HUNTING -- State officials are debating if they should allow groups to lease public land in a way that could prevent public access.

The fact that this debate is even occurring is a slap in the face to the average sportsman who depends on public lands for hunting and fishing access.

"A half-dozen times over the years, the Idaho Department of Lands has received applications for permission to lease state endowment land for an exclusive private hunting operation," reports S-R Boise reporter Betsy Russell. "Every time, the department has said no.

"Now another application is on its way, from a group wanting to set up an exclusive pheasant hunting operation in eastern Idaho. State officials aren’t inclined to go along, but the continuing proposals have prompted review of just how Idaho handles recreation on state lands that Idahoans cherish.

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