General deer season opens Sunday Oct. 5

JEROME - Hunters unable to draw or buy a controlled hunt tag this year will have the opportunity to bag their buck beginning this weekend with the opening of the general season mule deer hunt. "We are expecting to have a good season," said Randy Smith, Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Manager. "Due to this past winter's mild conditions, big game animals enjoyed good winter survival. Mild spring conditions were also excellent for fawning." "Hunters should expect to see more young bucks," Smith said. "Numbers of mature bucks should be slightly improved from last year in most of our general hunting areas." While hunters are preparing themselves for the deer hunt, the Fish and Game is also asking sportsmen to take along the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline number. This year, live operators are manning the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline for more hours during hunting seasons. Citizens who wish to report a violation of game laws can call, 1-800-632-5999. If no operator is on duty, citizens are asked to do the following: - If violation is in progress, call the local sheriff's dispatch or ISP dispatch, who will then attempt to call a Fish and Game officer. - Leave a detailed message on the CAP answering machine with the reporting party's name and phone number where an officer can call at the most convenient time. Callers can remain anonymous at their request. The caller is encouraged to give the location of the occurrence according to the nearest town, road, milepost, county, drainage or GPS point. This aids Fish and Game in sending the right officer for the area.