Hunter Claims Elk Herded onto Private Property to protect their Right to Life

During the September 14, 2026 meeting of the Del Norte County Fish and Game Advisory Commission, a Sacramento-area hunter raised a troubling allegation concerning elk hunting in Del Norte County.

The meeting was held at 5:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, with Chairman Rob Miller presiding.

During the meeting, Mike Raptakis, a Sacramento resident who said he possessed an elk tag to hunt in Del Norte County, reported witnessing what he described as Alexandre Family Farm trucks and an ATV being used to herd elk onto the farm’s private property, preventing hunters from having an opportunity to fill their tags.

Raptakis told commissioners that he had taken videos of the alleged activity and was willing to provide the recordings as evidence so the matter could be investigated and, if substantiated, stopped.

Chairman Miller responded that similar concerns had been reported in the past and indicated that he would look into the matter.

The Commission’s September 14 agenda specifically included both “Private Lands” and an “Elk Update” among its scheduled business.

The allegation raises an important question for local hunters: Are elk being intentionally moved from areas accessible to licensed hunters onto private property?

At this point, Raptakis’ statements remain allegations. The reported videos and any subsequent investigation will be important in determining exactly what occurred.

For hunters who spend significant money and time obtaining tags and preparing for an elk hunt, the answer deserves careful examination.