Wolf trapping seasons open today

It is that time of year again when trappers and hound hunters will be out and about in the wilds of Idaho.

People with pets should know how to release a pet that is caught in a foothold trap or neck snare. While trapping has been part of the landscape in Idaho, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hound hunters, hunters with bird dogs and people with pets that trappers have an increased interest to be in the woods because of the wolf trapping season.

Wolf trapping rules have changed since the 2012 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure was published. For new trapping rules please see the 2012-2013 Wolf Trapping Seasons and Rules pamphlet available at license vendors, IDFG offices and online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/docs/rules/wolfTrapRules.pdf.

The wolf trapping seasons open today, Nov. 15, and run through March 31 in the Panhandle zone, except for units 2 and 3; in the Lolo zone; in the Dworshak-Elk City zone, except Unit 10A; in the Selway zone; in the Middle Fork zone; and in units 19A and 25 of the McCall-Weiser Zone.

Trapping season opens Feb. 1 through March 31 in Unit 10A of the Dworshak-Elk City Zone.

All other zones are closed to trapping.

Trappers must complete a required wolf trapping class before they can buy wolf trapping tags.

Licensed trappers may buy up to five wolf trapping tags per trapping season for use in those zones with an open wolf trapping season. In addition, up to five wolf hunting tags may be purchased per calendar year for hunting. Unused wolf hunting tags may be used to tag trapped wolves in wolf zones with an open trapping and hunting season. Trappers should note that bag limits are not the same for all the wolf zones.