Idaho Fish and Game Commissioners reject new big-game auction tags

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission rejected a proposal Thursday to add more big-game tags in its trophy species hunting auction.

Since 1988, the state offers a single bighorn sheep tag annually. That tag sold for $90,000 in January. The Idaho Fish and Game Deprtment uses the proceeds to help pay for wildlife management.

During a recent series of public meetings, sportsmen and women overhwelmingly opposed expanding the auction. And, during a public hearing in Boise Wednesday, those commenting unanimously opposed the idea.

Commissioners also reviewed a questionaire from the Fish and Game Department’s website. It received 591 responses with 80 percent of those responding opposing the additional tags and 15 percent in favor.

In 2012, the Idaho Legislature gave the Commission authority to auction up to 12 big-game tags, including three each for deer, elk and pronghorn and one each for bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat.