Christmas Tree Permit

My wife and I are planning on harvesting our own Christmas tree this year. We would like to share our experience with you.
In the state of Idaho you are able to purchase a Christmas tree permits which allows you to harvest your own Christmas tree.
Last you we purchased a tree from a lot here in town for $39.00. The tree didn't look too great, although it was convenient to go pick one up just a few blocks from our home. This year we thought we would investigate how much it would cost to harvest our own tree. Permits cost $10.00 and have been on sale since November 23. Vendors who sell the permits will provide information on where to harvest your tree. Further information can be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/boise/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=STELPRDB5043600.

My wife and I will be going out to look for a tree this coming saturday, December 7th. We will fill you in with details and pictures from our trip. In the meantime check out this sweet video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvXhcsQJaFI&noredirect=1

**UPDATE**

My wife Amber and I packed up last Saturday morning and headed for the hills... in the middle of a snow storm. We didn't have great luck finding a Christmas tree. My plan was to head up to the nearest national forest access road about 20 miles outside of Sugar City. We had gone to pick huckleberries there this summer and thought that it would be an easy spot to get to, not too far from town and if we got stranded we could walk out pretty easy. Just past the Teton Dam sign on highway 33 there's a sign on the right hand side of the road that reads 'National Forrest Access', We followed the road for about ten miles. As we went high and high the snow on the road got deeper and deeper. We have a four wheel drive with snow tires and I wasn't worried about getting stuck. Amber said she had a bad feeling so we turned back. We decided we would decided we would try Green River Canyon, just a few miles up the road. There's a hot spring up there that's open year round, we thought maybe the roads would be plowed and we could get closer to the trees. No such luck we ran into the same issue. So this is what we've learned:

• The Christmas Tree permit is the way to go. We ended up spending $40 for a less than perfect tree from broulims. The permit only costs ten, plus your gas. 
• Go Early! The permits went on sale this year November 23rd. If you get up in the hills before the snow gets deep you can easily snag a great tree.
• Go prepared for harsh conditions.
• bring extra food, water and blankets.
• take snow chains if you have them.
• bring a hatchet or axe
• Tell people where you are going and when you'll be back