Idaho Black Bear Tags Explained - NR

[AlabamaMountainMan]

New to Rokslide and hunting outside of the SE US. Have decided to begin planning a black bear hunt in Idaho. I was originally planning on applying for a controlled hunt on Dec.1 of this year but started seeing reduced tags and what looks like general OTC tags. I have not been able to find a clear answer on forums or on the IDFG website so I wanted to ask before I get myself into a violation with game wardens. Am I able to just buy the reduced tag or OTC tag for bear as long as they are available for purchase on the IDFG website? If so, why would anyone apply for controlled hunts? Aren't the general OTC tags/reduced good for the entire year and multiple units? What does a controlled hunt offer that general does not for bear?

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Because reduced tags are usually in wilderness areas with difficult access and tough country.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Because reduced tags are usually in wilderness areas with difficult access and tough country.

Gotcha. What about the general tags? Why apply for controlled if they are good for most units, all year, and you can buy them pretty much whenever? I guess I am concerned I am misunderstanding something in the tag system.

 

[JMundy84]

There's a few controlled tags that change the seasons a little bit. Up here in unit 1 where I'm at baiting and dogs are prohibited but there's a controlled tag that allows dogs in a certain part of the unit. There could be more like that in other parts of the state.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

There's a few controlled tags that change the seasons a little bit. Up here in unit 1 where I'm at baiting and dogs are prohibited but there's a controlled tag that allows dogs in a certain part of the unit. There could be more like that in other parts of the state.

Okay that makes sense. So if someone is just interested in hunting bear spot'n'stalk and is not too picky on location, general is probably fine. If you want something a little more specific, say dogs in a specific time and place, controlled may be the only option.

 

[JMundy84]

Okay that makes sense. So if someone is just interested in hunting bear spot'n'stalk and is not too picky on location, general is probably fine. If you want something a little more specific, say dogs in a specific time and place, controlled may be the only option.

More than likely

 

[JRDK2000]

Did you end up going?

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Going in Spring 2025. Found 3 spots in what seems to be a good unit. Going to spend about 5 days backpacking. Probably last week of May or first week of June depending on snow. Currently stocking up on gear I’ll need.

 

[ruralnv]

How did it go? and was it worth it?

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Unf

How did it go? and was it worth it?

Unfortunately my hunting partner got issued a nasty (and expensive) divorce and couldn’t go. Without a buddy to split up the 34 hour drive and share some of the cost and gear, I just didn’t have it in me to make it. I’m considering spending that time in North Georgia in the fall instead since the drive is only 5 hours and the gear needed is considerably less. I still want to go but I’ll either have to find a new partner, fly, or hope my buddy is up to it in the next few springs.