Southeast Nonresident Deer Tag Will Be Drawn

To relieve the mad scramble for nonresident southeast deer tags, a limited-entry system will replace the current first-come, first-served distribution of tags. Southeast deer tags, required in Units 75, 76, 77, and 78, have sold out in a rush every year since the tag was established. Many nonresidents have been unhappy about having little chance to obtain a tag. Under the new system, applications will be taken from December 1 through January 31. Applicants must be eligible for an Idaho hunting license butÑunlike a controlled hunt applicationÑwould not have to have the license in possession before applying. Hunting license and tag fees, along with a $6.50 application fee, will be paid at the time of application. The license and tag fees, but not the application fee, will be returned to those who do not receive a tag. Unsuccessful applicants will go on a waiting list for returned tags. Applicants will be able to apply in controlled hunts. This process for southeast tags, while resembling a controlled hunt process in some ways, is not considered a controlled hunt and rules governing controlled hunts do not apply. Outfitter tags already set aside will not be affected. The Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously at its meeting in Boise December 11-13 to approve the change, which goes into effect with the current sale of tags for the 2003 season. The Commission also discussed concerns about southeast Idaho deer numbers and the numbers of hunters in the late unlimited muzzleloader controlled hunt. Fish and Game staffers are working on a proposal to limit tags in the hunt, making it no longer unlimited. Controls on the numbers of nonresidents in that hunt and a possible restriction on ATV use are also under consideration.