Idaho’s Large Tracts Program
For many Idaho hunters, some of the best days in the field happen on private timber ground - chasing elk through foggy draws or hiking into a quiet clear-cut for deer at first light. Part of what makes that possible is the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Large Tracts Program.
This program is a partnership between Fish and Game and private timber companies that keeps large sections of private forestland open for public use. These are working timberlands - owned and managed for logging - but thanks to these agreements, hunters, anglers, and other recreationists can still enjoy access without needing special permission or paying a trespass fee. In return for allowing access, IDFG compensates enrolled landowners (at a much lower rate than they could get by leasing it exclusively to individuals) and conservation officers are able to enforce regulations and restrictions such as game laws and motor vehicle violations.
Most of these enrolled lands are found in north and north-central Idaho, home to some great whitetail, elk, bear, and turkey habitat. The rules are pretty straightforward, but every year, a few bad choices - driving around a gate, cutting firewood without permission, ignoring closures - risk leaving a negative impression of hunters on the landscape. These lands are private, and access is never guaranteed - especially if abuse or damage becomes a significant enough problem.
Following these rules is more important than ever in times of change. Since May of 2019, PotlatchDeltic - the largest landowner enrolled in the Large Tracts Program - has allowed public access to 567,002 acres of their land. But just recently a merger has been announced between Potlatch and the Florida based company Rayonier to become the second-largest publicly traded wood commodities company in North America.
While there are many questions that are waiting to be answered, including the new name of the merged companies, one thing is for certain - we want the Large Tracts Programs looked at in a positive light to ensure these properties are able to be accessed by all, not leased to individuals or through paid permit system like much of the private timber ground in western Oregon and Washington.
Programs like this only work when we hold up our end of the deal. Respecting restrictions, packing out what we pack in, and reporting violations when we see them are small actions that make a big difference. They show landowners that Idaho hunters value the opportunity they provide.
The Large Tracts Program is proof that access and private property rights can coexist - when there’s trust and cooperation. So this season, as you head into your favorite patch of timber, remember: these lands aren’t ours, but the privilege to use them is. Let’s do our part to keep them open for Idaho hunters.