Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "My son is going to college in another state and will be home for the holidays. I would like to purchase his hunting license for a Christmas gift. Is he a resident or nonresident?" Answer: Your son's residency status may be either resident or nonresident. Idaho law defines a resident as "any person who has been domiciled in this state, with a bona fide intent to make this his permanent abode, for period of not less than six (6) months immediately preceding the date of application for any license, tag, or permit É and who when temporarily absent from this state, continues residency with intent to return, and who does not claim any resident privileges in any other state or country for any purpose." The law goes onto say, "Idaho residents shall not lose their residency in Idaho if they are absent from the state for religious (not to exceed 2 years) or full-time educational (not to exceed 5 years) purposes, full-time to be defined by the educational institution attended, and do not claim residency or use resident privileges in any other state or country for any purpose." This legislation suggests that Idaho residents will keep their resident status for hunting and fishing while they attend an educational institution as a full-time student in another state so long as they do not claim any resident privileges of the other state. Some of those resident privileges to consider include nonresident tuition, voting in an election as well as business or sporting licenses in the state where they are attending school. If your child has been living in another state less than 6 years, is a full-time student, is not claiming resident tuition, and hasn't purchased a resident hunting or fishing license in the state they are attending school they are still a resident for the hunting and fishing. We recommend the purchase of a gift certificate as the best method to purchase a sporting license for someone else. It can be redeemed by the intended recipient at your nearest Fish and Game regional office. What a great gift idea that lasts the entire year! Reference Idaho Code 36-202(s). 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.