Public Input Needed on Bear Hunt Alternatives for Units 22 and 31

Fish and Game wildlife managers in the McCall sub-region have been working with key stakeholders to identify additional alternatives for changes to fall bear seasons in Hunt Area 22. The original proposal included increasing tags in hopes of easing chronic bear depredations in valley communities. At the same time, the department proposed expanding the "hounds prohibited" dates for this hunt to alleviate conflicts between bear hounds and big game archery hunters. Fish and Game staff worked with bow hunters and houndsmen to craft additional proposals that achieve these objectives while continuing to provide ample hound hunting opportunity. We encourage the public to view and comment on these new alternatives on IDFG's website at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/public-involvement. Public input on this and all other statewide big game season proposals will be accepted on the website through midnight on March 8.