Question:
I heard that more elk tags are being offered in some controlled hunts in the Lemhi Zone. Why?

Answer:
Surveys of elk populations in the Lemhi Zone indicated the chance to offer more hunting opportunity. Elk permits were added in hunt numbers 2005 (58 permits), 2013 (24 permits), 2139 (two permits), 2142 (one permit), and 2148 (three permits). Three permits were cut in hunt number 2141. The increases are conservative and the overall goal for the Lemhi Zone units is to maintain quality bull hunting. The increases will help allow a few more hunters to hunt there, but still maintain the quality bull hunt.

Question:
I heard something about picking up my big game tag early this year. What's that about?

Answer:
It is about picking up your tag for controlled hunts on or before August 20. This new rule applies to deer, elk, antelope and black bear tags. It does not apply to trophy species or unlimited controlled hunts. Six to eight percent of people successful in the draws fail to pick up a tag each year, depriving someone else of a chance to hunt. Tags that are not claimed by the person who drew them will go on sale at license vendors statewide August 30 as unclaimed leftover tags.