Landowner Appreciation Permits Approved

Meeting in Twin Falls July 10, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved making late-season deer controlled hunt permits available to qualifying landowners in units 40, 41, 42 and 56 under the Landowner Appreciation Permit Program, beginning in 2002. These management units now have general seasons restricted to two-point or smaller deer. This is an additional number of tags, not tags taken away from the public controlled hunt drawing. The amount of tags will be equivalent to ten percent of what is offered in the controlled hunt. The proposal originated with the Fish and Game Advisory Committee, which was formed by the legislature to deal with wildlife depredation issues and landowner-sportsman problems. The Landowner Appreciation Permit Program was developed to compensate landowners for providing habitat for wildlife in an area where they cannot hunt because there is no general season. To qualify for a Landowner Appreciation Permit, a person, partnership or corporation must pre-register proof of ownership of 640 or more acres, all within one controlled hunt area. The permits may be used by the landowner or his/her "designated agent." Landowners interested in the program should contact a Fish and Game office or review the regulations online at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/regulations/regulations.htm