Reporting Early May Make Next Year's Hunt Better

Fish and Game is busy analyzing harvest information received from hunters filing timely reports for 2014. Most hunters like seeing harvest estimates well before the application period for fall controlled hunts. The earlier that Fish and Game receives hunter data, the sooner wildlife managers are able to complete harvest estimates. The sooner those estimates are completed, the earlier hunters can use that data to plan a successful trip next fall. Hunters who voluntarily report also avoid the inconvenience of receiving a phone call from Fish and Game during the busy holidays. So far this year, hunters have completed 104,670 reports; a 41 percent completion rate. This is a good start, but managers need more data as soon as possible, to provide the estimated number of hunters and animals harvested in 2014. Wildlife managers will use this data to increase available hunting opportunities in future seasons. Hunters who file their reports promptly are entered into a February drawing for ten special tags that will allow the winners to participate in the hunt of their choice for deer, elk or pronghorn. Hunters have ten days from the end of their hunt to file if they want to be entered into the drawing. Regardless of the special drawing, early reporting is crucial. Promptly received hunter data provides managers a more complete assessment of game populations going into the new year. Without timely hunting and harvest information, managers are forced to be more conservative when making future hunting opportunities available. Hunters who have not yet filed hunter reports are encouraged to do so as quickly as possible by going to: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=106 or by calling 1-877-268-9365.