Idaho, Wyoming Approve Grizzly Bear Hunts

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission (IFGC) and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) have both approved grizzly bear hunts for the first time in more than 40 years.

The IFGC approved a single, once-in-a-lifetime grizzly bear license for the eastern portion of the state during the 2018 fall season. The season will run from September 1 through November 15. However, at the time of our reporting, the IFGC noted, “Because actual implementation of the grizzly hunt may be subject to a pending lawsuit in federal court, hunters applying should beware that the hunt could be canceled.” If that occurs, the prepaid tag fees would be refunded to the hunter but the controlled hunt application fee would not.

Wyoming, on the other hand, will allow 11 bears to be taken, including one female. The state has designated hunt areas as those having high bear/human conflict rates. At the time of our reporting, Wyoming’s season dates had yet to be set. According to the WGFD, although grizzly bear hunting regulations were adopted by the department, they won’t go into effect until the governor approves the measures via signature.