Idaho has some tight regulations on these private herds that include ear tagging and routine testing for CWD. So far CWD hasn't been found in Idaho. Private elk must wear brightly colored ear tags so if they escape, they can be told from wild elk. The IDFG is doing all they can to prevent genes from private elk getting into the wild herd.
About 15 years ago, a bear tore down a fence at one of these ranches (different ranch than this one) and about 100 elk escaped. The owner didn't report it to the IDFG as was required by law. He wasn't having much luck herding them back in. He was reported to have been seen herding them into timber so they couldn't be seen. The governor declared a carte blanche on any elk wearing an ear tag. They could be shot at any time and in any number. The rancher threatened to sue any hunter who shot one. He would lose in court but the hunter would end up eating a bunch of legal fees. To get even, the rancher ran against the governor in the next election but failed. I never did hear whether the elk were captured or killed.
