It is that time of year again when trappers and hound hunters will be out and about in the wilds of Idaho.
People with pets should know how to release a pet that is caught in a foothold trap or neck snare. While trapping has been part of the landscape in Idaho, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hound hunters, hunters with bird dogs and people with pets that trappers have an increased interest to be in the woods because of the wolf trapping season.
The wolf trapping seasons open Thursday, Nov. 15, and run through March 31 in the Panhandle zone, except for units 2 and 3; in the Lolo zone; in the Dworshak-Elk City zone, except Unit 10A; in the Selway zone; in the Middle Fork zone; and in units 19A and 25 of the McCall-Weiser Zone.
Trapping season opens Feb. 1 through March 31 in Unit 10A of the Dworshak-Elk City Zone.
All other zones are closed to trapping.
Trappers must complete a required wolf trapping class before they can buy wolf trapping tags.
Licensed trappers may buy up to five wolf trapping tags per trapping season for use in those zones with an open wolf trapping season. In addition, up to five wolf hunting tags may be purchased per calendar year for hunting. Unused wolf hunting tags may be used to tag trapped wolves in wolf zones with an open trapping and hunting season. Trappers should note that bag limits are not the same for all the wolf zones.
Only three wolf trapping tags may be used in units 19A and 25 of the McCall-Weiser Zone.
Wolf tags cost $11.50 for resident hunters, and $31.75 for nonresidents. Trapping tags are valid for the trapping season, but wolf hunting tags are valid for the calendar year.
Trapping regulations prohibit traps from the center and within 5 feet of center line of all maintained designated public trails and from the surface and right of way of all maintained designated public roads. Ground traps are prohibited within 300 feet of any designated public campground, picnic area and trailhead.
Hound hunters, hunters with bird dogs and other pet owners have a responsibility to keep track of and maintain control of their pets. It is illegal to allow dogs to harass wildlife.