Park Predators: “The Cowboy”

Host: Delia D’Ambra (Audiochuck)
Date: February 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Delia D’Ambra explores the notorious double murder committed by Claude Dallas Jr. in the remote, rugged landscape of Owyhee County, Idaho, in 1981. The case, steeped in western lore, examines Dallas’s transformation from survivalist cowboy to fugitive and the complicated public image that followed, often casting him as a folklore antihero. Delia challenges that narrative, unfolding the real tragedy—the deaths of two dedicated conservation officers, Bill Pogue and Conley Elms—while highlighting the long-lasting impact on law enforcement and the Idaho community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Setting and Lead-Up to the Crime

• Owyhee County Context: Isolated, home to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, renowned for its wildlife and scenic remoteness. (01:45)
• Introduction of Key Individuals:
  • Claude Dallas Jr.: Experienced trapper and quintessential “mountain man” with a reputation for skirting the law and preferring solitude (02:45).
  • Jim Stevens: Friend of Claude, unwitting witness and reluctant accomplice (03:20).
  • Bill Pogue and Conley Elms: Idaho Fish & Game wardens, dedicated conservation officers (06:30, 15:40).
• The Meeting: On January 5, 1981, Jim brings supplies to Claude’s compound. A prearranged gunshot signal alerts Claude to Jim’s approach (02:15).

The Murders

• Confrontation:
  • Wardens Pogue and Elms confront Claude about illegal trapping and poaching (05:00).
  • Tension escalates as they argue over violations and begin searching Claude’s tent (07:00).
• Fatal Attack:
  • Claude produces a hidden .357 magnum and shoots both men. He then uses a .22 rifle to ensure they are dead (07:45).
    • “After shooting the men with his .357, Claude armed himself with a .22 rifle and shot both game wardens in the head, reportedly to make sure they were dead.” (08:30)
  • Claude claims self-defense, alleging Pogue drew his gun first, though Jim is doubtful (09:30).

Aftermath & Cover-up

• Disposal of Bodies:
  • Jim, under duress, helps Claude transport the bodies—Bill is moved by mule and truck, Conley is dragged to the river. Claude suggests dismemberment, but neither man follows through (10:10).
• Enabling Escape:
  • Claude and Jim seek help from George and Liz Nielsen, who assist with disposal and Claude’s escape (11:45).
  • George expresses similar anti-authority sentiments as Claude (12:00).
  • Claude vanishes, aided by the Nielsens and another contact (12:40).

Investigation & Manhunt

• Witness Testimonies: Jim’s conscience leads him to the authorities; both he and the Nielsens provide statements implicating Claude (13:40).
• Crime Scene Evidence: Authorities find blood, animal pelts, spent shell casings, and fire pits with victim belongings (15:10).
• Victims’ Backgrounds:
  • Pogue: Former sheriff, family man, wildlife expert.
  • Elms: Newer warden, nature lover, preparing to adopt with wife Cheryl (15:40).
• Search and Community Response:
  • Mobilization to locate Claude and recover bodies (17:20).
  • Locals express admiration for Claude’s rugged life and, in some circles, sympathy for his situation, revealing tension between law enforcement and rural residents (20:30).

Public Perception & Mythmaking

• The Cowboy Legend:
  • Media and locals describe Claude as a “self-professed mountain man,” expert outdoorsman, and cowboy (20:50).
    • “Claude’s lived the kind of life most of us only wish we could live. He knows the cowboy life. He knows about open country and taking care of himself. He’s an educated guy. How many men do you know who could winter alone out on that desert and survive?” — George Nielsen’s brother (21:30)
• Law Enforcement Struggles:
  • The manhunt proves difficult; harsh terrain and widespread local support for Claude complicate matters (22:20).
    • “My personal opinion is that he is not very far from home. We just have to figure out what part of his backyard he’s in.” — Owyhee County Sheriff (24:40)

Claude’s Capture

• Fugitive Life:
  • Uses an alias, works odd jobs, remains hidden with the help of sympathizers (31:40).
• Dramatic Arrest:
  • Tipped off, a multi-agency team finds Claude, who flees, shoots at cops, is wounded in the foot, and is captured after over a year on the run (31:25).
• Evidence Uncovered:
  • Numerous weapons found; Claude’s mythic status among locals is reinforced (32:50).

Trial and Sentencing

• The Court Case:

  • Trial moved to Caldwell, Idaho due to publicity (34:20).
  • Jim Stevens and George Nielsen testify as key prosecution witnesses (35:40).
    • Jim recounts Claude’s attitude: “I swore I’d never be arrested again, never be handcuffed.” — Claude Dallas Jr., recounted by Jim (36:10)

• Self-defense Claim:

  • Claude testifies, maintains he feared for his life and shot first to protect himself (36:50).
  • Reveals location of Pogue’s remains during trial; body is finally recovered (37:40).

• Verdict:

  • Jury convicts on voluntary manslaughter (not first-degree murder), plus related charges (38:15).
    • “If Claude had not delivered the final headshots...the jury likely would have acquitted him. But because he’d made sure the victims were dead after initially shooting them...the jury had to go with the voluntary manslaughter verdict.” (38:40)

• Victims’ families express outrage:

  • “I thought it was first degree murder or I wouldn’t have prosecuted Dallas for first degree murder. I think he lied on the witness stand.” — Prosecutor (39:10)
  • “My brother was a professional law enforcement officer. He was as good a peace officer as anybody will ever find.” — Ed Pogue (40:00)

Final Twists: Prison Escape and Aftermath

• Claude’s Prison Story:
  • Escapes prison with help, vanishes for nearly a year, is recaptured, but controversially acquitted of escape charges after arguing that he feared for his life from guards (41:20).
• Release:
  • Serves about 17½ years (with credit), released in 2005. Claude’s post-prison whereabouts remain unknown (44:10).

Remembering the Victims

• Enduring Legacy:
  • Families, especially the widows, erect Idaho Peace Officers Memorial (44:50).
  • Delia emphasizes the real loss is that of Pogue and Elms, whose dedication shaped Idaho’s natural heritage.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The Lord needed a couple of good conservation officers, and he picked two of the best. I’m confident they’ll do as good a job for him as they did for us.” — Idaho Fish and Game Associate Director (45:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Claude’s Mythic Image:
  • “Claude’s lived the kind of life most of us only wish we could live. He knows the cowboy life.” — George Nielsen’s brother (21:30)
• Victims’ Valor:
  • "She [Cheryl Elms] was also glad to know that Conley had breathed his last while doing his dream job." (16:30)
  • “My brother was a professional law enforcement officer. He was as good a peace officer as anybody will ever find.” — Ed Pogue (40:00)
• On Verdict Disappointment:
  • “I think the jurors believed who they saw and heard on the witness stand. No one will be able to convince me otherwise. This is a verdict the jury will have to live with.” — Prosecutor (39:10)
• On Law Enforcement’s Grief:
  • “The Lord needed a couple of good conservation officers, and he picked two of the best.” — Fish and Game Associate Director (45:50)

Important Timestamps

• 01:45 – Introduction to Owyhee County and its wildlife significance
• 06:30 – Introduction of Bill Pogue and Conley Elms
• 07:45 – The shooting at Claude’s trapping compound
• 10:10 – Bodies disposed, cover-up plan
• 12:40 – Claude receives help from supporters to vanish
• 13:40 – Confession to authorities and the investigation begins
• 15:40 – Backgrounds and families of the victims
• 20:30 – Public support for Claude and rural anti-authority sentiment
• 21:30 – Notable quote about Claude’s romanticized life
• 24:40 – Sheriff on the difficulty of finding Claude
• 31:25 – Claude’s dramatic capture in 1982
• 35:40 – Star witnesses in Claude’s trial
• 36:10 – Claude’s “never be handcuffed” quote
• 37:40 – Bill Pogue’s remains are located during the trial
• 38:15 – Jury verdict: voluntary manslaughter
• 39:10 – Prosecutor’s statement on the verdict
• 40:00 – Ed Pogue’s remarks on his brother
• 44:50 – Legacy: Idaho Peace Officers Memorial
• 45:50 – Final quote honoring the victims

Episode Tone & Reflection

Delia D’Ambra maintains an investigative, empathetic tone—grounded in respect for the fallen officers and anchored in skepticism toward the “legend” status that’s often bestowed posthumously on Claude Dallas Jr. Her storytelling resists sensationalizing Dallas, instead honoring the real heroes: Pogue and Elms, their families, and the wider community of conservation officers.

Conclusion

This episode demystifies the folklore of Claude Dallas, focusing on the tragic reality of the crime, the complexities of frontier justice, and the lingering grief and dedication of those left behind. Delia’s investigation serves as both a historical chronicle and a pointed reminder to remember the victims behind the headlines.