Apply for spring bear controlled hunts soon

Hunters wanting to participate in this spring's controlled hunts for black bear can apply from Jan. 15 through Feb. 15.

Spring 2021 bear controlled hunt information is in the 2020 Big Game Seasons and Rules book.

Hunters who have a 2021 hunting license may apply for controlled hunts at any Fish and Game license vendor; with a credit card by calling 1-800-554-8685; or online at license.gooutdoorsidaho.com. There is a nonrefundable application fee is $6.25 per person for residents and $18 per person for nonresidents. An additional fee is charged for telephone and Internet applications. Mail-in applications are not accepted.

Junior hunters must be between the ages of 10 and 17 to participate in any bear controlled hunt, but a 9-year-old may buy a junior license to apply, provided the hunter is 10 years old at the time of the hunt for which they are applying.

Successful spring black bear applicants will be notified by mail no later than March 10. Any leftover tags for spring bear controlled hunts go on sale April 1.

Brian Pearson is a conservation public iInformation specialist with Idaho Fish & Game.