IDAPA 13.01.08
Wildlife Bureau
These rules apply to individuals taking big game animals. Hunting and trapping activities in Idaho generally require a license/permit from the Department.
These rules govern the taking of big game animals so that Idaho continues to have big game populations to support public use and enjoyment in the future. These rules promote public safety and proper techniques, manage social aspects of taking big game to provide a range of opportunities, balance different public interests and preferences, and manage resident/non-resident and outfitted/non-outfitted participation. These rules also address areas closed to hunting, game management unit/zone boundary descriptions, and depredation hunt tags.
This rule implements the following statutes passed by the Idaho Legislature:
Fish and Game -
Fish and Game Commission:
License to Hunt, Fish and Trap:
Protection of Animals and Birds:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game 600 S. Walnut Street Boise, ID 83712
P.O. Box 25 Boise, ID 83707 Phone: (208) 334-3771 Fax: (208) 334-4885 Email: Rules@idfg.idaho.gov Webpage: http://idfg.idaho.gov
This rule chapter will be reviewed in compliance with Section 67-5292, Idaho Code, and in accordance with the 8-year rule review schedule linked here.
13.01.08 – Rules Governing Taking of Big Game Animals
000. Legal Authority. ... 3
001. Scope. ... 3
002. -- 009. (Reserved) ... 3
010. Definitions. ... 3
011. -- 199. (Reserved) ... 3
200. Bag and Possession Limits. ... 3
201. -- 299. (Reserved) ... 3
300. Identification Of Animals That Legally May Be Taken. ... 3
301. -- 319. (Reserved) ... 4
320. Tag Validation And Attachment. ... 4
321. -- 349. (Reserved) ... 5
350. Identification of Sex, Size, and/or Species in Possession and During Transportation or Shipment. ... 5
351. -- 403. (Reserved) ... 5
404. Special Weapon Seasons. ... 5
405. Special Weapon Seasons – Archery. ... 5
406. Special Weapon Seasons – Muzzleloader. ... 6
407. Special Weapon Seasons – Short-Range Weapons. ... 6
408. Special Weapon Seasons – Centerfire Open Sights. ... 7
409. (Reserved) ... 7
410. Unlawful Methods Of Take – General. ... 7
411. Motorized Hunting Rule. ... 8
412. Designated Motorized Hunting Rule Units. ... 8
413. Exceptions For Methods Of Take And Shooting Hours For Gray Wolf. ... 9
414. -- 419. (Reserved) ... 9
420. Mandatory Check And Report Requirements. ... 9
421. Mandatory Reports for Pronghorn, Deer, And Elk. ... 10
422. Mandatory Telephone Report. ... 10
423. -- 449. (Reserved) ... 10
450. Biological Sample Collection. ... 10
451. -- 499. (Reserved) ... 10
500. Areas Closed to Hunting of Big Game Animals. ... 10
501. -- 599. (Reserved) ... 10
600. Emergency Depredation Hunts. ... 10
601. -- 609. (Reserved) ... 11
610. Herd Health Kill Authorization. ... 11
611. -- 699. (Reserved) ... 11
700. Use of Bait for Hunting Big Game. ... 12
701. Baiting Permit. ... 12
702. Use of Bait by a Grizzly Bear. ... 13
703. -- 999. (Reserved) ... 13
000. LEGAL AUTHORITY.
Sections 36-104(b), 36-201, 36-405, 36-408, 36-409, and 36-1101, Idaho Code. (7-1-26)
001. SCOPE.
These rules govern the taking of big game animals. (7-1-26)
002. -- 009. (RESERVED)
010. DEFINITIONS.
01. Bait (Hunting). Any substance placed to attract big game animals, including but not limited to food, salt in liquid or solid form, or natural scent. Synthetic liquid scent for deer, elk, or moose is excluded from this definition. (7-1-26)
02. Established Roadway. Any road established, built, maintained, approved or designated by any governmental entity or private landowner for travel by full-sized automobiles. An established roadway shows evidence of repeated use by full-sized automobiles, and may include a traveled way of natural earth with depressed wheel tracks and little or no vegetation in the wheel tracks. (3-31-22)
03. Front Quarters, Hind Quarters, Loins, and Tenderloins. As applied in Section 36-1202, Idaho Code, for edible portions of big game animals, front quarters include the meat surrounding the ball joint as far down as the knees, hind quarters include the meat surrounding the ball joint as far down as the hock, and the loins and tenderloins are the meat along the backbone. (7-1-26)
04. Full-sized Automobile. Any motorized vehicle with a gross weight in excess of one thousand five hundred (1,500) pounds. (3-31-22)
05. Hunter. A person engaged in the activity of hunting, as defined in Section 36-202, Idaho Code. (3-31-22)
06. Motorized Vehicle. As defined in Section 36-202, Idaho Code. (3-31-22)
07. Verifier. A small lens that is inserted into a peep sight to help archers and shooters focus on the sight. (7-1-26)
011. -- 199. (RESERVED)
200. BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS.
No person may take more big game animals during a calendar year than the number of tags the person legally possesses for the species. Unless otherwise provided by statute, proclamation, or rule, a person may not take more than one (1) of any big game species, with bag and possession limits for “deer” applying to white-tailed and mule deer collectively and not separately except: (7-1-26)
01. Extra Tag Hunts. When Commission proclamation or rule establishes controlled hunts identified as “Extra Tag” or authorizes the use of second tags, the respective bag and possession limit are increased by one (1), provided the tag holder has other tags valid for the take of that species. (7-1-26)
201. -- 299. (RESERVED)
300. IDENTIFICATION OF ANIMALS THAT LEGALLY MAY BE TAKEN.
01. Big Game Animals of Either Sex. Unless a season is restricted, big game animals of either sex may be taken, except the following may not be taken: (7-1-26)
a. Mountain Goat. Females accompanied by young. (3-31-22) b. Black Bear. Females accompanied by young. (3-31-22) c. Mountain Lion. Spotted young or females accompanied by spotted young. (7-1-26) d. Grizzly Bear. Adult grizzly bears accompanied by young, or young accompanied by adult grizzly
bear(s). (3-31-22)
a. Deer. Only deer with at least one (1) antler longer than three (3) inches may be taken in any season open for antlered deer only. (3-31-22)
b. Two-point deer. Only deer with not more than two (2) points on one (1) antler, not including brow point, and at least one (1) antler longer than three (3) inches may be taken in any season open for two-point deer only. (3-31-22)
c. Four-point deer. Only deer having at least one (1) antler with four (4) or more points, not including the brow point or tine, may be taken in any season open for four-point or larger deer only. (3-31-22)
d. Elk. Only elk with at least one (1) antler longer than six (6) inches may be taken in any season which is open for antlered elk only. (3-31-22)
e. Spike elk. Only elk with no branching on either antler and at least one (1) antler longer than six (6) inches may be taken in any season which is open for spike elk only. A branch is an antler projection that is at least one (1) inch long and longer than the width of the projection. (3-31-22)
f. Brow-tined elk. Any elk having an antler or antlers with a visible point on the lower half of either main beam that is greater than or equal to four (4) inches long. (3-31-22)
g. Moose. Only moose with at least one (1) antler longer than six (6) inches may be taken in any season open for antlered moose only. (3-31-22)
h. Pronghorn. Only pronghorn with a black “cheek patch” and horns greater than three (3) inches long may be taken during a buck only pronghorn seasons. (7-1-26)
a. Deer. Only deer without antlers or with antlers shorter than three (3) inches may be taken in any season open for antlerless deer only. (3-31-22)
b. Elk. Only elk without antlers or with antlers shorter than six (6) inches may be taken in any season open for antlerless elk only. (3-31-22)
c. Pronghorn. Only pronghorn without a black “cheek patch” or horns less than three (3) inches long may be taken during doe and fawn only pronghorn seasons. (3-31-22)
d. Bighorn sheep. Only bighorn sheep with horns between six (6) inches and twelve (12) inches in length may be taken in any season which is open for bighorn ewes only. (3-31-22)
e. Moose. Only moose without antlers or with antlers less than six (6) inches long may be taken in any season which is open for antlerless moose only. (3-31-22)
01. Tag. Immediately after any big game animal is killed, the appropriate big game animal tag must be validated. If using a paper tag, it must be securely attached to the animal. (7-1-26)
a. Validation. Tags may be paper or electronic, as determined by the hunter at time of purchase. Electronic tags require use of the Department’s official mobile app and must be validated for date and month through the app. Two (2) triangles indicating the date and month of kill must be cut out and completely removed from the
paper tag. (7-1-26)
b. Attachment of Tag. (3-31-22)
i. Deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep: to the largest portion of the edible meat to be retained by the hunter or any person transporting for the hunter. The tag must remain attached during transit to a place of processing and remain attached until the meat is processed. The validated tag must accompany the processed meat to the place of final storage or final consumption. (7-1-26)
ii. Mountain lion, black bear, grizzly bear, and gray wolf: To the hide until the mandatory check is completed. (7-1-26)
321. – 349. (RESERVED)
01. Evidence of Sex. Evidence of sex must be left naturally attached to the carcass of any big game animal until the carcass reaches the final place of storage or consumption, or is taken to a commercial meat processing facility as follows: (7-1-26)
a. For species having antlers or horns, the evidence of sex requirement is met when the head, horns, or antlers are left naturally attached to the whole carcass or to a front quarter. If the head, horns, or antlers are removed, some other external evidence of sex (either scrotum, penis, testicles, udder, or vulva) must be left naturally attached to the carcass or to a hind quarter; and any horns or antlers must accompany the carcass while in transit. (7-1-26)
i. In addition, in seasons restricted based on spike, brow tines, or antler points or branches, both complete, unaltered antlers must be naturally attached to each other and accompany the carcass while in transit. (7-1-26)
b. For black bear, grizzly bear, mountain lion, and gray wolf, external evidence of sex (either scrotum, penis or testicles for males, or vulva for females) must be left naturally attached to the hide until the mandatory check has been satisfied. (7-1-26)
02. Evidence of Species. In seasons restricted to mule deer only or white-tailed deer only, if the head is removed, the fully-haired tail must be left naturally attached to the carcass or portion of edible meat if boned, until it reaches the final place of storage, or consumption, or is taken to a commercial meat processing facility. (7-1-26)
03. Other. Proclamations or emergency hunt orders may designate seasons and areas in which portions of a carcass must be presented to the Department within a specified timeframe, or for which evidence requirement(s) of this section will not apply. (7-1-26)
351. – 403. (RESERVED)
The Commission may designate by proclamation Special Weapon seasons, such as Archery Only, Muzzleloader Only, Short-range Weapons Only, or Centerfire Open Sights Only, in which restrictions to method of take apply in addition to those set forth in Section 410. (7-1-26)
01. Archery Only Season. In Archery Only season, it is unlawful to take a big game animal: (7-1-26)
a. With any firearm, crossbow, or implement other than a longbow, compound bow, or recurve bow. (3-31-22)
b. With any device attached to the bow that holds a bow at partial or full draw. (3-31-22)
c. With any bow or crossbow equipped with magnifying sights, except verifiers. (7-1-26)
02. Traditional Archery Only Season. In Traditional Archery Only seasons, it is unlawful to take any big game animal: (7-1-26)
a. With any firearm, crossbow, or implement other than a longbow or recurve bow. (3-31-22) b. With an arrow not constructed of wood or fletched with non-natural material. (3-31-22) c. With any bow equipped with sights. (3-31-22)
406. SPECIAL WEAPON SEASONS – MUZZLELOADER.
01. Muzzleloader Only Season. It is unlawful to take a big game animal with any firearm, including muzzleloading pistols, or implement other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket that complies with each of the following: (7-1-24)
a. Is at least forty-five (.45) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or at least fifty (.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear. (3-31-22) b. Is capable of being loaded only from the muzzle. (3-31-22) c. Is equipped only with open or peep sights. (3-31-22) d. Is loaded only with loose black powder including synthetic black powder. (3-31-22) e. Is equipped with no more than two (2) barrels. (3-31-22) f. Is equipped only with flint, musket cap, or percussion cap. 209 primers are prohibited. (3-31-22) g. Is equipped with an exposed ignition system. (3-31-22) h. Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile, except accuracy tips are allowed. (7-1-26)
02. Pelletized Powder. It is unlawful to use pelletized powder in a Muzzleloader Only season. (3-31-22)
407. SPECIAL WEAPON SEASONS – SHORT-RANGE WEAPONS.
01. Short-range Weapon Only Season. In Short-Range Weapon Only seasons, it is unlawful to use any weapon other than the following: (7-1-26)
a. Any shotgun using any slug or double-aught (#00) or larger buckshot. (3-31-22) b. Any muzzleloader that is at least forty-five (0.45) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or at least fifty (0.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or black bear. (3-31-22) c. Any bow having a peak draw weight of not less than forty (40) pounds. (7-1-26) d. Any crossbow having a peak draw weight of not less than one hundred fifty (150) pounds. (3-31-22) e. Any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges. (7-1-26) f. Any airgun using pre-charged pneumatic power to propel a projectile (excluding shot and arrows)
with unignited compressed air or gas and projectiles at least thirty-five (0.35) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or at least forty-five (0.45) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or black or grizzly bear. (7-1-26)
01. Centerfire Open Sights Only Season. In Centerfire Open Sights Only seasons, it is unlawful to use any weapon other than the following: (7-1-26)
a. Any centerfire firearm equipped only with open or peep sights, with or without verifier. (7-1-26)
No person may take big game animals as set forth in this section. (3-31-22)
a. With any firearm that, in combination with a scope, sling, and/or any other attachments, weighs more than sixteen (16) pounds. (3-31-22)
b. With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck. (3-31-22)
c. With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf. (3-31-22)
d. With a fully automatic firearm. (3-31-22)
e. With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated in, the firearm (including handguns and shotguns) or scope; except scopes containing battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed. (3-31-22)
a. With any bow having a peak draw weight of less than forty (40) pounds or any crossbow having a peak draw weight of less than one hundred-fifty (150) pounds. (7-1-26)
b. With any chemicals or explosives attached to the arrow or bolt. (3-31-22)
c. With any electronic or tritium-powered device attached to, or incorporated into, an arrow, bolt, crossbow, or bow; except lighted nocks are allowed. (7-1-26)
d. With any bow capable of shooting more than one (1) arrow at a time. (3-31-22)
e. With an arrow and broadhead, or bolt and broadhead, with a combined total weight of less than three hundred (300) grains. (3-31-22)
f. With an arrow less than twenty-four (24) inches or a crossbow bolt less than twelve (12) inches in length from the broadhead to the nock inclusive. (3-31-22)
g. With any crossbow pistol. (3-31-22)
h. With any airgun using pre-charged pneumatic power to propel a projectile (excluding shot and arrows) with unignited compressed air or gas and projectiles less than thirty-five (0.35) caliber for deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or less than forty-five (0.45) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or black or grizzly bear. (3-31-22)
a. With a muzzleloading rifle or musket which is less than forty-five (.45) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or which is less than fifty (.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or black bear. (3-31-22)
b. With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated in, the muzzleloader. (3-31-22)
04. Other. (3-31-22)
a. With electronic calls except for the hunting of mountain lions, black bears, and wolves in seasons set by proclamation and in accordance with Section 36-201, Idaho Code. (7-1-26)
b. With any bait for hunting, except as set forth in these Rules. (7-1-26)
c. With dogs, except for mountain lion or black bear in accordance with IDAPA 13.01.15. (7-1-26)
d. With any net, snare, trap, chemical, deadfall or device other than legal firearm, archery or muzzleloader equipment or airgun; except in accordance under Section 36-201, Idaho Code, and with IDAPA 13.01.16. (7-1-26)
e. Within an enclosure designed to prevent ingress or egress of big game animals, including fenced facilities defined as Domestic Cervidae Farms under Section 25-3501, Idaho Code, unless authorized by the director. This rule does not apply to domestic cervids. (3-31-22)
f. With radio telemetry or other electronic tracking devices used as an aid to locate big game animals. This rule does not affect the use of telemetry equipment on hounds or other sporting dogs. (3-31-22)
The use of motorized vehicles by hunters as an aid to hunting big game is restricted in certain areas. This use restriction is in addition to all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and orders; including, but not limited to, any motorized vehicle licensing, registration, and permitting requirements and traffic laws. Hunters must comply with all motorized vehicle limits or prohibitions instituted by the landowner or land manager. Also, this use restriction rule is not an exception from, and is in addition to, the statutory prohibition against hunting from or by the use of any motorized vehicle set forth in Section 36-1101(b)(1), Idaho Code. (3-31-22)
01. Use Restriction. In designated units from August 30 through November 14, hunters may only use motorized vehicles on established roadways that are open to motorized traffic and capable of travel by full-sized automobiles. (7-1-26)
02. Exceptions. This use restriction rule does not apply to the following permissible motorized vehicle uses by hunters off of an established roadway: (3-31-22)
a. Holders of a valid Disabled Motor Vehicle Hunting Permit may use a motorized vehicle as allowed by the land owner or manager. (3-31-22)
b. Hunters may use a motorized vehicle to retrieve downed game if such travel is allowed by the land owner or manager. (3-31-22)
c. Hunters may use a motorized vehicle to pack camping equipment in or out if such travel is allowed by the land owner or manager; however, hunters may not hunt while packing camping equipment. (3-31-22)
d. Private landowners on their private land, their authorized agents, and persons with written landowner permission are excepted from the Motorized Hunting Rule use restriction. (3-31-22)
The motorized hunting use restriction applies to units 29, 32, 32A, 37A, 45, 50, 51, 52, 52A 53, 56, 58, 59, 59A, 66, 66A, 69, 73, 75, 76, 77, and 78. (7-1-26)
01. Exceptions for Dispatch of Trapped Wolf. A lawfully trapped gray wolf may be dispatched at any hour with any rifle or handgun in exception of Section 410, of these rules. (7-1-26)
02. Exceptions for Methods of Take. The Commission may by proclamation set seasons in which the hunting or trapping of gray wolf is exempt from method of take restrictions for game animals contained in Section 36-1101, Idaho Code, or Sections 410 or 412 of these rules, where such take restrictions do not apply to other wild canines. (7-1-26)
03. Permits Involving Waiver of Official Shooting Hours. Where the Commission sets seasons pursuant to Section 413.02 of these rules, no person may hunt gray wolf by use of artificial light or otherwise outside of official shooting hours set by IDAPA 13.01.07.400 unless: (7-1-26)
a. On public land, that person has a valid permit from the Director and complies with any permit conditions. The Director may deny a person’s application for such permit, limit the time or area for hunting, or impose other conditions for good cause, such as public safety or protection of other wildlife or property; or (3-31-22)
b. On private land, that person is the owner of that land or has written authorization from the landowner or landowner’s agent. (3-31-22)
Any person killing black bear, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, gray wolf, or mountain lion, must comply with mandatory check and report requirements within ten (10) days of the date of kill. Any person killing a grizzly bear or species to which a hunt closure quota applies must, within five (5) days of the date of kill, comply with the mandatory check and report requirements. Mandatory check and reports requirements are: (7-1-26)
01. Harvest Report. Complete the big game mortality report form for the species taken, or other report form as may be specified by proclamation for the hunt. (7-1-26)
02. Presentation of Animal Parts. Present the following animal parts: (7-1-26)
a. Black Bear: Skull and portion of the hide with evidence of sex attached to be presented to a conservation officer, regional office or official check point for removal and retention of premolar tooth and to have the hide marked. (3-31-22)
b. Grizzly Bear: Skull and portion of the hide with evidence of sex attached to be presented to a conservation officer or regional office for removal and retention of a premolar tooth, and to have the hide marked. (3-31-22)
c. Mountain Lion: Skull and portion of the hide with evidence of sex attached to be presented to a conservation officer, regional office, or official checkpoint for removal and retention of a premolar tooth, and to have the hide marked. (7-1-26)
d. Gray Wolf: Skull and portion of the hide with evidence of sex attached to be presented to a conservation officer or regional office for removal and retention of a premolar tooth, and to have the hide marked. (3-31-22)
e. Moose: Skulls and antlers (if antlered) to be presented to a conservation officer or regional office. (7-1-26)
f. Bighorn Sheep: Horns to be presented to a regional office, with ram horns to be marked. (7-1-26)
g. Mountain Goat: Horns to be presented to a conservation officer or regional office. (3-31-22)
03. Return of Tags by Unsuccessful Hunters. Hunters who are not successful in killing a bighorn sheep, mountain goat, grizzly bear, or moose must present or mail their unused tags to a Department office within ten (10) days after the close of the season for which the tag was valid. Canceled tags will be returned to the hunter upon request. (7-1-26)
04. Possession of Raw Pelts. No person may have in possession, except during the respective time period after lawful harvest allowed for mandatory check in this section (five (5) or ten (10) days), depending on species), any raw black bear, mountain lion, grizzly bear, or gray wolf pelt, without an official state export tag attached, unless that person possesses a fur buyer or taxidermist license or appropriate import documentation. (7-1-26)
05. Authorized Representative. A person may authorize another person to comply with the above requirements if that person complies with reporting requirements and possesses enough information to accurately complete the necessary form. (3-31-22)
01. Mandatory Report. Any hunter that obtains a pronghorn, deer, or elk tag must submit to the Department an accurately completed Mandatory Report for the respective species on a form prescribed by the Department, within ten (10) days of killing such animal, or if the hunter does not kill such animal, within ten (10) days of the closing date of the appropriate season. (3-31-22)
02. Failure to Report. Failure to submit the pronghorn, deer, or elk Mandatory Report as required in this section will render the person ineligible to obtain any license until a late Mandatory Report permit is submitted with the Department. (3-31-22)
In addition to other check and reporting requirements, any hunter killing a grizzly bear must report the harvest within twenty-four (24) hours by calling the Grizzly Bear Reporting Number, a toll-free telephone number published in the grizzly bear season and rules brochure available at Department offices and on the Department website. (3-31-22)
Any person killing a big game animal must comply with requirements for biological sampling for detection of disease or other population management, as established by proclamation or order of the Commission or director. (7-1-26)
In addition to the closures specified in IDAPA 13.01.07.300, “Rules Governing Taking of Wildlife.” (3-31-22)
01. Mountain Lions and Gray Wolves. No person may hunt or pursue mountain lion or gray wolf within one-half (1/2) mile of any active Department big game feeding site, except on private property. (7-1-26)
02. Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, and Gray Wolves. No person may hunt or pursue black bear, grizzly bear, or gray wolf within two hundred (200) yards of the perimeter of any designated dump ground or sanitary landfill. (3-31-22)
01. Eligibility. (3-31-22)
a. Only residents with a valid hunting or combination license are eligible to apply for big game
emergency depredation hunts. Section 36-106(e)(5), Idaho Code provides an exception for tag issuance to nonresident landowners residing in a contiguous state. (7-1-26)
b. Application for emergency depredation hunts does not affect eligibility for general hunts or other controlled hunts. (7-1-26)
a. A person may submit no more than one (1) emergency depredation hunt application per year for each species. Applications submitted for the same species in more than one (1) region will result in disqualification from all regions. (7-1-26)
b. Two (2) people may apply as a group for the same depredation hunt on the same application. If a group application is selected, both hunters will be offered depredation hunt tags if two (2) or more tags are available. An individual who submits applications for more than one (1) species does not have to apply in the same group or area for each application. (7-1-26)
c. Any form not properly completed is ineligible for selection. (7-1-26)
d. A list of depredation hunt applications received will be maintained for the time period July 1 to June 30. Applications are valid only for the time period for which they are submitted. (3-31-22)
03. Selection of Participants. The Department will place all applications (individual or group) for each depredation hunt received by June 30 in random order. All applications received after June 30 will be placed at the end of the list in the order received, except priority will be given to military personnel returning from active duty. The Department will select participants for a hunt in the order in which applicants appear on the list. (7-1-26)
04. Controlled Hunt Tagholder Exception. For emergency depredation hunts that precede or run concurrently with a doe/fawn, antlerless, or black bear controlled hunt in the same area, the holders of those controlled hunt tags will be given the option to use that controlled hunt tag in the depredation hunt for that species before tags are made available to individuals on the application list. The regional supervisor has discretion to: (1) allow holders of unfilled doe/fawn, antlerless, or black bear controlled hunt tags for hunts that have ended in the same area to use those tags in the depredation hunt; (2) waive weapon restrictions that apply to a controlled hunt tag if used in the area of the depredation hunt. (7-1-26)
05. Effect on Bag/Possession Limits. A depredation hunt tag authorizes the take of one (1) big game animal, which may be in addition to the annual bag and possession limits for that species by use of another controlled or general hunt tag. (7-1-26)
01. Authorization. The director may issue herd health kill authorizations to private landowners for the control, eradication, minimization, or management of wildlife disease. Private landowners or their designees may take the number of animals authorized by the director, only on the private property of the landowner to whom the authorization was issued, and subject to compliance with any requirements specified in the authorization. (7-1-26)
02. Possession for Personal Use. The director’s authorization may allow landowners or their designee(s) to keep edible portions of animals taken for their personal use, in addition to other big game animals they may lawfully possess, provided they comply with any specified sampling requirements. (7-1-26)
03. Tag Eligibility. The use or possession of a herd health kill authorization does not affect the possessor’s eligibility for other game tags. (7-1-26)
Bait may be used to hunt only black bear and only under the following conditions, except gray wolf may be taken incidentally to bear baiting. (7-1-26)
a. No bait or bait container may be placed for the purpose of attracting or taking black bear prior to the opening of black bear take season, except bait may be placed one (1) week prior to the opening of bear season in Units 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, 20, 20A, 26, and 27. (7-1-26)
b. All bait, bait containers and materials must be removed and all excavations refilled no later than seven (7) days after the close of each season (spring, fall, or black bear dog training); except bait, bait containers, and materials may remain in Units 10 and 12 between the dog training season and the fall season. (7-1-26)
a. No bait site may be located within two hundred (200) feet of any water (lake, pond, reservoir, year-round free flowing spring, or year-round free flowing stream). (7-1-26)
b. No bait site may be located within two hundred (200) yards from any maintained trail or any established roadway; except in the Panhandle and Clearwater Regions, no bait site may be located within two hundred (200) feet from any maintained trail or any established roadway. (7-1-26)
c. No bait site may be located within one-half (1/2) mile of any designated campground or picnic area, administrative site, or dwelling. (7-1-26)
a. No person may use any part of a domestic or wild origin game bird, big game animal, upland game animal, game fish, or protected nongame wildlife for bait or scent. (7-1-26)
b. The skin must be removed from any mammal parts or carcasses used as bait. (7-1-26)
c. No person may use salt in any form (liquid or solid) for bait. (7-1-26)
a. No bait may be contained within paper, glass, wood, plastic, or other non-biodegradable materials, except that a single, metal container with a maximum size of fifty-five (55) gallons may be used if securely attached at the bait site. (7-1-26)
b. No bait may be contained in any excavated hole greater than four (4) feet in diameter. (7-1-26)
a. Any structures constructed at bait sites using nails, spikes, ropes, screws, or other materials must be removed by the permit holder within seven (7) days after the close of each season (spring, fall, or black bear dog training). (7-1-26)
b. All bait sites must be visibly marked at the nearest tree or on the bait container using a tag supplied by the Department. (7-1-26)
a. Baiting permits are issued by mail or in person from Department offices beginning March 1 of each
year. (7-1-26)
b. Baiting permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued. (7-1-26)
02. Use of Baiting Permit. (7-1-26)
a. Any person placing bait must possess a baiting permit issued by the Department. (7-1-26)
b. A person may possess only one (1) baiting permit each year and may maintain not more than three (3) bait sites. A licensed outfitter may maintain additional bait sites if the number of sites is approved in writing by the landowner or land management agency. (7-1-26)
c. No person may hunt over an unlawful bait site. (7-1-26)
d. Guides and clients of outfitters (who have a bait permit and are licensed under title 36, chapter 21, Idaho Code) are exempt from possessing a baiting permit, provided they have a copy of the outfitter’s permit in their possession while placing bait or hunting over the outfitter’s permitted bait site. (7-1-26)
Any person placing bait to hunt black bear, hunting at a bait site, or witnessing the use of a bait site by a grizzly bear must immediately report use of the bait by a grizzly bear to the Department. No person may hunt black bear over such a bait site for the remainder of the current black bear hunting season. The bait site(s) will be closed for the remainder of the current black bear hunting season and the bait must be removed as soon as possible. (7-1-26)
703. -- 999. (RESERVED)