Comments Sought on Deer, Turkey, Access

Fish and Game is seeking comment on white-tailed deer management, turkey hunting and the new Access Yes! program. The department is holding open house meetings at regional offices around the state to give information and take comment. Those meetings are announced in local media and on the department web site at www2.state.id.us/fishgame in the "What's News" section under "New Additions". Comment can also be submitted through the web site or in writing to IDFG, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707. The new management plan for white-tailed deer deals with the species statewide rather than only in northern Idaho. The species has expanded to all regions in Idaho in recent years. Proposed turkey rule changes include expanding youth hunting opportunities in both general seasons and controlled hunts. During spring general hunts, the proposals would allow youths 15 years of age or younger to hunt on Saturday and Sunday immediately prior to the April 15 opener in the Panhandle, Clearwater and Southwest regions. The department also is requesting comments on hunting turkeys with rifles in the fall season. The Access Yes! program is intended to increase hunting and fishing access to private lands and to public lands that would otherwise not be accessible through private lands. It compensates willing landowners who provide access to private land or through their property to public lands. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is considering the future of this program, including several options for increased funding and expanding the program. The deadline for all comments is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. Comments will be compiled for consideration by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission when it meets in Nampa December 4.