New rules set for state's bear hunters
Several useful physical features can help individuals tell the difference between grizzly and black bears. In general, none should not be used alone. Color and size are not reliable indicators and should not be used to identify species.
Illustration courtesy IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME
Temporary rules are in place for black bear hunting in Idaho after the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved new requirements for bear baiting and a mandatory bear identification course for hunters.
Starting Sept. 1, any person placing bait to hunt black bears, hunting at a bait site, or witnessing the use of a bait site by a grizzly bear, must immediately report the presence of a grizzly bear at a bait station to a Fish and Game regional office, public information supervisor Roger Phillips said.
They must also stop hunting over that bait site for the rest of that specific hunting season. Phillips said the site cannot be rebaited and must be removed as soon as it’s safe and feasible. As an example, if a grizzly visits a bait site during the spring season, the bait site must be removed for the remainder of the spring season but could be replaced for the fall season.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, black bear hunters in the state will be required to show they have taken a bear identification test to help them differentiate between black bears and grizzly bears. Further details on how hunters can take a test and show proof will be provided before the new rule takes effect, Phillips said.
"These are temporary rules that will still go through a formal rulemaking process and include public comment," he added.
Phillips said the state is seeking removal of grizzlies from federal Endangered Species Act protection, and part of the delisting process reviews state regulatory measures rules to protect grizzlies if federal protection is lifted.
"For decades the Commission has prohibited black bear hunters from using bait in occupied grizzly bear recovery areas in the Panhandle and Greater Yellowstone area," the public information supervisor said. "Idaho’s case for delisting is even stronger by having these additional rules in place."
Phillips noted that there is no hunting season for grizzlies in Idaho, and grizzly bear death from hunter misidentification is a rare occurrence and has not prevented the remarkable growth and expansion of Idaho’s grizzly bear population.
"Idaho’s grizzly population is increasing, and grizzly bears may wander long distances through areas where people don’t expect to encounter them," he said.