Jenkins and one of his bears | IDFG
If you were anything like us when you first heard about this case, it sounded like yet another influencer was on the cusp of getting a sweetheart of a plea deal. Leaving the question of jail time up to the judge, many (including us) expected a relatively light outcome focused on fines and the lifetime hunting ban.
Fortunately, that changed on June 2nd.
It was then that Seventh District Judge Steven Boyce sentenced 48-year-old Joelseph “Joe” Frank Jenkins of Pocatello to a four-year prison term, having to serve at least two years before he can even think about parole eligibility. In addition to the jail time, he was also ordered to pay the previously announced $9,750 in fines/restitution and received a lifetime revocation of his hunting privileges in Idaho and just about every other state thanks to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
In the end, Jenkins pleaded guilty to two felonies including unlawfully killing/possessing wildlife and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, plus a pair of misdemeanor charges for illegally baiting black bears and guiding without a license. The remaining charges (which originally tallied up to 16 across multiple counties) were dismissed as part of the deal.
His wife Shaneal’s related misdemeanor aiding-and-abetting charge was also dismissed.
Jenkins is seen with a client’s bear and baiting while illegally carrying | IDFG
The multi-year investigation kicked off in 2022 after tips surfaced about Jenkins’ shifty operations. Like any respectable budding outfitter, Jenkins worked hard to build an online presence known as the “American Bearded Warrior,” with a sizable Instagram following showcasing hunting and guiding content.
On the heels of his fame, he allegedly guided at least four clients (some via an Oklahoma sweepstakes) on illegal black bear hunts in Unit 67 near the Wyoming border, charging tens of thousands of dollars for the trips. Unbeknownst to the ABW, an undercover officer eventually joined in on the fun, documented the activity (including bait barrels and harvested bears), and helped build a bulletproof case. Photos later released by IDFG showed Jenkins hauling bears and setting bait while armed, which is kind-of-sort-of a major issue given his prior 2016 felony grand theft conviction.
“We appreciate the Teton County Prosecutors Office and the court for treating these violations with the seriousness they deserve,” said Rob Howe, an Idaho Falls-based Fish and Game district conservation officer.
Jenkins’ defense attorney did not comment publicly, and the Teton County Prosecutor declined to elaborate beyond the sentencing.
