Hunters plan to double their adventure

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission reduced prices for second deer and elk tags if purchased during August, and Idaho hunters are taking advantage of the savings. More than 540 hunters have purchased second deer tags, and 165 have purchased second elk tags as of Friday, August 14. The price reduction coincides with high populations of deer and elk in the Gem State due to a series of mild winters. Through August only, resident and nonresident hunters can buy remaining nonresident tags as second tags for discounted prices of $199 for deer and $350 for elk. After August, sale of nonresident tags used as second tags will return to their regular price of $300 and $415. These prices do not include the $1.75 vendor fees. Tags are available at Fish and Game offices and license and tag vendors, online at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov, or by calling 1-800-554-8685. Fish and Game Wildlife Chief Jeff Gould reminds hunters that second tags have been factored into big game season settings since these tags became available for purchase as a second tag 15 years ago. "We restrict the number of tags available in elk zones that are performing below desired population levels," Gould said. "Hunting opportunity is based on biological as well as social considerations. The decision to discount the second tag price is biologically sustainable and will make it more affordable for hunters to increase their hunting options this fall." Second tags will mainly be used in general hunts where there are currently no restrictions on the number of deer or elk tags sold to Idaho residents in any given year. Second tags cannot be used in areas where deer or elk harvest is managed with controlled hunts and the use of second tags must fall under currently established nonresident elk zone tag limits. For more information on the second tag discounts, including a list of frequently asked questions, go to: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/tagdiscount.