Bear Hunters: Check Rule Changes

Most spring bear seasons opened April 15. Hunters pursuing black bear this spring will find the season dates in the 2000 big game rules brochure. The Fish and Game Commission has made some changes since that book was printed. Those changes are already in effect and in the 2001 brochure, available soon at license vendors and online at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame. Bear tags can be used immediately after purchase this year. Previously there was a three-day wait required. The bag limit has been removed, so that if a hunter has more than one tag, as in an "extra bear tag" unit, both tags can be used in the same day. Some hunters use bait for bears. Only the hunter placing the bait is required to have a permit now. In the past, everyone who hunted over bait, even if it belonged to another, was required to have a baiting permit.