There will be no areas open to hunting on the Idaho National Laboratory site on Aug. 21.
The path for observation of the zone of totality for the upcoming eclipse on Aug. 21 will cut directly across the site. High numbers of eclipse watchers are expected in the area on that day.
For safety and security purposes, only official business access will be permitted to the INL Site on that date. The United States Department of Energy has determined it is necessary to close the small portions of the INL site that are normally open to hunting and hunter access on Aug. 2 from 12:01 a.m. to midnight, to allow enforcement of access controls on the INL site during the day of the total solar eclipse.
For over a decade, hunters taking part in certain elk and pronghorn hunts have been able to access 1/2 mile onto specific portions along the northern boundary of the INL site. Entrance onto the INL required hunters to obtain a permit in advance from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and follow some very specific agreed upon guidelines regarding time, place and method of access.
This access change is only for the 24-hour period of the day that the eclipse will be occurring on Aug. 21. Violators could be subject to federal legal action.
Hunters are being warned in advance of this unique situation using all possible media outlets. Any questions regarding this temporary change to access should be directed to INL Security at 208-526-2260.
