Crane Hunt Applications Due June 15

Hunters may begin applying for sandhill crane hunts June 15. The application period runs through July 15. Applications can be made at any license vendor, Fish and Game office, over the telephone at 1-800-554-8685, or on the Fish and Game Internet web site at www2.state.id.us/fishgame. Applications can be mailed to Crane Hunt, IDFG, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707. All applicants will pay $6.50 (nonrefundable) for the application fee. Successful applicants then pay $6.50 for the controlled hunt permit and $1.50 for a tag. A migratory bird validation is also required on the license at a cost of $1.50. Permits left over after the drawing will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning August 30. Further information is available on the Fish and Game web site and in a printed brochure available at vendors and Fish and Game offices. Sandhill cranes are hunted in Idaho as an attempt to limit depredation to crops in eastern Idaho counties. Cranes are fully protected outside the three hunt areas, all in southeast Idaho.