“This is not a case of mistaken species as the sheep was clearly shot in the head,” the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said.

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is asking the public for information regarding a poached bighorn ram sheep found left to waste east of Riggins.

Idaho Fish and Game said Monday, the animal was found by a sportsman above Big Salmon Road near Partridge Creek. Officials said they believe the ram was shot between November 20 and 22,  and no attempt was made to recover it.

There is no season for the hunting of bighorn sheep in that portion of Unit 14, wildlife officials said. 

“This is not a case of mistaken species as the sheep was clearly shot in the head,” IDFG said in a news release. 

The Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation has pledged to add $2,000 to the Citizens Against Poaching reward for information leading to an arrest.

“Wild sheep are important to Idaho — they are truly one of the ‘gems’ of the gem state,” said Bill London, Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation conservation committee chair. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at (800) 632-5999 or IDFG Clearwater Region (208) 799-5010. IDFG said callers can remain anonymous.