Wildlife Plates Help Support Nongame Wildlife Programs

Getting that camp trailer ready for the Memorial Day weekend? Idaho residents can put wildlife plates on their camp trailers as well as the vehicle that pulls them while they help support nongame programs and boating access. More than 80 percent of Idaho's wild creatures-523 species including songbirds, water birds, raptors, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and threatened and endangered wildlife-are classified as "nongame wildlife." In 1992, the Idaho Legislature passed the wildlife license plate bill that allowed a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's nongame wildlife program. The bluebird plate became available in 1993. The elk plate was added in 1998 and the cutthroat trout plate in 2003. And since January 1, 2003, the Transportation Department has issued wildlife plates and some other specialty plates for towed recreational vehicles. Wildlife plates are available at the vehicle licensing offices of every county assessor. The Idaho Transportation Department keeps 30 percent of the revenue from the purchase or renewal of wildlife plates. The nongame program gets 70 percent of the money from bluebird plates, and 60 percent of the money from elk and trout plates - 10 percent of the money from elk plates supports wildlife disease monitoring and testing programs, and 10 percent from cutthroat plates supports non-motorized boat access. The wildlife license plates are sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation on behalf of Fish and Game's nongame program. For information, or to buy a wildlife plate contact the local county assessor: http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicleservices/assessor.htm; or the Department of Transportation Special Plates-Registration Services Section on the Internet at http://www.itd.idaho.gov/dmv/Vehicleservices/registr.htm; or by phone at 208-334-8649.