Comment Sought on Turkey Proposals

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking comment on proposals for the 2004 wild turkey seasons, and will accept comment through November 26. Comments may be made at any regional office or on the department website, www2.state.id.us/fishgame under "What's New." The big change in proposed turkey rules is expanded youth hunting opportunities in both general seasons and controlled hunts. To qualify, youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger, and accompanied by an adult with a valid Idaho hunting license. In spring general hunts, the proposals would allow for a youth hunt on the Saturday and Sunday immediately prior to the April 15 opener in the Panhandle, Clearwater and Southwest regions. In spring controlled hunts, Unit 50 would have an increase of 100 permits to total 200, with 25 of them for youth only. In Unit 54, the youth season would be extended two weeks, and in Unit 68A and 77 it would be extended by three weeks. New hunts are planned in Unit 71. No change is proposed for fall general seasons, which would open Sept. 15 and close on various dates. The annual bag limit is proposed to increase from two to three. Two could be taken in either the fall or spring season. One general turkey tag could be purchased at $18 and two extra turkey tags could be purchased at $12 each. The general tag could be used in the spring general or controlled hunt (with controlled hunt permit) seasons, or used in the fall if not filled in the spring. Fish and Game also wants to know if the public would approve of hunting turkeys with rifles.