Apply Now for Spring Turkey Controlled Hunts

The application period for spring turkey controlled hunts runs through March 1. Spring turkey seasons start April 15 - some controlled hunts open later. Leftover tags for spring turkey controlled hunts go on sale April 1. The commissioners also removed the waiting period to use a second turkey tag. A second turkey tag now may be used after the general tag has been used, on the second day of the turkey season. The daily bag limit remains one bearded turkey per day in the spring and one turkey of either sex per day in the fall. In units 1, 2, 3 and 5, five turkeys of either sex may be taken in a single day during fall seasons. No more than two bearded turkeys may be taken per spring. A hunter may harvest as many turkeys as they have legal tags for during the year. Commissioners also extended a statewide youth turkey hunt to start a week before the general season opener and run from April 8 through 14, the week before the regular season opens. And they added a late season hunt from November 21 to December 31 - on private lands in units 13, 14, 15 and 18. Other changes include additional spring and fall controlled hunt opportunities, with 25 added youth permits in hunt 9012, and 25 added regular permits each in hunts 9013 and 9014, and 50 added regular permits in hunt 920. Fall controlled hunt 9020 has been added in Units 54 and 55. Commissioners also expanded the hunt area for hunt 9016. Check with Fish and Game offices or vendors for new controlled hunt numbers, or online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/rules/ug/. Hunters may apply for controlled hunts at any hunting and fishing license vendor, Fish and Game office; with a credit card by calling 1-800-55HUNT5 or 1-800-824-3729; or online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/ch/apply.cfm. The nonrefundable application fee is $6.25 per resident and $14.75 per nonresident applicant. An additional fee is charged for telephone and Internet applications.