Meeting in Boise January 15-17, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved a department proposal to set a deadline for successful applicants to purchase permits/tags in controlled hunts for elk, deer and antelope. That deadline will be August 20. Permits and tags unclaimed after that date will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each year, hunters fail to claim six to eight percent of tags offered in controlled hunts. This affects the management goals set for biological reasons and deprives hunters of opportunity. Some of these unclaimed permits/tags are for hunts with high demand and low drawing success. Making the tags available to eager hunters helps meet demand.

Purchase of these permits/tags will be handled with the same procedures as are already established for leftover permits.

The Commission also approved a department proposal to eliminate the one-year waiting period to apply for antlered-only deer and elk controlled hunts for hunters who purchase unclaimed permits/tags.