Big-game tags not just for the highest bidder

COEUR d'ALENE — There were no takers on Thursday night on a statewide proposal to offer five additional hunting tags for auction, including one each for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain goat and moose.

The 15 attendees of a meeting at Idaho Fish and Game's Panhandle Office were overwhelmingly against the proposal.

Opponents believe the proposal could lead to a slippery slope of allowing non-residents and big money to change the face of hunting as it has done in Utah.

"Where does it stop?" said Erv Nave of Spirit Lake regarding issuing the tags for auction.

Proponents say funding from the tags would be another way to support wildlife management programs.

When IDFG commissioners meet Wednesday through next Friday in Boise, they are expected to make a decision on whether or not to issue the auction tags.

The Idaho Legislature in 2012 gave authority for the commission to auction up to 12 "Governor's Wildlife Partnership" big-game tags, which could include three each for deer, elk and pronghorn and one each for bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat.

Since that legislation passed, the commission has not offered any tags for auction except a bighorn sheep tag it has auctioned annually since 1988. That tag sold for $90,000 in January and as much as $200,000 in some previous years.

Eric Nave, of Rathdrum, said the proposal just doesn't seem right to residents. He said some hunters may never draw a moose tag, but some non-resident with big money may get one instead. He said some have paid $400,000 for tags in other states.

"That's more than 10 times the average Idahoan makes in income, so the chance of that tag going to an Idahoan is slim to none," he said.

When asked if IDFG is desperately in need of the funds that the auction tags would bring, both Brad Corkill, the IDFG commissioner for North Idaho, and Chip Corsi, IDFG's regional supervisor, said no.

Corkill said the sentiment around the state at similar recent meetings on the tags has been against the proposal. Corkill said he also opposes it.

"It sets a precedent," he said. "Ultimately, it's detrimental to the average guy who wants to hunt."

Attendees also spoke out against Senate Bill 1236, which would mandate the commission to offer more big-game tags for auction rather than make that an option.

"I am not happy with how the Legislature is treating Fish and Game this year and, by not treating Fish and Game good, they are screwing with me," said Coeur d'Alene's John Moore. "The bill changes only one word from 'may' to 'shall.' Defeating (SB1236) is more important than deciding the number of auction tags at this point. The word 'shall' scares the hell out of me. Some legislators seem intent on taking control of our wildlife say from us."

The commission also earlier voted to oppose the bill.

A recent random mail survey of hunters showed 54 percent agreed with auctioning tags to raise money for wildlife management and sportsmen access, and 51 percent agreed with offering more big-game tags for auction.

People can comment through today on the proposed auction tags at

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Click on the "Public Involvement" tab on the right side of the home page.

For more information about the auction proposal, call 769-1414.