The 2016 spring black bear season is upon us and hunters should be aware of the regulations. Idaho is one of only 12 states that allows hunters to bait for bear resulting in high interest from resident and non-resident hunters alike.
How bear hunters behave in the outdoors and in the presence of other outdoor enthusiast could significantly impact the future of the sport. Respect must be given to the animals hunted, the land, and other outdoor users, in order to help promote a more positive impression of bear hunting.
Idaho bear baiting regulations are simple, but violations still do occur. Common violations include; placing bait too close to roads and water, littering, illegal containers, unlawful bait, and not removing the bait and containers from the site within 7 days after the close of each season.
No bait site may be located within 200 feet of any water (such as a lake, pond, reservoir, or year-round free-flowing stream or spring), or within 200 yards of any maintained trail or any established roadway that is open to the general public for motorized traffic and capable of being traveled by full-sized automobiles.
An established roadway is defined as any road that is built, maintained, approved, established, or designated by any government entity or private landowner for the purpose of travel by full-sized automobiles. An established roadway shows evidence of repeated use by full-sized automobiles, and may include a traveled way of natural earth with depressed wheel tracks and little or no vegetation in the tracks.
If you can legally be there in a full sized vehicle then you must be 200 yards from that road or two track. If the trail is maintained then you must be 200 yards from the trail to legally place bait in that location.
Bear hunting regulations are clear and bear hunters have the responsibility to follow them. Ethical behavior is important when placing bear baits. Baiting away from hiking or biking trails will reduce conflict with the general public.
Hunting rules are available at licensed vendors, as well as your local Fish and Game office. Be sure to obtain a current copy of the regulations and review all bear hunting rules.
Report illegal activity or violations to your nearest Fish and Game representative or the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1-800-632-5999.