2003 Big Game Seasons Set

For outdoor enthusiasts, April brings two of the most anticipated days of the year: tax day and big game rule day. With 2003 big game seasons set, the rules brochures are now available, with seasonal information regarding deer, elk, antelope, black bear and mountain lion. Controlled hunt applications for these species (if applicable) will be accepted throughout the month of May. This year's big game rule package was crafted with the help of more than 850 southwest Idaho hunters, who provided input in a variety of ways on a variety of season modifications. "We used public meetings, sports shows, telephone surveys and local newspapers to communicate with sportsmen and encourage their input on this year's recommendations," Fish and Game regional supervisor Al Van Vooren noted. Two proposals sparked the most interest: the proposed rule to limit ORV use in some hunt units and the Clearwater deer tag. Strong public support for the ORV regulation led to the Fish and Game Department recommendation (to the Fish and Game Commission) to adopt the rule. After lengthy debate, the commission voted unanimously to implement the rule in 2003. In southwest Idaho, this rule will apply in units 32 and 32A. Three options were proposed for the Clearwater deer tag: Options A and C were modifications of the current tag, allowing increased antlerless deer harvest via controlled hunts (option A) or via general hunting (option C). Option B called for elimination of the tag. In Southwest Idaho, hunters favored the elimination option; as might be expected, option A was strongly favored by hunters in the Clearwater area. The Department recommended a version of option A. After evaluation, the Commission decided not to make changes to the tag this year, but instead directed the department to evaluate white-tailed deer hunting on a statewide basis. 2003 big game regulations are available at all license vendors, regional offices, and at www2.state.id.us/fishgame.