Big Game Rules
page 98
Idaho 2015 & 2016 Big Game Seasons & Rules idfg.idaho.gov
Prescribed Burning
:
Prescribed burning uses fire to restore forests and rangelands
and improve conditions for wildlife. Prescribed fire may be
planned in your hunting unit. Stay informed. Contact your local
land management agencies.
Wildlife Violator Compact
Many states including Idaho have entered into a “Wildlife
Violator Compact.” If your hunting, fishing, or trapping license
is revoked by any of the member states, all the remaining states
may revoke the same license or privilege for the same time
period. In addition, any nonresident who does not satisfy the
requirements of an Idaho citation will have his or her hunting
and fishing license revoked in their home state until those
requirements are satisfied. For information on the Compact and
a list of member states, go to
http://idfg.idaho.gov
.
Boundary Waters Reciprocal Agreement
The Oregon-Idaho boundary water reciprocal agreement
recognizes the legal right to fish, hunt or trap in the waters or
on the islands of the Snake River where said river forms the
boundary line between the state of Oregon and the state of
Idaho by the holder of either a valid Oregon or Idaho license in
accordance with the laws and rules of the respective state.
Weapon Restrictions
Rifle and Shotgun
In any hunt, including any-weapon seasons, it is unlawful to
pursue or kill big game animals:
•
By any means other than approved firearms,
muzzleloaders and archery methods.
•
With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated
on, the firearm or scope;
except
scopes containing
battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed.
•
With any firearm that, in combination with a scope,
sling and/or any attachments, weighs more than 16
pounds.
•
With any fully automatic firearm.
•
With any shotgun using shot smaller than #00 buck.
•
With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun, or muzzle-
loading handgun, except for mountain lions or legally-
trapped gray wolves.
Short Range Weapons
In big game seasons restricted to short-range weapons,
it is unlawful for hunters to use any weapon other than a
muzzleloader, archery equipment, crossbow, a shotgun using
slugs or shot of size #00 buck or larger, or a handgun using
straight-walled cartridges not originally developed for rifles.
Muzzleloader Caliber Requirements
In any hunt, including general any-weapon seasons and short-
range hunts, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals
with any muzzleloading rifle or musket that is less than .45
caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf; or is
less than .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain
goat or black bear.
Muzzleloader Only Season
Any person hunting in a muzzleloader only season, including
controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with
a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only
season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with
any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a
muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading
rifle or musket must be:
•
Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle.
•
Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any
electronics are prohibited.
Except
hunters with a visual
disability may apply for a permit to use nonmagnifying
scopes. (Applications are available at Fish and Game
offices.)
•
Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or
other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are
prohibited.
•
Equipped with a single or double-barrel.
•
Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the
bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited.
•
Loaded with a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed
projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy.
•
Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap.
209 primers are prohibited.
•
Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of
the cap is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked
and ready to fire.
For additional information about muzzleloader equipment visit
http://idfg.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=299
