Public meetings planned to collect comments on proposed big game auction tags

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is seeking public feedback on a proposal to offer five tags for auction including one each for elk, mule deer, mountain goat, pronghorn, and moose. The following public meetings will be held where people can speak directly with local Fish and Game staff about the proposal: - Coeur d' Alene: March 3, 6 p.m. Panhandle Region Fish and Game Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. - Lewiston: March 1, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Clearwater Region Fish and Game Office, 3316 16th Street. - McCall: February 29, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., February 29, McCall Fish and Game Office, 555 Deinhard Lane. - Jerome: March 2, 6 p.m., Magic Valley Region Fish and Game Office, 324 South 417 East - Suite 1. - Pocatello: March 2, 6 p.m., Southeast Region Fish and Game Office, 1345 Barton Road. - Idaho Falls: March 1, 7 p.m., Upper Snake Region Office, Fish and Game Office, 4279 Commerce Circle. - Salmon: March 2, 6 to 8 p.m., Salmon Region Office, 99 Hwy. 93 North. - Challis: March 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Challis Community Event Center, 411 Clinic Road. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the regional Fish and Game office, or the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). People can also comment on the proposed auction tags by visiting Fish and Game's website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/public-involvement. The comment period will continue through March 4. The Idaho Legislature in 2012 gave authority for the commission to auction up to 12 "Governor's Wildlife Partnership" big-game tags, which could include three each for deer, elk and pronghorn and one each for bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat. Since that legislation passed, the commission has not offered any tags for auction except a bighorn sheep tag that it has auctioned annually since 1988. While 55 percent of hunters polled in a recent public opinion survey accepted the concept of auction tags and options related to offering auction tags, the survey also indicated lower approval for full implementation of all 12 tags. The commission directed Fish and Game staff to develop a proposal where five tags would be auctioned for the 2017 season by qualified nonprofit organizations dedicated to conservation. At least 95 percent of the proceeds from the tags would go to Fish and Game, which could use up to 30 percent of the proceeds for sportsman access programs such as "Access Yes." The remainder would be used for wildlife habitat projects, wildlife management projects to increase the quantity and quality of big game herds, and other research and management activities approved by the commission.