Deer Season Opens in Most of Idaho

Venison anyone? The regular deer season opens October 10 in most regions of Idaho. In some areas, a regular deer tag allows hunters to take either mule deer or white-tailed deer. A white-tailed deer tag allows hunter to take only a white-tail. Many areas across the state also offer antlerless youth hunt opportunities, but check the 2008 big game rules brochure carefully for the areas where youth hunts are open. To hunt deer in Idaho during the regular season, a resident hunter must have valid 2008 hunting license and a resident deer tag. Fish and Game law enforcement officials ask that hunters report any poaching or suspicious activities they encounter or hear about while hunting. Most serious poaching cases are cracked and won only with the help of ordinary Idaho residents, hunters or others who report crimes. Hunters with information about a wildlife crime may call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999, 24 hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous. Or they may call the nearest Fish and Game office or local law enforcement. Hunters also are encouraged to pick up a free copy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's backcountry game meat care guide. The guide has helpful tips to ensure proper handling of game to avoid wasting the meat. The guide is available at Fish and Game offices and license vendors. And for help planning their hunt, hunters can use the hunt planner on the department's Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner. Remember to ask first before hunting on private land.