Commission Ups Outfitter Allocation of Tags

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved an increase in the number of controlled hunt permits set aside for outfitters. The commissioners at their January meeting in Boise bumped up the outfitter allocation of controlled hunt permits to six percent as part of changes to make the process more flexible. Outfitter permits will be allocated only in controlled hunts in areas where outfitters have historically operated. Fish and Game records show that historically about three percent of hunters use outfitters, big game manager Brad Compton said. Fish and Game staff recommended three options to increase flexibility in allocating controlled hunt permits: * No allocation. * An average of historical outfitter use in an area. * A maximum of three percent of permits in hunts with 51 or more permits. The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association recommended increasing the allocation to six percent. Commissioners decided to adopt the maximum of six percent of permits in areas where outfitters operate. The change could allow a small increase ? perhaps 50 to 75 ? in outfitter permits. The state issues about 36,000 permits for controlled deer and elk hunts.