LEWISTON - With the spring black bear hunting season already underway in parts of the Clearwater Region, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters of several recent regulation changes recently adopted by the Fish and Game Commission.
The changes include:
- Beginning April 1, 2003, Unit 10 will have a two bear bag limit for the entire unit. Previously, it was only open in part of the unit.
- Units 8A and 10A spring seasons will be two weeks longer to run from April 15 to May 31. Hounds are prohibited April 15 to April 30. The dog training season is June 1 to June 31. Bait is prohibited.
- Unit 16 spring season will be six weeks longer to run from April 15 to June 30. Hounds are prohibited from April 15 to April 30. The dog-training season is July 1 to July 30.
All other bear regulations remain unchanged from what is printed in the 2002-2003 big game rules book.
In addition to these changes, because bear hunting is a unique sport with its own set of specialized regulations, hunters are reminded that certain units in the Clearwater Region are open to use of bait and dogs, while others are not. Hunters who have obtained permits to hunt over bait must remove all bait containers, materials and any structure constructed at bait sites within seven days after the close of the season.
Participants who pursue bears with dogs during a take or dog training season must have purchased a black bear tag for the current year. The following person must have a valid hound hunter's permit when dogs are used to hunt: Anyone who owns pursuit dogs, anyone having control of dogs owned by another person and anyone who harvests a black bear with the use of dogs, except clients of licensed outfitters.
Successful bear hunters are required to present both the skull and hide to an IDFG regional office, conservation officer or official checkpoint for removal of a premolar and have the pelt tagged within 10 days of the date of harvest. Successful hunters are also required to remove all bear meat from the field.
