Youth Controlled Hunts

[Mooretitan]

We have hunted Idaho a few different times over the last 5 years but this year I am planning on putting my kids in for some youth hunts. I will not be drawing a tag. Before I was able to have a tag and hunt with them. Anyone want to explain how these controlled youth nonresident hunts work when the adult doesn't have a tag for the unit. I am sure I am missing something. Asking here 1st so when I call fish and game I will have better understanding of what to ask about.

Thanks

 

[JPickett]

I think what your asking is do you need a hunting license. And I believe the answer is yes? I seem to remember somewhere that “youth” need to be accompanied by a license holder over 18. Probably still a good question to call and get clear though

 

[OutdoorWriter]

We have hunted Idaho a few different times over the last 5 years but this year I am planning on putting my kids in for some youth hunts. I will not be drawing a tag. Before I was able to have a tag and hunt with them. Anyone want to explain how these controlled youth nonresident hunts work when the adult doesn't have a tag for the unit. I am sure I am missing something. Asking here 1st so when I call fish and game I will have better understanding of what to ask about.

Thanks

Some info...
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Idaho Big game Youth Information​

Idaho offers a youth hunting license and access fee for $95.75.

Youth hunters, ages 10-17, under the Junior Mentored Tags program can purchase over-the-counter deer tags for $176.75, elk tags for $299.75, bear tags for $116.75, and turkey tags for $44.75. If you apply as a party for elk or deer controlled hunts and draw the tags, the youth will be charged the Junior Mentored Tag price. When applying your kids, only submit the Junior Mentored Tag price for the hunting license, which is $91.75 for non-residents plus the application fee. Anyone with a Junior Mentored Tag must be accompanied in the field by an adult with the same tag(s) for the same species and unit and be close enough to the youth hunter to be within normal conversation or hearing range.

Idaho’s Hunting Passport is a component of the Fish and Game’s mentored hunting program. The Hunting Passport allows any first-time hunter, resident or non-resident, age 8 and older to try hunting anything except big game for one year with an adult mentor without first having to complete a hunter education course. Holders of the Hunting Passport must be 10 years of age to hunt big game with an over-the-counter tag but are not eligible to possess a controlled hunt tag. Hunting Passports are available at license vendors and Fish and Game regional offices for $1.75.

 

[Mooretitan]

Thanks I had read that a few times and I guess I was just missing the Mentored Tag is for over the counter hunts. I will call to confirm but they should be able to put in controlled hunts without me having to have a tag. Idaho really raised the prices of youth tags the last couple years. I think my sons 1st deer tag was around $30 if I remember right.

 

[N_Corey]

I’m not sure if youth get the jr mentored tag price without having an adult with a full price nonresident tag. I know for other hr mentored hunts the adult tag didn’t have to be for that unit necessarily but they did need one for that year.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

I know for other hr mentored hunts the adult tag didn’t have to be for that unit necessarily but they did need one for that year.

Hmmm, seems it does for any big game...

"Anyone with a Junior Mentored Tag must be accompanied in the field by an adult with the same tag(s) for the same species and unit..."

 

[N_Corey]

Same tag being a deer tag or an elk tag.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

Same tag being a deer tag or an elk tag.

The way I read it, the mentor must have the SAME species tag as the junior. Not either/or. Thus, if Hunter Jr. has a deer tag for the M/D/Y season in Unit #, Hunter Sr. must also have a deer tag for that hunt. Same for elk.

 

[Soj51hopeful]

I don’t think the “junior mentored” tag is the same as a youth tag. If I remember right the montored tag is for youngsters who haven’t completed hunter education but want to try hunting with an experienced hunter.

Could be totally wrong here too.

 

[Soj51hopeful]

A regular youth controlled hunt tag I believe is a totally different than the mentored tag.

 

[OutdoorWriter]

A regular youth controlled hunt tag I believe is a totally different than the mentored tag.

You're probably right.

 

[Blank]

MT: Part of the confusion the Dept has generated is the use of the Hunting Passport and Junior Mentored programs. Like mentioned above, you have to have a similar tag as them, and accompany them, and they can't do controlled hunts

If you want to buy them a full price NR license, they can apply for any of the controlled hunts, and if they are 12-17 they are EXEMPT from the escort requirements, also you do not need a tag to be with them

From the FAQ: "Non-resident youth hunters in possession of a youth mentored license/tag are required to be accompanied by an adult with a valid license and tag for the same area and species. A non-resident youth who chooses to purchase a regular non-resident hunting license is not required to be accompanied by an adult with a valid license and tag for the same area and species. The intent of this rule is to allow young hunters a discounted opportunity to hunt in Idaho while fostering hunter education through the auspices of a mentor."