Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I purchased a general deer tag. Can a take a white-tailed deer using this tag or am I restricted to mule deer only?" Answer: At first glance this appears confusing, but I will try to quickly clarify it. In general, hunters purchasing a white-tail deer tag may only take white-tailed deer during hunts listed under 2008 White-tailed Deer Tag Seasons in the hunting brochure. Hunting in specified big game units listed in the 2008 brochure for white-tails extends into December. Other restrictions for each unit are listed in the brochure by big game management unit. Hunters purchasing regular deer tags may take mule deer or white-tailed deer in specified units and during the time period listed in the current hunting brochure. Most of the regular-deer any weapon hunting seasons ended October 31 and are listed in the big game brochure as 2008 Regular Deer Tag seasons. In the early part of the deer season (October) hunters with either tag are allowed to harvest white-tailed deer. Hunters purchasing a regular tag have an option of harvesting a mule deer. However; in certain big game units only white-tailed deer may be harvested by holders of a white-tailed deer general tag after the closure of the regular deer season. Please consult the 2008 big game hunting brochure for specific information and restrictions in big game units. 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.