Comments Sought on Waterfowl, Sage-grouse Seasons

Biologists with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seek public comments on proposals for upcoming waterfowl and sage-grouse hunting seasons this fall. Comments will be considered by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission when they meet in Idaho Falls on August 17. Proposed waterfowl regulations changes must fit within the season and species framework dictated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while sage grouse regulations are drafted at the state level. For waterfowl there few changes being considered; the bulk of the changes being proposed are biological and reflect good breeding conditions this spring. The canvasback season is being proposed to be reopened and hunters could be able to harvest additional pintails and scaup. No changes are being proposed to the sage-grouse season in the Upper Snake Region. Anyone wishing to give comment or meet with a biologist can do so from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, August 10th at the Upper Snake Regional Office at 4279 Commerce Circle in the St. Leon Business Park in Idaho Falls. The proposed seasons are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/. The deadline for all comments is 5 p.m. August 10. Individuals with disabilities may contact Daryl Meints at Idaho Fish and Game at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Comments can be sent via E-mail to daryl.meints@idfg.idaho.gov.