HUNTING -- Results for Idaho’s 2014 controlled hunts for deer, elk and pronghorn have been posted on the Idaho Fish at Game website.  I held off with the notice that came yesterday because high interest in the results was causing delays on the website.

Check your hunting license for your license number, have it ready, and follow the steps.

A new law that goes into effect July 1 allowing 10 and 11 year olds to hunt big game caused some confusion during this application period and resulted in more than 1,000 controlled hunt applications that included 10 and 11 year olds, mainly in group applications, Idaho Fish and Game officials said, with the following explanation:

Even though the law doesn’t take effect for a few more days, and the drawing occurred before then, Idaho Fish and Game decided to allow the applications to remain in the drawing for administrative and customer services reasons.

Because the vast majority of these applications were controlled hunt group applications submitted with other family members, removing those that included 10 and 11 year olds would have disqualified approximately 2,500 additional individuals who otherwise would have been eligible to participate in the drawing.

Removing, and/or correcting all 1,000 plus applications from the drawing, would have taken significantly more time and delayed completion of the drawing and the release of results to our customers.

We apologize to those who wanted to submit controlled hunt applications on behalf of their child but didn’t because the new law was not yet in effect. Given the number of applications received, Fish and Game leaders felt this was the best option available. Because the new law will be in place July 1, 10 and 11 year olds will be eligible to put in for the next controlled hunt application held in August, or they may purchase general season big game tags. 

Interested 10 and 11 year olds must hold a valid hunting license in order to apply for a controlled hunt. Anyone holding a Hunting Passport can purchase general season big game tags