Turkey, Black Bear Seasons Begin April 15

The general spring turkey and black bear seasons open April 15 - turkey hunts run through May 25, and spring black bear closing dates vary. Youth who are 10 to 15 years old on or before April 8 may participate in the general season youth hunt that runs from Wednesday, April 8 through Tuesday, April 14. All youth hunters must have a valid license and turkey tag, and they must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is 18 years of age or older. Adults who accompany youth hunters must be within normal conversation or hearing range without shouting and without the aid of electronic devices. A few bear hunts opened earlier in some areas where hunters may also use a second bear tag. Season information is listed in the Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey or 2014 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochures, available at all Fish and Game offices and at license vendors statewide. The brochures are also on Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license and the appropriate tags. Turkey hunters may buy two turkey tags - one general and one extra tag - for the spring season before May 26. The daily bag limit is one bearded turkey in the spring. Resident adults pay $19.75 for the first turkey tag and $12.25 for an extra tag. Discounted tags for youth, seniors and disabled veterans are $10.75. Nonresident turkey tags cost $80, except for junior mentored and nonresident disabled veterans tags are priced at $19.75. Turkey hunting requires special attention to safety in the field. Hunting information and safety tips are found on the Fish and Game website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=131. Black bear hunters are reminded that grizzly bears may be encountered in many areas where black bears are also found. Hunters are urged to learn more about bear identification on the Fish and Game website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/education/bearIdentification/.