Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I would like to archery hunt for pronghorn antelope this year. While pre-season scouting I saw many hunting blinds already established on most of the water holes. What are the rules about construction of archery antelope blinds on public land?" Answer: The use of blinds to conceal hunters is a common practice for many types of hunting from big game to waterfowl. Archery antelope hunters commonly locate water holes where antelope go to drink and set up blinds to ambush animals at the watering holes or on their way to or from water. With increased popularity of archery antelope hunting, most of the water holes have at least one blind constructed on them. Two issues have developed as a result of the increased popularity of archery hunting for pronghorn antelope from blinds on watering holes: hunters are constructing blinds contrary to federal rules on public land management, and conflicts between hunters has developed for space to hunt. Hunters must be aware there are rules and regulations in agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service about structures like blinds used by hunters. Many of the federal rules address construction of structures, length of stay, and abandonment of personal property on federal land. Idaho laws about litter also apply. For clarification of the federal rules as they apply to hunting blinds on public land, hunters should contact their local federal land management agency. A second issue that has developed from the construction of hunting blinds on public land is the conflict for limited hunting areas such as watering holes. Some hunters attempt to "lay claim" to numerous water holes by placing blinds on all the water holes in an area, thereby eliminating competing hunters. Generally, these blinds are "first come, first served" no matter who constructed the blind. These rules also apply to waterfowl hunting blinds on public land. Many hunters are offended if another hunter gets to a blind "first" or uses "their" blind. All hunters must be aware there is no private ownership of hunting blinds established on public land. Hunting blinds on public land do not maintain the same level of ownership as camp trailers. I'm not trying to fuel the conflict between archers for blinds. I encourage all hunters to be ethical and respect others when hunting. At the same time, hunters using blinds on public land should know they do not have exclusive rights to a blind. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.