HUNTING -- Once again, the Idaho Fish and Game Department is gathering opinions from hunters about possibly changing controlled-hunt drawing odds and increasing the number of big-game tags offered through auction.

Department officials say:

• Hunters have proposed changing Idaho’s controlled-hunt drawing system to favor those who were unsuccessful in previous drawings.
• Other proposals have called for auctioning big-game tags as a way to increase revenue for conservation and hunter access programs.
• Both issues have generated interest in the Idaho Legislature.
• More surveys are needed to get an updated look at hunter opinions.

A series of surveys this month include a random-sample mail survey followed by a random e-mail survey and then a on online survey open to any hunter.

The online survey be available in mid-to-late October at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.

IFG officials say:

• The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will use results from the surveys to consider whether changes to controlled hunt rules should be considered. Currently, Fish and Game commissioners allow a single bighorn sheep tag to be auctioned annually. They have not implemented the additional tags for other big-game animals authorized by the Legislature in 2012.
• The surveys are intended only to gauge hunters’ interest in those topics.
• No decisions will be made without further input from sportsmen.

On several occasions, Fish and Game commissioners have considered adding bonus/preference points for controlled hunts to improve drawing odds for some hunters. Other options for changing drawing odds are available, such as limiting the number of hunts a person can apply for, or extending waiting periods before successful applicants can re-enter the controlled hunt drawing.

Results of the surveys will be available during the Fish and Game Commission’s quarterly meeting in Nov. 19 in Hailey.