The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is reminding hunters that anyone hunting black bears in Idaho must now show proof that they have passed a bear identification test to help them differentiate between grizzly bears and black bears. The news rule went into effect on January 1st.
According to a news release, both grizzly bears and black bears reside in portions of Idaho, so it’s important to know their physical differences. Grizzlies are federally protected in Idaho, so there is no hunting season for them.
After successfully completing a bear identification test, a hunter will be assigned a certificate number that they must provide when in the field. Fish and Game recommends hunters save a digital copy of the completed certificate and store the certificate number on their GoOutdoorsIdaho.com customer license account.
Additionally, Idaho will recognize completed bear identification certificates from the Montana and Washington bear identification education programs. Those who have received certification from either of those states, can simply input that certification number.
