Reminders For Anglers And Hunters

The deadline to apply for fall controlled hunts is fast approaching, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters.

The application period for deer, elk, antelope and black bear controlled hunts started May 1 and runs through June 5. The period was extended this year to avoid conflicts with the Memorial Day weekend.

To speed up their applications, hunters can use the Idaho Hunt Planner on the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner to zero in on where, when and what species to hunt this fall.

Fish and Game also cautions hunters eager to get out and take advantage of the spring weather not to shoot the protected ground squirrels. Six rare ground squirrels are found in southern and eastern Idaho: The southern Idaho ground squirrel in Washington, Payette and Gem counties; the northern Idaho ground squirrel in Adams and southwestern Valley counties; Merriam's ground squirrel in the northwest corner of Owyhee County; the Wyoming ground squirrel along the southern edge of Owyhee and Twin Falls counties; the Piute ground squirrel on the eastern Snake River Plain and up into Lemhi and Custer counties; and the rock squirrel in central Franklin county and just into Bear Lake county.

A map showing the general distribution of these six species can be found on page 34 of the upland game regulations.
The season is open all year on Columbian ground squirrels, but to shoot them a person must have a valid hunting license. For more specific information on ground squirrels, contact a regional Fish and Game office.

Fish and Game also reminds anglers who may be heading out fishing for the first time this year during the Memorial Day weekend that they need to buy a new fishing license.

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