With 2009 drawing to a close and a new year on the horizon, it is time for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to begin planning the big game regulations for the 2010 hunting season.
An important part of the planning process is hearing from the public.
Please join the southeast regional office of Idaho Fish and Game at a series of big game public meetings throughout the Southeast Region. All meetings will start at 6:30 p.m.
- January 5, Montpelier - National Oregon-California Trail Center.
- January 6, Malad - Malad Senior Center.
- January 7, Soda Springs - Soda Springs Senior Center.
- January 12, Preston - Larsen-Sant Library.
- January 13, Pocatello - ISU Pond Student Union Building, Wood River Room.
Fish and Game staff will present fall 2009 check station data, review the mule deer management plan, discuss last fall's controlled hunts as well as Idaho's first wolf hunting seasons, and address other hunting and big game management related issues.
Public comment is welcome at these meetings, and an important part of managing wildlife resources in southeastern Idaho.
"The public uses the resource, and so we want to understand how the public wants it managed," said Jennifer Jackson, regional conservation educator for the southeast region of Fish and Game. "That doesn't mean we can make all hunters happy all the time, but we try our best to mesh what hunters want with what's best for the resource."
Fish and Game will use this information to help prepare proposals for hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, wolf and mountain lion, and then present those proposals to the public again later in February.
Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Toby Boudreau at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 232-4703 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).
Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so by e-mail at
Toby.Boudreau@idfg.idaho.gov or by regular mail to Idaho Fish and Game, 1345 Barton Road, Pocatello, ID 83204.
