Turkey Hunting Expanded

Wild turkey hunters will have more opportunity including new youth hunts, but rifles will not be allowed. Meeting at Nampa December 3-4, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to approve department proposals for 2004 turkey seasons. Those proposals did not include allowing rifles for hunting turkeys. The law currently permits the use of shotguns, including muzzleloading shotguns and archery methods; that rule will continue to apply. The department did take comment statewide about the use of rifles in hunting turkeys, an idea that had been presented to the Commission in previous public hearings. Most comment from hunters, however, was negative. Five individuals including members of the National Wild Turkey Federation opposed rifle use in the public hearing December 3. Department proposals were intended to increase hunting opportunity, offer youth hunts, simplify rules and reduce turkey populations in areas where depredation complaints are increasing as wild turkey numbers continue to grow. The Commission approved eliminating spring controlled hunt tags and establishing two types of tags: "general" and "extra" turkey tags, a proposal that has had wide public support. The general tag will be used in a controlled hunt by the holder of a controlled hunt permit. A general tag and two extra tags may be purchased each year. In the spring, an extra tag will be valid starting May 1 and could be used in the fall if not filled in the spring. Although the number of turkey tag types is reduced, controlled hunts will still be held. General tags will cost $18, extra tags $12; junior/disabled American veteran/senior tags will be $9.75. Spring seasons open April15 with a youth hunt added the weekend prior to the opener. Spring controlled hunts will have increased numbers of permits and most hunts will be extended. There are three new hunts in Unit 71. Youth hunts were added to Southeast Region controlled hunt areas (68A, 71, 77) and 25 permits are designated as youth only in the Upper Snake. Fall hunts were not changed from this year.