Chukar Season Changes Put off a Year

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission, Thursday, February 11, put off changes in the season opening date and limit on chukar and gray partridge. The season for chukar and gray partridge will open statewide on the third Saturday in September - this year that will be September 18. The daily limit will be eight birds and 16 in possession through the end of the season. Commissioners rescinded the later opening and lower bag limit they had set during their annual meeting in late January. "We appreciate the commission reconsidering this. It will be extremely helpful to our industry, which has a lot of previously booked trips in September," Grant Simonds, executive director Outfitters and Guides Licensing board. "This is especially helpful since we're already struggling through the worst recession since World War II." The commission also directed the Fish and Game Department to seek public comments on all upland game seasons with the public before the July commission meeting when upland game season changes will be considered. This would allow the public to comment on seasons that may be improved through a coordinated approach. Commissioners maintained their commitment to set upland game seasons on a two-year cycle. This year the final season adjustments will be made in July which necessitates a change to the brochure printing schedule from March to July. Hunters seeking information on spring turkey seasons may view the season rules on the Fish and Game Web site at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/rules/ug/, or request a brochure from any license vendor or Fish and Game regional office in March.