Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I was unsuccessful drawing a controlled hunt permit and tag for mule deer. In previous years I noticed that permits were available during the second round drawing in a hunt that I had applied for. Why would there be permits available in a second-round drawing for this hunt when I was not successful in drawing a permit in the first drawing?" Answer: The second round drawing for leftover controlled hunt permits also contains permits that had been drawn and designated to individuals but were not purchased by August 1. This is a common question among unsuccessful controlled hunt applicants. The reason there may be permits available during the second round drawing is because applicants that have successfully drawn a controlled hunt permit have until August 1 to purchase their permits and tags. Successful applicants whose plans have changed can consciously decide to not purchase their controlled hunt permits and tags and instead purchase general tags and hunt a different area. Once a controlled hunt permit and tag is drawn and purchased, the applicant is only allowed to hunt that controlled hunt. General any-weapon big game tags may be purchased at any vendor up until the last day of the hunting season. Nonresident hunters are subject to tag quotas for big game species. The application period for the second-round drawing is August 5 through August 15. Hunters interested in applying for the second round should view the Department website listed below to discover what permits are available. Applications for the second-round drawing can be completed at any Fish and Game vendor. 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.