Trappers reminded of court-ordered wolf trapping closures; recreationists reminded they may encounter traps elsewhere

Trappers are reminded of a federal court ruling that has changed trapping seasons for wolves in 19 counties in Idaho. Elsewhere in the state, hunters and recreationists are reminded they may still find traps set for wolves in the field this fall in other parts of the state. For full wolf trapping seasons and rules, see the online version of the 2024 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet. Note: the 2024 printed version does not reflect all the changes found in the online version. 

In the areas highlighted in yellow, wolf trapping seasons are closed until Nov. 30. 

Upland bird hunters and other dog owners are reminded they may encounter traps earlier in the year than they expect, and people are encouraged to review trapping information page and see videos on how to recognize and avoid traps and how to release your dog in the unlikely event one gets trapped. 

A March 19, 2024 federal court decision changed wolf trapping seasons in some regions of Idaho based on their alleged potential effect on grizzly bears. The ruling perpetuates misunderstandings about wolves, grizzly bears and trapping in Idaho, despite a lack of evidence Idaho grizzly bears have ever been harmed in legally set wolf traps. 

Wolf trapping seasons allow foothold trapping, which are nonlethal traps, designed to allow a trapper to release animals they do not want to keep, or cannot legally keep.