Traditional hunting threatened in state

There is a movement in Idaho to increase landowner appreciation tags from 10 percent to 25 percent. Currently, these tags are set aside so family members of ranches can apply for free game tags. There is nothing wrong with a ranch family getting a free elk tag for allowing wild herds to use their lands. Some people want to drastically change this.

Our Fish and Game commissioners are considering allowing private landowners to have up to 25 percent of controlled tags in any hunt unit. These tags could then be sold by the landowner to the highest bidder. A tag in trophy bull units could go for $5,000 each.

At recent hearings in Boise, nearly all sportsmen and sportsmen groups were strongly opposed to this change. Simplot, Cabela's, and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife were the only ones favoring the change.

Simplot owns large amounts of land, Cabela's sells hunts and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife promote trophy hunting for a select few.

Our new Fish and Game Commissioner, Tony McDermott needs to hear from sportsmen and women on this issue. Unfortunately four of the commissioners belong to Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife.

LARRY BOOK

Sandpoint

Bonner County Sportsmen,

President