Post by: bearpaw on May 26, 2023, 05:04:56 PM
Bait hunters must have their bait clearly marked with their bait tag. We had our bait tag visibly hanging on the tree next to our bait.
However, every year, usually on memorial weekend, we have trouble with hunters illegally hunting one or two of our baits. Sometimes they kick our safety boxes off the tree and steal our camera. This year we caught a lowlife scumbag sitting in our blind hunting our bait, when he saw my guide approaching he ran out of the blind and down over the hill, he knew he was busted. After the guide rebaited and walked out to his vehicle the scumbag had already jumped in his truck and left, but we already had a photo of the scumbag's vehicle. Fortunately this guy didn't steal our camera yet, probably only because he hadn't shot a bear yet. He was careful to not get his photo on the camera, we checked.
https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/130117.pdf
IDAPA 13 – IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Wildlife Bureau
13.01.17 – Rules Governing Use of Bait for Hunting Big Game Animals
BAITING PERMIT.
01. Baiting Permit. (3-31-22)
a. Baiting permits are issued by mail or in person from Department offices beginning March 1 of each
year. (3-31-22)
b. Baiting permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued. (3-31-22)
02. Use of Baiting Permit. (3-31-22)
a. All persons placing bait must possess a baiting permit issued by the Department. (3-31-22)
b. Each hunter may possess only one (1) baiting permit each year and may maintain up to three (3)
bait sites, except the number of bait sites maintained by outfitters will be that specified by the land management
agency in the outfitter’s operating plan. (3-31-22)
c. No person may hunt over an unlawful bait site. (3-31-22)
d. Guides and clients of outfitters are exempt from possessing a baiting permit, provided they have a
copy of the outfitter’s permit in their possession while placing bait or hunting over the outfitter’s permitted bait site.
This time we have a vehicle and license number for the game warden to work with. It is illegal to hunt an outfitter bait without a copy of the outfitter license and bait permit. I'm guessing the scumbag don't even have a bait permit or he would have had his own baits to hunt. I hope they get him on multiple counts!
This is the illegal scumbag, anybody recognize the vehicle?
Post by: trophyhunt on May 26, 2023, 05:18:06 PM
Post by: wadu1 on May 26, 2023, 05:20:50 PM
Post by: builtfordtough on May 26, 2023, 06:55:54 PM
Post by: Fidelk on May 26, 2023, 07:40:41 PM
If this is on public land, is there any way to keep other non-client hunters from using your sites? Sitting in your blind, he would seem to be in violation, since he is "hunting over". But if not sitting in your blind, but in the area of your site, could he just claim that he was out hunting and wandered through the area of your site.
Seems kind of unenforceable.
Post by: CarbonHunter on May 27, 2023, 08:10:00 AM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on May 27, 2023, 11:40:10 AM
Post by: duckmen1 on May 27, 2023, 12:24:54 PM
I’ve parked at trails in Idaho and walked in and found a bait numerous times. Then walked out, maybe he turned around?
Sitting in a blind in a chair is far from getting turned around in OP incident. :chuckle: some people push their luck and mooch off of other peoples hard work. Seen it many times over the years from low life scum bags in many different ways. But in this circumstance I could not even imagine trying to sit there with my eyes looking over my shoulder for the bait site owner. What a piece of trash to do something like that.
Post by: huntnnw on May 27, 2023, 12:54:07 PM
Post by: metlhead on May 27, 2023, 01:06:33 PM
Post by: highside74 on May 27, 2023, 01:59:52 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on May 27, 2023, 02:10:33 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 27, 2023, 02:38:09 PM
Does sound like a very unethical thing to do but is it actually illegal? Although not his, he was hunting over a legal bait.
To be legal a bait must have a bait tag identifying the owner of the bait. To hunt an outfitter's bait a hunter must have a copy of the outfitter's license and bait permit. Guides cannot even add bait without having a copy of the outfitter's license and bait permit.
Hunters who purchase their own bait permit are given three bait tags, they can have three baits. They definitely cannot hunt an outfitter's bait and I don't think they can hunt over any bait unless they have one of their bait tags right at the bait.
Post by: bearpaw on May 27, 2023, 02:47:26 PM
I know you probably hide your baits better than some outfitters do, but there’s one down here that baits literally up every creek drainage and every decommissioned road. He asked me how I knew all of his bait sites and told him to hide them better. We have a good standing with each other now.
We get photos of a few people at our baits every year, I think most people that find a bait just look and move on. In some cases it's probably another hunter looking for a good bait spot for himself but most hunters will go somewhere else if they find another hunter's bait.
A few times we have determined that someone hunted one of our baits, so we attempt to get their photo if they return, they don't usually come back. On a rare occasion it even appeared that someone killed a bear at our bait site and that is what this scumbag was trying to do. He knew he was in the wrong, as soon as he saw the guide he ran out of the blind down over the hill and was gone by the time the guide baited the site and returned to his truck.
Post by: metlhead on May 27, 2023, 02:56:27 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 27, 2023, 03:00:31 PM
Is that David Fanz’s truck?
Thanks, I tried googling that name, didn't come up with much, most last names I found are spelled Franz.
Post by: bearpaw on May 27, 2023, 03:11:20 PM
Reading this, the offense seems to be contained in 02.d. "hunting over the outfitters permitted bait site".
If this is on public land, is there any way to keep other non-client hunters from using your sites? Sitting in your blind, he would seem to be in violation, since he is "hunting over". But if not sitting in your blind, but in the area of your site, could he just claim that he was out hunting and wandered through the area of your site.
Seems kind of unenforceable.
I think if a guy was sitting and watching an outfitter bait with a weapon he would be illegal even if not in the blind, that is pretty clear, being in a blind is not part of the language. The language is more vague for other hunter's baits, I wished it was more specific for everyone else, but I think if a hunter is watching any bait he better have one of his bait tags on the bait he is hunting. (I'm not certain, but that's what I get out of the language, and maybe a family member or friend is exempt if they have a bait permit, I'm not sure if hunters can share each other's baits?)
Post by: KFhunter on May 27, 2023, 03:21:16 PM
They can certainly run the plate, but obviously wouldn’t share that info.
Post by: Fidelk on May 27, 2023, 05:47:16 PM
Reading this, the offense seems to be contained in 02.d. "hunting over the outfitters permitted bait site".
If this is on public land, is there any way to keep other non-client hunters from using your sites? Sitting in your blind, he would seem to be in violation, since he is "hunting over". But if not sitting in your blind, but in the area of your site, could he just claim that he was out hunting and wandered through the area of your site.
Seems kind of unenforceable.
I think if a guy was sitting and watching an outfitter bait with a weapon he would be illegal even if not in the blind, that is pretty clear, being in a blind is not part of the language. The language is more vague for other hunter's baits, I wished it was more specific for everyone else, but I think if a hunter is watching any bait he better have one of his bait tags on the bait he is hunting. (I'm not certain, but that's what I get out of the language, and maybe a family member or friend is exempt if they have a bait permit, I'm not sure if hunters can share each other's baits?)
I think 02.d. applies........the language requires guides and clients to have a copy of the permit in their possession when hunting the site......that's what the trespasser was doing. The language doesn't address unauthorized use of an outfitters baited site. That such use is illegal could be interpreted by the simple fact that requirements are placed on legal and authorized users, and the trespasser would not meet the requirements in that he would not have permission and therefore no copy of the permit. It is a bit vague.
Post by: BUTTER on May 27, 2023, 06:02:38 PM
Post by: huntnnw on May 27, 2023, 10:26:17 PM
Sounds to me like you have nothing on this guy. You found a truck on a road and took pics of a license plate? Your word he was on your bait but no photo? Lost cause here
Yup! Cause if it was illegal none of this would be on here and fb. 1 call to idfg and that would be it. Not understanding much of this post.
Post by: HillHound on May 27, 2023, 11:09:20 PM
Just joking but wouldn’t be the first time the offender tried to downplay a situation because it was actually them in question. Weather he could press charges is not the point here. This guy was wrong for hunting someone’s legal bait. I wouldn’t want to press charges anyways, I would have dropped the bait and gave chase. Some of these guys need a good butt whooping. Oh how clear a broken nose can make you see the error of your ways
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 28, 2023, 06:07:53 AM
Sounds to me like you have nothing on this guy. You found a truck on a road and took pics of a license plate? Your word he was on your bait but no photo? Lost cause here
Yup! Cause if it was illegal none of this would be on here and fb. 1 call to idfg and that would be it. Not understanding much of this post.
Lots of guys post pics of trucks or people doing or suspected of doing illegal things. They have also reported it to Leo...but there's nothing wrong with public shaming... happens all the time on this site...
I'm sure idfg will come to the appropriate conclusion.... I'd say let it play out before determining guilt or innocence in the huntwa court...
Post by: KFhunter on May 28, 2023, 07:22:46 AM
Getting the plate # is a big help, IDFG will know who it is, and if they see that truck again they can catch the guy sitting on a bait with someone else names on it they got him, maybe he’s doing other things too :dunno:
Maybe the white truck dude read one of our tree stands on public land threads on HW :dunno:
Lotta guys said “if it’s on public, I’ll hunt it!”
Whomever it is, he’s not doing people with Washington license plates any favors :bash:
Post by: bearpaw on May 28, 2023, 08:00:59 AM
What is most surprising to me, it's appears a few people seem to think this is OK! Even if it isn't illegal it's still not the right thing to do to any other hunter who has done all the work. What ever happened to respecting fellow hunters?
One of the worst experiences myself and my kids (when they we just starting to hunt) have ever had in hunting, we went with a waterfowl guide on the potholes, he knew where the birds would be coming and had a blind set up, we got there early and got in the blind, there were other hunters got in a blind across the bay which I figured should be expected in a popular waterfowl area. When birds were coming in to our spread those guys across the bay started shooting even though they were way out of range and of course the ducks kept going, this happened a couple times and I was thinking boy those guys can't estimate range very well. Then some birds came in from a different angle far far away from those other guys, the birds set their wings coming in to our spread from the opposite side from those guys, those other guys shot again just so the birds wouldn't land in our spread. My kids had never seen something like that before, I had always taught them to respect other hunters, but they learned how some hunters are that day! The guide was absolutely furious and I completely understood why.
I still wonder who it was in that other duck blind who couldn't stand to see ducks land in our spread, just as I wonder who sat in our blind at our bait knowing what they were doing is wrong, and that is confirmed by the way the scumbag ran off when he saw the guide coming, that person is an absolute lowlife!
Anyone who thinks it's ok to hunt another hunters bait with the bait tag clearly hanging right by the bait is ______, you are the problem! You are not honest and you are not a real hunter, honest people and real hunters respect each other.
Post by: jrebel on May 28, 2023, 08:01:56 AM
Post by: rackattack on May 28, 2023, 11:14:00 AM
Makes me wonder if it is one of Bearpaw Outfitters previous clients?? Guy pays for a hunt, goes on hunt, kills nice bear over bait......next year or a few years later, with knowledge of location of bait sites he decides to cheat the system. :dunno: :dunno:
Exactly my thoughts as well.
Post by: huntnfmly on May 28, 2023, 11:55:03 AM
Makes me wonder if it is one of Bearpaw Outfitters previous clients?? Guy pays for a hunt, goes on hunt, kills nice bear over bait......next year or a few years later, with knowledge of location of bait sites he decides to cheat the system. :dunno: :dunno:
Exactly my thoughts as well.
If so makes it even worse because he would have seen how hard Dale and his guides worked to get him that bear.
Would have most likely even had dinner or lunch with them and seen what a great group of people they are
Post by: GWP on May 28, 2023, 11:57:10 AM
I scouted an area (here in Washington) for bear and sat in a good looking area for an hour or so and had a bear come close. It went out of sight in a shallow draw and quiet for long enough I got up and took a look. It was still there feeding on a large illegal donut pile about 50 feet away that I had not seen.
What if it had been season and I shot it? I can think of at least two different sets of people (F&W and the person that placed it there) that would have presumed I was hunting over it.
Post by: GWP on May 28, 2023, 12:00:45 PM
I will say I have mixed feelings on this. I hunted an area for many years, and more and more permanent camps (before it was made where you had to tear them down) and most of the prime spots were 'someones'. This was on public lands. Also, leasing spots is a peeve of mine, but that is for a different thread.
I scouted an area (here in Washington) for bear and sat in a good looking area for an hour or so and had a bear come close. It went out of sight in a shallow draw and quiet for long enough I got up and took a look. It was still there feeding on a large illegal donut pile about 50 feet away that I had not seen.
What if it had been season and I shot it? I can think of at least two different sets of people (F&W and the person that placed it there) that would have presumed I was hunting over it.
Granted that is different than sitting right over it or in a blind. BUT, I have sat in many a bird blind on public lands when no one was there.
Post by: CP on May 28, 2023, 12:14:21 PM
Public land, right? The word “trespasser” has been used. Can someone “trespass” on public land? Or, in Idaho, does putting up a legal bait site make that piece of public land yours? Or give you more rights to it than anyone else? Even temporarily?
Maybe there is a law forbidding hunting over bait without a permit. But I don’t see anything in 13.01.17 that prohibits hunting over someone else’s bait site.
I’m not saying that it’s the right thing to do, but I don’t see that a citation would hold up in court. :dunno:
Post by: Fidelk on May 28, 2023, 12:38:02 PM
Public land, right? The word “trespasser” has been used. Can someone “trespass” on public land?
I said "trespasser".......I didn't mean it in a literal or legal sense.......just a figure of speech, as in "those who trespass against you". And yes, you can trespass on public land.......if it has been posted as "Area Closed" for a variety of reasons.
Someone came across an opportunity to possibly profit from the labor of others and took advantage of that opportunity.......at least until someone showed up and spooked him. It's one thing to be out hunting and come across a vacant "blind" but pretty bad when active baiting is there for all to see.
Post by: GWP on May 28, 2023, 05:09:17 PM
Yes, that was sarcasm.
Could be though. Who knows?
Post by: Fidelk on May 28, 2023, 05:26:11 PM
Post by: Dan-o on May 28, 2023, 05:58:11 PM
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
Post by: MADMAX on May 28, 2023, 06:11:49 PM
:bash:
Post by: metlhead on May 28, 2023, 06:37:50 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on May 28, 2023, 06:38:18 PM
Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
Sadly Dan-o we both know there are
Post by: Stein on May 28, 2023, 06:50:36 PM
That's according to some random guy and whoever they supposedly talked to.
Post by: bearpaw on May 28, 2023, 07:31:36 PM
However, I just learned my son was told by the warden he contacted this time that the warden would only check and see if the guy is properly licensed. So I guess its the wild west out there, I guess the only option anyone has if someone is hunting your own permitted and tagged bait is to let them have it, or some form of mountain justice, or publicly shame them.
I don't think this is right and I may pursue seeing if the legislature will stiffen the wording so it's black and white illegal to hunt another person's properly tagged bait. Not having black and white language making it illegal actually encourages scumbags to seek out other hunter's permitted baits.
Post by: Fidelk on May 28, 2023, 07:42:59 PM
Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
Post by: Dan-o on May 28, 2023, 09:53:17 PM
Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
Post by: hunter399 on May 29, 2023, 08:07:38 AM
Happens more than it should.
Personaly had hunter sit 20 yards from me durring modern firearm.
So I know how it feels , it does suck.
At the same time I'm pretty big on public land is for everybody,hunter and non hunters alike.
What's ethical,and what's legal are sometimes miles apart.
I feel the same about some of my trail cam spots,but I've put up so many cams that I can't hunt all of them in our very short seasons.
So if somebody hunts it ,when I'm not there ,I'm ok with it.
It's public land,hope they get the one I can't.
Now I would never climb into someone's stand. That's kinda stepping over the line.
Always somebody trying to ride on somebody's coat tails these days.
Post by: Fidelk on May 29, 2023, 09:07:53 AM
Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
I did read the thread. Can you point out the number of the Reply where someone actually stated that "it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait". I missed that part.......
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2023, 11:09:12 AM
Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
I did read the thread. Can you point out the number of the Reply where someone actually stated that "it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait". I missed that part.......
I don't think too many have used that exact language, but there is a lot of excuses and beating around the bush that it's more or less not a concern for someone to hunt another person's bait. I know that I certainly learned a lot about some people's views, and it's pretty disappointing.
My son and I have been getting messages and phone calls from other hunters and outfitters, it's more of a widespread problem than I realized, most likely I will be offering some revised language to update the baiting law, it may or may not get traction, but Idaho is pretty proactive about hunting laws and IDFG is aware of the increasing problem of hunters hunting baits that belong to another hunter. Some very simple modifications of the language will make the law very enforceable.
Post by: trophyhunt on May 29, 2023, 11:13:46 AM
you missed a couple then, maybe not put in Exact words, but it’s there.Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
I did read the thread. Can you point out the number of the Reply where someone actually stated that "it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait". I missed that part.......
Post by: trophyhunt on May 29, 2023, 11:15:07 AM
I was surprised myself, had to read their post twice to confirm.Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
I did read the thread. Can you point out the number of the Reply where someone actually stated that "it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait". I missed that part.......
I don't think too many have used that exact language, but there is a lot of excuses and beating around the bush that it's more or less not a concern for someone to hunt another person's bait. I know that I certainly learned a lot about some people's views, and it's pretty disappointing.
My son and I have been getting messages and phone calls from other hunters and outfitters, it's more of a widespread problem than I realized, most likely I will be offering some revised language to update the baiting law, it may or may not get traction, but Idaho is pretty proactive about hunting laws and IDFG is aware of the increasing problem of hunters hunting baits that belong to another hunter. Some very simple modifications of the language will make the law very enforceable.
Post by: idahohuntr on May 29, 2023, 01:14:41 PM
I do not condone people intentionally sitting at another hunter's bear bait...but I've bear baited for decades in Idaho and its always been a possibility on public land...not too common if you keep your bait away from roads. The bigger issue is actually hound hunters finding and running your baits. :twocents:
As far as folks proposing new language...good luck. Maybe something can be drafted...but honestly, I fear it will just draw more attention to the practice which is not a wise idea when it comes to the future of baiting on federal lands. Furthermore, anything that allows exclusive use of public lands is just going to be a hard sell. Leave the laws as is and public shaming of claim jumpers would be my preferred route.
Post by: Fidelk on May 29, 2023, 02:02:50 PM
One of the issues that makes this a difficult problem to enforce: its on public land...so to suggest placing a bait on public gives anyone exclusive hunting access/rights on public...well, it's just a tough thing to address without creating a bigger mess.
I do not condone people intentionally sitting at another hunter's bear bait...but I've bear baited for decades in Idaho and its always been a possibility on public land...not too common if you keep your bait away from roads. The bigger issue is actually hound hunters finding and running your baits. :twocents:
As far as folks proposing new language...good luck. Maybe something can be drafted...but honestly, I fear it will just draw more attention to the practice which is not a wise idea when it comes to the future of baiting on federal lands. Furthermore, anything that allows exclusive use of public lands is just going to be a hard sell. Leave the laws as is and public shaming of claim jumpers would be my preferred route.
This makes total sense......it's a drag but what are you gonna do.
Post by: KFhunter on May 29, 2023, 02:05:03 PM
I was surprised myself, had to read their post twice to confirm.Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
I did read the thread. Can you point out the number of the Reply where someone actually stated that "it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait". I missed that part.......
I don't think too many have used that exact language, but there is a lot of excuses and beating around the bush that it's more or less not a concern for someone to hunt another person's bait. I know that I certainly learned a lot about some people's views, and it's pretty disappointing.
My son and I have been getting messages and phone calls from other hunters and outfitters, it's more of a widespread problem than I realized, most likely I will be offering some revised language to update the baiting law, it may or may not get traction, but Idaho is pretty proactive about hunting laws and IDFG is aware of the increasing problem of hunters hunting baits that belong to another hunter. Some very simple modifications of the language will make the law very enforceable.
I don’t see why they couldn’t borrow some language from trapping laws, specifically messing with traps which is pretty similar to messing with someone’s hunting stand, and perhaps to go further require all stands on public to be posted with hunter registration numbers, just like traps have to be
Edit: I’m talking about semi-permanent stands let unattended
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2023, 02:11:18 PM
One of the issues that makes this a difficult problem to enforce: its on public land...so to suggest placing a bait on public gives anyone exclusive hunting access/rights on public...well, it's just a tough thing to address without creating a bigger mess.
I do not condone people intentionally sitting at another hunter's bear bait...but I've bear baited for decades in Idaho and its always been a possibility on public land...not too common if you keep your bait away from roads. The bigger issue is actually hound hunters finding and running your baits. :twocents:
As far as folks proposing new language...good luck. Maybe something can be drafted...but honestly, I fear it will just draw more attention to the practice which is not a wise idea when it comes to the future of baiting on federal lands. Furthermore, anything that allows exclusive use of public lands is just going to be a hard sell. Leave the laws as is and public shaming of claim jumpers would be my preferred route.
This makes total sense......it's a drag but what are you gonna do.
idahohuntr made some valid points that need to be considered but I think he has reached the wrong conclusion. The act of baiting and rules pertaining to hunting are guided by state law. I would argue that Idaho has the authority to adjust the current baiting rules without needing to consult the USFS. Nobody wants to restrict access, we simply need a few small changes to the state code on baiting. The state doesn't restrict access, but they do already restrict hunting with seasons and all sorts of rules throughout the year.
Post by: Fidelk on May 29, 2023, 02:14:20 PM
Some interesting/worrying comments.
Does anyone actually think it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait?
No, it isn't and I haven't read anyone here saying that it was.
You should probably read the thread....
I did read the thread. Can you point out the number of the Reply where someone actually stated that "it's OK for a guy to hunt someone else's bear bait". I missed that part.......
I don't think too many have used that exact language, but there is a lot of excuses and beating around the bush that it's more or less not a concern for someone to hunt another person's bait. I know that I certainly learned a lot about some people's views, and it's pretty disappointing.
My son and I have been getting messages and phone calls from other hunters and outfitters, it's more of a widespread problem than I realized, most likely I will be offering some revised language to update the baiting law, it may or may not get traction, but Idaho is pretty proactive about hunting laws and IDFG is aware of the increasing problem of hunters hunting baits that belong to another hunter. Some very simple modifications of the language will make the law very enforceable.
Let me be 100% clear. I agree with you that it is an offense against you when you put in work and someone who has not put in any work, slides in and harvests the fruits of your labor. It is theft.......however, the nature of the theft may not be clearly codified in Law. You have a clear interest in getting this law defined more clearly.......I hope you obtain it.
I'm reading this thread because I find it instructional......if I come across any prepared blinds/sites out in the woods while hunting, I will immediately distance myself from them. I think posters here are sympathetic to your situation, I don't think anyone has stated that other hunters have a right to sit over your bait sites. I think it's more a matter of discussion about the problems of stopping such acts of opportunistic theft.
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2023, 02:37:36 PM
https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/130117.pdf
IDAPA 13 – IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Wildlife Bureau
13.01.17 – Rules Governing Use of Bait for Hunting Big Game Animals
BAITING PERMIT.
01. Baiting Permit. (3-31-22)
a. Baiting permits are issued by mail or in person from Department offices beginning March 1 of each
year. (3-31-22)
b. Baiting permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued. (3-31-22)
02. Use of Baiting Permit. (3-31-22)
a. All persons placing bait must possess a baiting permit issued by the Department. (3-31-22)
b. Each hunter may possess only one (1) baiting permit each year and may maintain up to three (3)
bait sites, except the number of bait sites maintained by outfitters will be that specified by the land management
agency in the outfitter’s operating plan. (3-31-22)
c. No person may hunt over an unlawful bait site. (3-31-22)
d. Any person hunting a bait must have one of their bait tags displayed at the bait and may not add their tag to an already tagged bait without possessing written permission from the person who has already established and tagged an active bait.
e. No person shall place a bait within ____ hundred yards of a known active bait site.
copy of the outfitter’s permit in their possession while placing bait or hunting over the outfitter’s permitted bait site.
Nothing there restricts anyone from walking past the bait or even stopping and looking at the bait, but it would be illegal to hunt someone else's bait without permission from the person who established the active bait. Also no one is prevented from establishing their own bait if there happens to be an abandoned or inactive previous bait site nearby.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on May 29, 2023, 02:47:10 PM
Post by: bearpaw on May 29, 2023, 03:06:59 PM
Sounds like this guy was clearly in the wrong. That being said, I'm curious. What exactly is the definition of "hunting over bait"? Is it a certain distance? Within eyesight of the bait?
I don't think IDFG has a specific definition of hunting at a bait site, their code is very simply worded, I think it allows for officer discretion?
Post by: dilleytech on June 02, 2023, 12:17:31 PM
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on June 02, 2023, 10:47:12 PM
Post by: GWP on June 03, 2023, 08:13:48 AM
I was hunting waterfowl in a remote area I had been to many times that is a couple miles in. The smallish lake is pretty long, but there is only a couple good places to hide and hunt from.
Being very quiet, I got to the spot I preferred and got settled in, in case there was any birds sitting on the lake, and waited for it to get light.
After sitting a bit it was just getting light enough I noticed rings in the water coming from a spot out of my sight up the lake and below me. I moved a bit closer, thinking it was birds by the shore, but realized it was someone tossing small rocks in the water (same thing I do) and then I could hear faint whispers. No vehicle by the trail I used to come in, so I would guess we came in from different directions.
Well crap.
I was pretty surprised as I had never seen anyone there before, but there it was. Now what? I am certain they never knew I was there.
It really (in my opinion) is too small to support two groups without taking a chance of screwing up someones hunt, so I pulled out of the area.
I am sure some would have stayed anyway, as it was on public lands and a long walk in. I am also sure if I had shot there would have been some upset folks down there.
So what is enough room for baiting? The more people hunting and setting baits, the more chance you have of 'accidently' hunting 'someone's area'.
Granted, the OP's situation is pretty cut and dried as far as knowing the bait was there, and the guy was wrong hunting over a marked bait. What distance is enough on a known bait? What if the guy that has been setting the area was a day later in getting his stuff out and finds someone else's baits in his area?
Post by: KFhunter on June 03, 2023, 09:05:25 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 03, 2023, 09:26:57 AM
For example in most of Idaho you must be 200 yards from a road and 200 feet from surface water, in the Panhandle and Clearwater you only need to be 200 feet from roads, likely due to the much heavier cover. But if that rule didn't exist you can bet a few characters would back their truck off the side of the road and dump bait within site of travelable roads.
IMO rules are less about telling respectful hunters what to do, it's more about telling the few characters out there what they cannot do and giving law enforcement definitions to enforce. In the new rule I proposed, I purposely put "____ hundred yards from a known active bait site" because I'm not sure what the answer is to that question. Maybe the best answer is 200 yards or 400 yards?
Post by: jae on June 04, 2023, 06:45:50 PM