Pick up controlled hunt tag now

JEROME - With controlled hunt results out for deer, elk, pronghorn, and fall bear, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is urging sportsmen to pick up their permits and tags now to avoid the last minute rush of the August 1 deadline. "Every year we have people call or drop by the office after the deadline and try to purchase their permits and tags," said David Parrish, Idaho Fish and Game Regional Supervisor for the Magic Valley Region. "By then it is too late and there is nothing we can do to help them. We can only suggest they apply for the second controlled hunt drawing for the unclaimed permits." To pick up their permits and tags, sportsmen can go to any license vender in the state. The cost is $7.75 for the controlled hunt permit, plus the cost of the tag. Deer tags cost $19.75, elk are $30.75, pronghorn antelope are $31.25, and bear tags are $11.50. People not drawing controlled hunt permits in the first round can apply from August 5-15 for the second controlled hunt drawing. Permits available in the second drawing are ones that were not claimed before the August 1 deadline or permits in hunts that were under subscribed. The second drawing will be held August 20. Any left over permits from the second drawing will go on sale August 25. Residents can begin purchasing general season tags August 1. The application fee for the second controlled hunt drawing is $6.25. For more information, call 324-4359.