Hunting Private and Public LandÑKnow Before You Go

By Mike Demick - Idaho Department of Fish and Game As the fall hunting season approaches, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game gets hundreds of calls about public land access. Many hunters want information about public land boundaries, maps, access and camping information. Except for wildlife management areas around the state, Fish and Game manages little land. But several other state and federal agencies govern Idaho's public lands. Each of these agencies has specific rules and regulations and can furnish detailed maps showing access roads, trails and camping areas. While a lot of public land is available to hunters, some of the best hunting areas are on private land. These lands play a key role in wildlife conservation because many species of wildlife utilize private land habitat for much of the year. Idaho's wildlife belongs to all residents, but everyone should respect the landowner's rights and always ask first to hunt and fish on private property. In fact, it is against the law for any person to enter privately owned land to take any wildlife by hunting, fishing or trapping without first obtaining permission from the landowner. A violation of this law could result in the loss of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for up to three years. Trespass violations are costly, not only in terms of money and time, but also in terms of future opportunity. Many landowners, frustrated with trespassing hunters have permanently closed their property to hunting by anyone. So this fall, be responsible and respect private property owners by always asking them for permission. Responsibility, of course, is an important attribute of good hunting. But each year Fish and Game is confronted with landowner complaints related to hunters who exhibit irresponsible behavior when hunting near or within private lands. "Many times the complaint centers on littering, trespassing, making tire ruts in muddy fields, shooting from a motor vehicle or shooting too close to livestock," landowner-sportsmen coordinator Dave Beaver said. "Whatever the complaint, most circumstances boil down to a lack of common sense and lack of respect." With several upland game bird seasons already in progress and the general deer hunting season starting October 10, it is especially important that hunters act responsibly. Hunters can help eliminate the negative label of "slobs" that sometimes gets tacked on some hunters, by making it a priority to respect the rights of landowners. Landowner permission should be obtained each hunting season. A common mistake is to assume that because permission was given last year, the same applies this year. Hunters and landowners should both clearly understand what "permission" is being given. For example, is permission being given for a single day and only to hunt deer, or is it for the season to hunt deer, elk and upland game birds? Always know before you go. Additionally, by asking permission every time one hunts, hunters can adhere to the landowner's wishes. Many times this involves keeping safe distances from livestock and buildings, closing gates, keeping vehicles off muddy roads and knowing where and where not to hunt. When the hunt is completed, make sure to thank the landowner for allowing access and report any damage to fences or gates that you find. Often times, hunters will send a thank you card later or offer to do something for the landowner, such as helping with chores. Never forget that you are a guest on the owner's property and hunting or fishing on these lands is a privilege, not a right. Mike Demick is the regional conservation educator for the Clearwater Region. He has worked for Fish and Game since 1994.