Units 70, 73 and 73A: Allow use of hounds beginning Nov 1.
Recent mule deer collar data suggest elevated predation rates by mountain lions during a time when mule deer populations are suppressed, and the Department is making attempts to allow mule deer to rebound. This is particularly evident in the Bannock units (70, 73, and 73A). To help reduce predation on mule deer and to expand lion hunting opportunity the region is proposing to extend the season length through April as well as allow the use of hounds beginning Nov 1. Several roads have seasonal closures in mid-November which limits access for houndsmen. Additionally, the southeast region regularly gets snow in November, but hounds are not permitted until December. This is in line with the recent proposal from the East Idaho Houndsmen Association. These proposed changes would expand opportunities for houndsmen and potentially reduce predation rates on mule deer.
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Units | Take Season | Dogs Prohibited | Notes | Proposed Changes |
70, 73 | *Aug 30 - April 30 | Oct 1 - | See Note 1, Page 76, | Allowed dogs Nov 1 |
73A | *Aug 30 - | Oct 1 - |
| Allowed dogs Nov 1 |
* There is a separate statewide proposal for year-round take season on Mountain Lion.
Note: Page 76
1. Motorized vehicle use as an aid to hunting for mountain lion is restricted August 30 through December 31 to established roadways open to motorized vehicle traffic capable of travel by full-sized automobiles - any motorized vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 1,500 pounds, see pages 104 - 106.