Idaho Proposes Changes
HANDGUNS FOR SHORT-RANGE HUNTS
Background: Current rules prohibit the use of handguns in short-range weapon big game hunts.
Short-range weapon hunts take place in areas where the ballistics and range capabilities of high-powered rifles are a safety concern.
Several handgun cartridges are capable of taking big game but have limited ballistics and would not pose a significant safety concern in short-range weapon hunts.
Handguns would not be allowed in archery and muzzleloader hunting season.
Proposal: Allow the use of handguns that use straight-walled cartridges not originally developed for rifles.
ATV RESTRICTIONS IN UNITS 66A AND 76
Background: Fish and Game has motorized vehicle restrictions in some hunting units to reduce conflicts between hunters and to help buck and bull survival. ATVs, motorcycles and other motorized off-road vehicles are limited to roads capable of being driven on by a full-sized vehicle.
Neither mule deer nor elk populations are meeting management objectives in 66A and 76.
Proposal: Apply the motor vehicle restrictions rule in these two units during the fall hunting season.
DOGS FOR TRACKING WOUNDED BIG GAME
Background: Current rules prohibit the use of dogs while big game huntingexcept for black bear and mountain lion. Other states allow the use of blood-trailing dogs.
Proposal: Allow one blood-trailing dog controlled by leash during lawful hunting hours and within 72 hours of hitting a big game animal to track wounded animals and aid in recovery.
LEFTOVER AUGUST CONTROLLED HUNTS
Background: Controlled hunt permits left over after the June drawing are available in a second drawing by Aug. 25. Some hunts end during August, which leaves inadequate time to hunt.
Proposal: Allow leftover controlled hunt permits ending during August to be available immediately after the first drawing on a first-come, first-served basis.
LIGHTED ARROW NOCKS
Background: Current rules prohibit the use of any electronic device attached to an arrow. Battery-powered lighted nocks do not affect performance or harvest efficiency of arrows.
Proposal: Allow the use of lighted nocks while hunting big game.
POSSESSION AND SALE OF BIG GAME BONES
Background: Current state rules allow antlers, horns (with the exception of bighorn sheep), parts of mountain lions and bears, and elk teeth from animals that have died of natural causes or been lawfully harvested to be legally possessed or sold.
Proposal: Allow the possession or sale of bones from lawfully harvested game or animals that died naturally.
