Idaho proposes changes to Landowner Tags

[idahohuntr]

This link http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/?getPage=33 will take you to proposed changes to Landowner/Private land tag programs in Idaho.

For the new Private Land Tags (PLTs), which would guarantee tags to landowners, but require a Harvest management agreement that describes access, harvest strategy etc. of the landowner, I commented that some form of free public access must be required if the public is going to guarantee these guys tags every year. Not unlimited access, but maybe if they get two tags for themselves, then 2 general public hunters (randomly selected or something) also get to hunt on the land, for free. Or, if they have land that landlocks public land, an easement for all hunters to access the public ground??  Some units its probably not a big deal, but I don't know how many hunters realize tags are set aside for folks in prime units (like unit 11, 45, 42, 44 etc.).

Comments are due Jan. 22nd.

[Dhoey07]

If they have a deer problem on their land then they should shot a deer with their tag and then allow other hunters who have paid for tags shot a deer. 

Are these landowner tags free or something?  Different season? 

[Gringo31]

What does this mean for folks who own ground in Idaho but are not residents there?  Some of the areas allow hunting by permit for residents only.  (If I understand correctly)

[huntnphool]

That's like the state handing the land owner a check for $10k for each tag they give them in some of those units.

[2MANY]

1) 640 acres has been required to qualify as a "land owner" in the past
2) Idaho doesn't allow the land owner the "legal" right of selling their tag.

[huntnphool]

2) Idaho doesn't allow the land owner the "legal" right of selling their tag.

So only the land owner can use the tag for hunting?

[jjhunter]

2) Idaho doesn't allow the land owner the "legal" right of selling their tag.

So only the land owner can use the tag for hunting?

Family, ranch hand use, etc.   Not to be marketed or sold.   

[idahohuntr]

The tag can be designated to anyone.  They are not allowed to sell the tag.  The well known way to exploit this is to charge a tresspass/access fee.  So, they "give" the tag away (mind you these tags are often very hard to draw units), but then they charge the "trespass fee"...which is usually several thousand dollars.

My thought is that for tags given by the state, do not allow the landowner to sell the tag or charge a fee of any kind (including trespass fees).  If the landowner wants to charge a fee for a general hunt or a tag drawn by joe public...that is their perogative...but in no way let them profit from the state giving them a hard to draw tag.  I suggest a lifetime ban if you are in violation of selling the tag...I doubt many/any landowners in these great units would risk losing this privilige for life.     

[MtnMuley]

The tag can be designated to anyone.  They are not allowed to sell the tag.  The well known way to exploit this is to charge a tresspass/access fee.  So, they "give" the tag away (mind you these tags are often very hard to draw units), but then they charge the "trespass fee"...which is usually several thousand dollars.

That was my interpretation as well.

[jjhunter]

Seems no different than outfitter allocated tags for those same units?   Why should outfitters be given "free" $4-8K tags with the obvious ability to market/sell when LOs are not afforded the same privileges? 

At least the LOs are providing habitat for the animals...

[huntnphool]

Seems no different than outfitter allocated tags for those same units?   Why should outfitters be given "free" $4-8K tags with the obvious ability to market/sell when LOs are not afforded the same privileges? 

At least the LOs are providing habitat for the animals...

Thats a good point too.

[MtnMuley]

I would totally agree.

[hogsniper]

The best way to preserve deer numbers is to give JJ all the LO tags....Bwhahaha!

[huntnphool]

The best way to preserve deer numbers is to give JJ all the LO tags....Bwhahaha!

[idahohuntr]

Seems no different than outfitter allocated tags for those same units?   Why should outfitters be given "free" $4-8K tags with the obvious ability to market/sell when LOs are not afforded the same privileges? 

At least the LOs are providing habitat for the animals...

Very good point.  I personally do not support guaranteed tags for outfitters either...advertise their services to people who draw for their unit, but don't guarantee them a tag.   

I just fundamentally do not support anything that privatizes public wildlife.  Give everyone equal crack at the tags and let the chips fall where they may...the people who draw the tags can decide if they want to hire an outfitter or pay a trespass fee. 

[jjhunter]

The best way to preserve deer numbers is to give JJ all the LO tags....Bwhahaha!

Ouch! Low blow, low blow.  Mods?   

[hogsniper]

    

[Dhoey07]

Seems no different than outfitter allocated tags for those same units?   Why should outfitters be given "free" $4-8K tags with the obvious ability to market/sell when LOs are not afforded the same privileges? 

At least the LOs are providing habitat for the animals...

Very good point.  I personally do not support guaranteed tags for outfitters either...advertise their services to people who draw for their unit, but don't guarantee them a tag.   

I just fundamentally do not support anything that privatizes public wildlife.  Give everyone equal crack at the tags and let the chips fall where they may...the people who draw the tags can decide if they want to hire an outfitter or pay a trespass fee.

Outfitters get guaranteed tags in Idaho?

[Todd_ID]

Seems no different than outfitter allocated tags for those same units?   Why should outfitters be given "free" $4-8K tags with the obvious ability to market/sell when LOs are not afforded the same privileges? 

At least the LOs are providing habitat for the animals...

Very good point.  I personally do not support guaranteed tags for outfitters either...advertise their services to people who draw for their unit, but don't guarantee them a tag.   

I just fundamentally do not support anything that privatizes public wildlife.  Give everyone equal crack at the tags and let the chips fall where they may...the people who draw the tags can decide if they want to hire an outfitter or pay a trespass fee.

Outfitters get guaranteed tags in Idaho?

Yes.  When the state was divided up into exclusive outfitter areas years ago, I think the late 70's, that was the incentive to the outfitters to take an area that is draw only.  Otherwise there would be no guarantee of any hunters to book.  If the outfitter does not use all of their allocation for the year, then they risk a reduction in available tags in following years.  This is the crux of why it works: outfitters are not supposed to guide tag holders whose tags came from the general pool without meeting several conditions.  The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association lobby is pretty strong in Boise. 

It wouldn't work here because there is no outfitters licensing or association mandate, nor is the hunter/non-hunter ratio anywhere near what Idaho has to push lawmakers to listen to the outfitters even if they had a lobby.

[Dhoey07]

If you get drawn for a permit only area, do you have to use an outfitter?

[jjhunter]

No.  But to apply for an outfitter allocated tag, you need a contract with an approved outfitter.

[Dhoey07]

No.  But to apply for an outfitter allocated tag, you need a contract with an approved outfitter.

Doesn't that kind of go against the whole north american wildlife conservation model?