The regular deer season opens on Thursday in most regions of Idaho.

In some areas, a regular deer tag allows hunters to take either mule deer or white-tailed deer. A white-tailed deer tag allows a hunter to take only a whitetail.

Many areas across the state also offer antlerless youth hunt opportunities, but check the 2013 big game rules brochure carefully for the areas where youth hunts are open. To hunt deer in Idaho during the regular season, a hunter must have valid 2013 Idaho hunting license and a deer tag.

Fish and Game law enforcement officials ask that hunters to report any poaching or suspicious activities they encounter or hear about while hunting. Most serious poaching cases are cracked and won only with the help of ordinary Idaho residents, hunters or others who report crimes.

Hunters with information about a wildlife crime may call the Citizens Against Poaching hot-line at 800-632-5999, 24 hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous. Or they may call the nearest Fish and Game office or local law enforcement.

Hunters also are encouraged to pick up a free copy of Idaho Fish and Game’s backcountry game meat care guide. The guide has helpful tips to ensure proper handling of game to avoid wasting the meat. The guide is available at Fish and Game offices and license vendors.

A link to the guide can be found on the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. And for help planning their hunt, hunters can use the hunt planner also on the website. Also, remember to ask first before hunting on private land.