Comments Sought on Sage-grouse Seasons

Idaho Fish and Game biologists seek public comments on the proposed 2009 sage-grouse season. The recommended season in the Big Desert area West of Interstate 15 and south of highways 20 and 26, would be increased to a standard 23-day season, with a daily two-bird limit and four birds in possession. The recommended season in most of Lemhi and part of Custer counties would be reduced to seven days with a daily one-bird limit and two birds in possession. Fish and Game also recommended no changes in sage-grouse seasons in:

• Southwestern Owyhee County, 23-day season from September 19 through October 11, two-bird daily bag limit and four in possession.
• Northwestern Owyhee County, seven-day season from September 19 through September 25, one-bird daily bag limit and two in possession.
• Eastern Owyhee County, closed.
• Magic Valley, seven-day season, from September 19 through September 25, one-bird daily bag limit and two in possession.
• Curlew Grasslands in parts of Power, Oneida and Cassia counties, seven-day season, from September 19 through September 25, one-bird daily bag limit and two in possession.
• Southeastern part of the state, east of Interstate 15 and south of State Highway 26, closed.
• Most of the Upper Snake Region, 23-day season from September 19 through October 11, two-bird daily bag limit and four in possession.

The southeast, the north and most of the western part of the state would be closed. For details on the proposed seasons contact Idaho Fish and Game, or visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/. Written comments may be sent to Sage-grouse Comments, IDFG, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707. The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. August 14. Information collected from across the state will be summarized and presented to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, which is scheduled to consider sage-grouse seasons during a meeting Monday afternoon, August 17, in Idaho Falls.