Comments Sought on Panhandle Turkey Rules

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking public comments on proposed changes to the Panhandle Region's fall turkey hunts. The proposals are intended to resolve chronic depredation issues in game management units 1, 2, 3, and 5. Winter flocks of wild turkey in the Panhandle have increased beyond property owners' levels of tolerance. Since 2004, 730 turkeys have been trapped and moved from Panhandle Region winter flocks without a noticeable reduction in hunting opportunity or the following year's depredation concerns. Details on the proposals are available at all Fish and Game offices, where the public can complete a questionnaire. Deadline for all public comments is May 9. The questionnaire will not be available on the department's website. No changes are proposed for the Clearwater Region. All comments will be forwarded to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for review at the May 16 - 18 meeting.