Jayne explains moose incident

SANDPOINT — An Idaho State Police trooper under investigation for harvesting a moose out of season admits he made a mistake.

Trooper Jeff Jayne released the following statement:

“I have worked very hard to achieve accountability both in my personal and professional life. This situation is no different. I simply memorized the season dates incorrectly, a mistake that should have been easily avoided. There is no excuse, I just failed to pay attention to detail.

“I am facing stiff scrutiny from the public and the judicial process — a challenge I am willing to accept in exchange for my mistake. I wish to put this behind me, move on, and make changes to insure this will never be repeated.”

Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall said the investigation into Jayne has been referred to Latah County to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The investigation was sparked when Jayne reportedly took the moose’s head and cape to a Bonner County taxidermist for processing four days before the season opened.

Idaho State Police Capt. Clark Rollins said the matter is being investigated by an independent source.

“Once a determination has been made, our agency will proceed as our policy dictates,” Rollins said in a statement.