Commission Approves Refunds/Rain Checks

Meeting in Pocatello Oct. 2, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved a rule providing for refunds or rain checks on tags and licenses which can't be used because of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon buildings. This special refund and rain check rule applies only to the 2001 hunting season. Hunters who have purchased tags and who can show in good faith that they could not hunt due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the events of September 11, 2001 will be eligible for a refund or rain check for a license and tags for the 2002 hunting season. Rain checks will be for the same species and in the case of controlled hunts, same hunt. Requests in 2001 to exchange tags for one from another area or zone, or from controlled to general season, will be granted as long as there are tags available in the requested area or zone. All refund or rain check requests must be made on the Fish and Game-approved form on the Fish and Game website at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/news/newadditions/alerts.htm Requests must include the original license and tag and include supporting documentation such as flight cancellation notices from airlines, unused airline tickets, notification of a small aircraft flight closure, letter from Idaho outfitter on their letterhead stating the hunt was canceled and could not be rescheduled. Requests from civilians must be received by the department on or before November 1, 2001. Requests from military personnel must be submitted by January 1, 2002, and should include a copy of their deployment papers or a letter from their commanding officers stating the dates the individual was deployed for duty or held on standby in response to the terrorist attacks. No refund or rain check will be allowed if the hunting license or tag has been used to hunt. The Fish and Game director will have discretion to deal with requests of an unforeseen nature on a case-by-case basis. The complete text of the rule can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/news/newadditions/alerts.htm