Comments requested on proposed rule changes in bear baiting

July 7, 2015

Idaho Fish and Game is launching a negotiated rule making process and wants to hear from the public about proposed changes to bear baiting rules. The current rule requires that all bear baits cannot be located within 200 feet of any water or within 200 yards from any maintained trail or any road. The proposed change would make the distances consistent so that baits may be located at least 200 feet from roads and maintained trails rather than the current minimum distance of 200 yards from any roads or maintained trails. In addition, a proposed change is that “any roads” would be revised to “established roads,” which is defined as any road that is established, built, maintained, approved or designated by any governmental entity or private landowner for the purpose of travel by full-sized automobiles. An established roadway shows evidence of repeated use by full-sized automobiles, and may include a traveled way of natural earth with depressed wheel tracks and little or no vegetation in the wheel tracks. Additional information, including complete text of the proposed changes and how to submit comments, is available on the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/?getPage=33. Comments will be accepted from July 1 through July 22, 2015.