Apply Now For Moose, Sheep And Goat

From now through April 30 hunters can submit their applications for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts. Only hunters who draw a special permit for these trophy species may hunt them in Idaho. Those who do apply for any trophy species may not apply for any regular big game controlled hunts in the same year. However, they may still apply for a controlled depredation hunt for deer, elk or antelope, a black bear controlled hunt, leftover deer, elk or antelope controlled hunt permit, an unlimited controlled hunt or, extra deer, elk or antelope hunt. For the hunter who puts in for moose, he may not put in for sheep or goat either, or any regular controlled hunt for deer, elk or antelope. The reason for this is to reduce the competition for trophy species permits; only those serious and dedicated to pursuing trophy species ordinarily apply. In addition, the entire permit fee must be paid with the application. All but the $6.50 application fee will be refunded for those who do not draw. Total resident cost to apply for moose, sheep or goat is $164.50; nonresidents pay $1,514.50 to apply. Any hunter who has drawn a permit for moose, sheep or goat may not apply again for two years. This applies whether an animal was harvested or not. Idaho does have the "once in a lifetime" rule for some trophy species. Anyone who has taken a mountain goat in Idaho since 1977 may not apply again, and anyone taking any moose in Idaho may not apply again. The case regarding bighorn sheep is a bit different. Since both California and Rocky Mountain bighorns are found in Idaho, hunters may apply for both subspecies with certain restrictions. Consult the 2001 - 2002 trophy species controlled hunt brochure for further clarification and explanation. Hunters may apply by mail; applications must be postmarked no later than April 30. Application can also be made at Fish and Game offices and license vendors. For convenience, application can be done by phone or on the Internet. Telephone applications to 1-800-554-8685 cost three percent of the transaction plus $3.00. Internet users can apply through the Fish and Game website (http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html) for three percent of the total plus $3.50. As with other controlled hunt applications, hunters are strongly advised to not wait until the usual last minute to apply.