Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I've seen several advertisements in the Twin Falls Times-News to sell Landowner Appreciation Permits/Tags for elk and deer. Can landowners sell their permits and tags?" Answer: Under no circumstances can landowners sell landowner appreciation permits (LAP) or tags. To provide a little background; the Fish & Game Commission authorizes special controlled hunts only for landowners owning more than 640 acres in units with only controlled hunts and no general hunting opportunity. The commission authorizes an additional 10 percent of the number of permits available to the general public to eligible landowners. Landowners successful at drawing landowner permits are allowed to authorize someone else to hunt on their landowner permits. The authorized holder of a landowner appreciation permit is not restricted to hunting only on the private property of the landowner, but may hunt throughout the entire big game unit. A change of commission rules intended to allow landowners to reward employees or others connected with their ranching operations with landowner appreciation permits has become commercialized and violated the original intent of the program. Lately, we've seen advertisements in the classified ads from several landowners offering their Landowner Appreciation Permits (LAP) for sale. We've also received several reports of landowners selling their landowner permits to the highest bidder and possibly outfitting hunters using LAP tags. Brokering the sale of landowner appreciation tags has also developed into a spin-off business. When contacted by Department staff these landowners all indicated they were aware they could not sell their LAP permits. While the advertisements themselves are not against the law, they indicate these landowners had criminal intent. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission rules say, "A successful landowner, corporate or partnership representative drawing a landowner appreciation permit may, without additional fees designate to whom the permit will be issued." Ongoing investigations into unlawful sales of LAP permits will likely result in landowners and permit brokers being cited for unlawful transfer of big game permits. Hunters purchasing LAP permits could also be cited for purchase or possession of unlawful permits or tags. Any big game animals harvested while hunting with these LAP permits would also be unlawful and result in additional charges. Reference IDAPA 13.01.04.40007.e. and Idaho Code 36-405(c). 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.