Idaho Hunters: Protect Yourself By Avoiding Common Game Violations
Hunting is among the most popular sports and leisure activities in Idaho. Our firm’s founder, Jared B. Martens, understands why. When not practicing law, he is an avid hunter and fisherman.
Hunters are passionate about what they do, and most are responsible and law-abiding in how they do it. Unfortunately, hunting laws and regulations can be confusing and surprisingly easy to accidentally violate. On this page, we’ll discuss some of the most common hunting violations in Idaho. If you find yourself facing charges related to a game violation, contact Martens Law Office, P.C., to discuss your legal options in a free consultation.
Have You Been Accused Of A Tag Compliance Issue?
There are strict protocols and detailed instructions surrounding placing tags on harvested animals. Many hunting violations have to do with improper attachment of a tag, failing to follow instructions for removing month/date notches on the tag and illegally transferring a license or tag. You can read more on our tag violations page.
Using Land And Roads Without Proper Permission
Wooded areas may be public land, private property or a combination of the two. Even if the boundaries are not clearly marked, it is the hunter’s responsibility to know whether they are on private land and obtain permission accordingly. If not, you could be charged with trespassing.
Similarly, even if you are legally on federal/state land, you are expected to understand the rules about when and where motorized vehicles (like ATVs) can be used to aid in hunting or retrieving harvested animals. There are serious penalties associated with violating motorized hunting rules.
Hunting License Violations Are Common
Did you hunt without a license or purchase the wrong type of license? Did you hunt out of season or harvest too many game? These are considered serious offenses, and they could result in the loss of your hunting license and other penalties. We discuss these issues in greater detail on our hunting license violations page.
Violations Of Communication And Reporting Requirements
Did you remember to stop at a check station on your way to or from your hunting location? All hunters are required to do this regardless of whether they harvested an animal. You also need to fill out and submit proxy statement paperwork if you will be transporting a carcass taken by another hunter.
Endangering Or Harming Others Through Unsafe Use Of A Weapon
Some hunters make very poor decisions when it comes to using their guns or bows, putting themselves and others at risk. One of the most common violations that results in criminal penalties is firing a weapon across a public highway or other roadway. Ignorance is no defense. You are responsible for knowing the road was there and knowing that it is illegal to fire your weapon across it.
Contact An Experienced Game Violations Attorney To Discuss Your Legal Options
Martens Law Office, P.C., is based in Boise, and we serve clients accused of fish and game violations throughout Idaho. To tell your story and learn about your legal options from a criminal defense attorney who is also a dedicated outdoorsman, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Just call 208-435-1132 or submit an online contact form.