Respect private property or risk losing access

In North Idaho, we are fortunate to have a lot of public property available for hunting and for recreation in general. But much of our wildlife resource, particularly game birds and big game, is located on private property.

On privately owned land, prime wildlife habitat is frequently abundant. Hunting pressure is usually not as high as on public lands.

Many private landowners in North Idaho are generous in allowing access to their lands for hunting and fishing. However, some of these landowners are becoming frustrated because of the irresponsible and unlawful behaviors of a few individuals who fail to respect private property and the opportunity to access it. The result is landowners who are hesitant to allow continued public access.

Timber companies own the largest tracts of private land in the Panhandle. They have been very generous in allowing the public to use their property for recreation. Some require special permits, others do not. It is the recreationist's responsibility to know who owns the land they are on and if a permit is needed.

The Godde Family and The Mica Bay Land Company manage a very large tract of land just south of Coeur d'Alene. The owners have allowed public hunting access to about 22,000 acres of previously restricted property south of Coeur d'Alene. This program, managed through a permit system administered by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, allows hunting access by those who have signed up. When registering, participants receive a free access card and a map of access points. The landowners simply ask that users respect their property by adhering to the requirements stated in the contract that is signed when obtaining the permit.

As recently as this April, land managers on this property found that someone had driven a vehicle around a gate and damaged a muddy road, and had also cut a fence to gain unlawful access to the property. These types of behaviors by just a few individuals understandably cause landowners to wonder whether it is worth it to allow the public to use their private property.

It is the responsibility of hunters and anglers to be respectful of private property. This includes notifying law enforcement or landowners when someone abuses private lands. If you see someone cutting a fence, damaging a gate, or driving in a place where motorized travel is prohibited, please gather as much information as you can safely gather. Then, make a phone call to report the damage. In the case of the Mica Bay Land Company, you should call the Idaho Department of Fish and Game or the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

Cooperation and respect from hunters could mean the difference between whether landowners allow public access next year or close it off for everyone.

Mark Rhodes is the Idaho Department of Fish and Game district conservation officer.