Big Game Rule Changes Approved

Meeting in Boise January 18-19, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved several changes in the "nonbiological" rules for big game. Nonbiological rules are ones dealing with land boundaries, methods of take or other things which remain the same or similar year after year. The Commission voted to require that a landowner can only use land within the boundaries of a hunt to qualify for a landowner appreciation permit. Landowners must have at least 640 acres to qualify for a landowner appreciation permit in a controlled hunt. Previously they could qualify based on land outside the hunt area. Rules for bear baiting were changed to require only the person who establishes the bait site to have a permit. Previously anyone hunting over bait was required to have a permit. Tags for black bear or mountain lion are now valid upon purchase, instead of after a two-day wait. The mandatory reporting deadline for lion harvest was set at ten days for all units. Previously units with a harvest quota were under a five-day deadline. The rule changes are effective immediately.