Apply Now for Spring Turkey, Bear Controlled Hunts

Hunters have until February 15 to apply for spring turkey and bear controlled hunts. Hunters will note that controlled hunts for wild turkey have changed considerably with northern Idaho spring hunts going entirely to general hunts. An Upper Snake Region controlled hunt has gone from 10 to 100 permits. Another youth hunt will be held in the South Hills. The popular Unit 38 hunt in the Boise Valley continues. Applicants will find current seasons and rules for the spring turkey controlled hunts in the 2003 proclamation brochure, recently distributed to Fish and Game offices as well as to license vendors statewide. The spring bear controlled hunt information for 2003 spring seasons is found in the 2002 big game rules booklet, still available statewide. Controlled hunt application worksheets are included in the rules booklets. The application period began January 15. Applications can be filed through license vendors and at Fish and Game offices. Applications may also be mailed to IDGF, Licensing Section, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707. Telephone applications can be made by calling 1-800-554-8685 and using a credit card. This is a contracted service and applicants will be charged a fee of $3.50 plus three percent of the total. Application blanks can be downloaded and printed from the Fish and Game web site at www2.state.id.us/fishgame and can be made online from the website by clicking on "hunting" then "nonresident" and following the Great Lodge link. The controlled hunt application fee is $6.50 and is not refundable. Fish and Game offices do accept personal checks but not credit cards.