Why a local rancher turned down $1,000 reward

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Cattlemen's Association met Thursday at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds to discuss important ranching issues but also to deliver a check to Jason Ferguson.

The assocation typically offers a cash reward to anyone who helps solve local cattle crimes. The reward is given after the suspect has been apprehended and convicted.

Ferguson helped fellow rancher Matt Thompson find closure after someone shot five of his cattle last summer. The tips Ferguson gave to police ultimately led to justice for the crime. The Bonneville County Cattlemen's Association presented a check for $1,000 to Ferguson during their meeting, but he did the unexpected — turned the money down. He also received an award from the Idaho Cattle Association for a $1,000 and also donated it back to the organization.

"I would feel guilty taking a reward for harm that was done to another man," Jason Ferguson said. "Besides that, Matt's a good neighbor. Matt's a good man as well as everybody that's in the ICA. I feel the same way about them. And, I know each and every one of those individuals would do the same thing for me."

Ferguson hopes the organizations use the money towards something like a scholarship to benefit the community.

Editor note: This story was updated to include the Bonneville County Cattlemen's Association as sponsoring the meeting.