already filled his elk tag the previous weekend. They also allege the hunt involved shooting across Spring Hollow Road, the use of a motorized vehicle, and entry onto private property without permission.
The unlawful-take allegations involve more than one animal. One count alleges the unlawful take of a six-point bull elk. Another alleges the unlawful take of an antlerless elk on Bureau of Reclamation land. A third count alleges participation in or aiding the unlawful take.
The case also includes an allegation that Harshbarger failed to make a reasonable effort to retrieve game.
Appointed by Gov. Brad Little in 2024
Gov. Brad Little appointed Harshbarger on Jan. 2, 2024, to serve as the Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s Upper Snake Region representative.
At the time, state officials identified Harshbarger as an Ashton dryland farmer, hunter, Fremont County Farm Bureau member, and church volunteer.
What the Commission Does
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is a seven-member board. Idaho Fish and Game commissioners are appointed by the governor, confirmed by the Idaho State Senate, and serve staggered 4-year terms. No more than four commissioners may be from the same political party.
The commission supervises the Department of Fish and Game, establishes regulations and other controls on hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife management, approves department budgets for submission to the legislature, and holds public hearings on wildlife management decisions.
What Comes Next
Court records show Harshbarger has pled not guilty. A pretrial hearing has been listed for April 29.
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