Forest fires likely won't affect late-summer hunts

August 19, 2015

People heading out for late-summer hunts may see some road and trail restrictions caused by wildfires, but hunters are reminded Idaho Fish and Game rarely alters hunts or offers rain checks for controlled hunt tags because of fires. Fires typically affect only a portion of a hunting unit and are usually put out or under control well before the hunting season ends, so Fish and Game does not altering season dates in response to fire restrictions. Hunters affected by a fire closure can adjust their schedule to hunt later in the season, or exchange general tags to hunt in a different area, but exchanges must be made before the season begins. Hunters with controlled hunt tags may also exchange them for general season tags before the controlled hunt begins, but controlled-hunt fees would not be refunded. In limited cases, Fish and Game will offer rain checks or refunds when access to a hunting unit is blocked by fire. A person requesting a rain check must submit his or her tag to Fish and Game with a letter describing how fires blocked their ability to hunt. If the raincheck is granted, a 2016 tag is offered for the same species and hunt area as the hunter held in 2015. For more information about rain checks, call at (208) 334-2592. Send written requests to Fish and Game Licensing, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707.