November 8, 2012
By Niels Nokkentved, IDFG
It is that time of year again when trappers and hound hunters will be out
and about in the wilds of Idaho.
People with pets should know how to release a pet that is caught in a
foothold trap or neck snare. While trapping has been part of the landscape in
Idaho, Fish and Game reminds hound hunters, hunters with bird dogs, and people
with pets that trappers have an increased interest to be in the woods because of
the wolf trapping season.
Wolf trapping rules have changed since the 2012 Big Game Seasons and
Rules brochure was published. For new trapping rules please see the 2012-2013
Wolf Trapping Seasons and Rules pamphlet available at license vendors, Fish and
Game offices and online at:
www.fishandgame. idaho.gov/public/docs/rules/wolfTrapRules.pdf.
The wolf trapping seasons open Thursday, Nov. 15, and run through March
31 in the Panhandle zone, except for units 2 and 3; in the Lolo zone; in the
Dworshak-Elk City zone, except Unit 10A; in the Selway zone; in the Middle Fork
zone; and in units 19A and 25 of the McCall-Weiser Zone.
Trapping season opens Feb. 1 through March 31 in Unit 10A of the
Dworshak-Elk City Zone. All other zones are closed to trapping.
Trappers must complete a required wolf trapping class before they can buy
wolf trapping tags.
Licensed trappers may buy up to five wolf trapping tags per trapping
season for use in those zones with an open wolf trapping season. In addition, up
to five wolf hunting tags may be purchased per calendar year for hunting. Unused
wolf hunting tags may be used to tag trapped wolves in wolf zones with an open
trapping and hunting season. Trappers should note that bag limits are not the
same for all the wolf zones.
Only three wolf trapping tags may be used in units 19A and 25 of the
McCall-Weiser Zone.
Wolf tags cost $11.50 for resident hunters, and $31.75 for nonresidents.
Trapping tags are valid for the trapping season, but wolf hunting tags are valid
for the calendar year.
Additional details on wolf hunting and trapping seasons and rules are
available online at:
www.fishandgame. idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=63,
and on Page 66 in the printed 2012 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure,
available at all license vendors and Fish and Game offices.
Trapping regulations prohibit traps from the center and within five feet
of center line of all maintained designated public trails and from the surface
and right of way of all maintained designated public roads.
Ground traps are prohibited within 300 feet of any designated public
campground, picnic area and trailhead.
Hound hunters, hunters with bird dogs and other pet owners have a responsibility to keep track of and maintain control of their pets. It is illegal to allow dogs to harass wildlife.