The Idaho Fish and Game Commission and department appreciate all that landowners do for wildlife and for hunting, fishing and trapping in Idaho.
Hunters prefer that the Fish and Game Commission manage for abundant big game herds of deer, elk and pronghorn antelope to provide for hunting opportunity. The commission also recognizes its responsibility to address impacts Idaho’s publicly owned wildlife can cause to privately owned farms and ranches.
That responsibility is outlined in Idaho Code 36-1108, 36-1109 and 36-1110.
Hunters, anglers and trappers provide the funding used for the prevention and compensation program for crop and livestock loss due to wildlife. The funding is generated by the Access/Depredation fee, ($5 for residents, $10 for nonresidents) and $3.50 of the price of each deer, elk, and pronghorn tag.
Preventing Damage
Fish and Game’s first priority is to work with the landowner to prevent or minimize damage caused by big game animals. To be successful, it is essential that landowners and Fish and Game communicate, cooperate and work together to reduce damage. Landowners are encouraged to contact Fish and Game if they suspect or observe damage to growing or stored crops for profit. Staff will work with the landowner to develop a plan that follows statute and policies to assist them with damage prevention. Landowners are obligated to take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent or reduce damage to their property before they can be considered eligible for depredation compensation.
