Changes Proposed in Trophy Hunts in Salmon Region

Idaho Fish and Game biologists are seeking public comments on suggested changes for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats hunting seasons in 2009 and 2010. Most of the changes are minor adjustments in permit levels based on the most recent helicopter surveys and harvest data. Hunting regulations for are set at two-year intervals. Based on hunter harvest reports, most moose populations appear stable at recent levels. But hunters in Hunt Area 21 reported relatively low success rates in recent years. Suggested changes are reducing permits in Hunt Area 21 from four to two and adding one permit to Hunt Area 29 because Unit 58 was added to the area in 2007. Most bighorn sheep populations are stable or increased slightly in recent years. Small improvements in lamb survival have been noted. Bighorn sheep changes include adding one permit each to Hunt Areas 36A and 37A, adding four permits in Middle Fork Hunt Area 27-1, and modifying some hunt area boundaries in Unit 28 hunts to match populations better and distribute hunting pressure. The boundary changes will allow one additional permit in Unit 28. Trends in mountain goat populations have varied across the region. Because of the biology of the species, harvest rates for mountain goats are quite conservative. Suggested changes include reducing permits by one each in Hunt Areas 36A-2, 36A-4, and 36B, while adding one permit in 36A-3. To protect a subpopulation of mountain goats moved to the north Lemhi Range from Utah in September 2007, hunting in Unit 29 north of Hayden Creek will be closed. Public comment forms for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat regulations proposals are available at the Salmon Region Fish and Game office, and are scheduled to appear in local newspapers December 11. Respondents can mail forms to IDFG, Box 1336, Salmon, ID, 83467 or drop them off at the office at 99 Hwy 93 N in Salmon, no later than Friday, December 19. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will set regulations for the 2009 and 2010 seasons at its next meeting January 15-16 in Boise. If you have questions, call 756-2271 to talk with the wildlife staff.