Idaho F&G: Know the trespassing laws when hunting and fishing

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) wants Idaho fishers and hunters to remember one thing: you need permission to be on private lands. Last year Idaho's trespassing laws changed to include permission to hunt and fish on private property.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) wants Idaho fishers and hunters to remember one thing: you need permission to be on private lands.

Last year Idaho's trespassing laws changed to include permission to hunt and fish on private property.

"No person shall enter or remain on private land to shoot any weapon or hunt, fish, trap or retrieve game without written permission or other lawful permission," - IDFG website.

Hunters, anglers, and trappers will also be held responsible for knowing if they are on private property.

However, this shouldn't be too difficult of a task. IDFG recommends using maps, GPS, software, and even smartphone apps.

Private property owners do have a responsibility to mark their land.

If private property adjoins or is contained within public lands, the fence line should be posted with "no trespassing signs" or bright orange/fluorescent paint at the corners of the fence; at all navigable streams, roads, gates and rights-of-way entering the private land from public land and posted in a way people can see it.

In summary, here are a few things to remember from IDFG on trespassing:

  • You need permission to be on private land.
  • It’s the responsibility of the hunter/angler to know if they’re on private land.
  • The laws affecting how landowners must post their property changed in recent years.
  • Fines have been stiffened for trespass violations.

“Trespass laws have changed, but the core philosophies have not,” said According to Idaho Fish and Game’s Enforcement Bureau Chief Greg Wooten. “It’s still the sportsman’s responsibility to know when they’re on private property and obtain permission to be there.”

Sportsmen and women should know if the land is private if the property is associated with a residence or business, is cultivated, is fenced or enclosed, or unfenced and uncultivated but is posted with "no trespassing" signs.

If you'd like a permission form click here. Or get one at the Fish and Game offices and at any county sheriff's office.

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