New Rules In Effect

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently adopted rules that took effect May 20, clarifying the disabled hunter companion and purchase of leftover youth tags rules, as well as reducing the size of the goose hunting closure in the Hagerman Valley. Disabled Hunter Companion: This revision adds the nonresident disabled American Veteran hunting license as a qualifying license for a hunter to participate in this program. Any disabled hunter possessing a valid disabled combination license, disabled American Veteran hunting license, disabled archery permit, or a disabled hunt motor vehicle permit and who possesses a valid tag or who is a disabled veteran participating in a hunt, may be accompanied, close enough to be within normal conversation or hearing range without shouting or the aid of electronic devices, by a designated companion who may assist the disabled hunter with taking big game. Purchase of Leftover Youth Tags: This revision clarifies that hunters with a nonresident disabled American Veteran hunting license are eligible to purchase leftover controlled hunt tags for youth hunts. Only hunters ten to seventeen years of age with a valid license may apply for youth only controlled hunts, except hunters sixty-five years of age or older or hunters with a senior combination hunting license, a disabled combination hunting license, or a nonresident disabled American Veteran hunting license may apply for first-come, first-served leftover youth only controlled hunt tags. Hagerman Valley Goose Hunting Closure: Reduction of the size of the goose hunting closure in Hagerman Valley was made to provide additional hunting opportunity and help reduce goose conflicts with agricultural producers. Goose populations in the area have increased substantially over the past few decades and have begun to have a negative impact on agricultural operations. A complete goose hunting closure in the Hagerman Valley is no longer necessary. This change will be implemented for the fall 2015 waterfowl seasons.