Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I have really become involved in predator hunting the last several years. An electronic call has really increased my effectiveness. Could I harvest a mountain lion or bobcat that came into my electronic predator call?" Answer: Mountain lions are classified as big game animals in Idaho. Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission rules prohibit the use of any electronic calls to attract game animals. This prohibition on electronic calls also includes hunting for turkeys, ducks, geese, elk, deer,and yes, mountain lions. The Fish and Game Commission has made one exception to this rule. In big game units 41 and 42; the extreme southwest parts of Owyhee county, electronic predator calls may be used for taking mountain lions. Mountain lions attracted to hand-operated or mouth blown predator calls are fair game if you have a mountain lion tag and lion take season is open. For animals classified as furbearers; such as bobcats, raccoons, and fox, the use of electronic calls is lawful. Harvesting furbearers such as bobcats using electronic calls would only be lawful during the open bobcat season. Electronic calls are also lawful for use on unprotected and predatory species such as coyotes. If you're coyote hunting right now using an electronic predator call and a bobcat or mountain lion comes in to your call, you may enjoy the experience of seeing nature up close, but you must let them go. 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.