Comments Sought on Whitetail Management Plan, Turkey Proposals and Access Yes

LEWISTON - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) will host an open house meeting in Lewiston to gather public comments on the new Whitetail Deer Management Plan and proposed changes to the 2004 wild turkey season. IDFG also wants to know what the public thinks about the new Access Yes program. The meeting will be held at the Clearwater Regional Office, 1540 Warner Ave in Lewiston on Friday, November 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public can review and provide comments on the newest Whitetail Deer Management Plan. Past plans focused only on the northern portion of the State, but since whitetails have expanded their range considerably, a new statewide management strategy is needed. Proposed turkey rule changes include expanding youth hunting opportunities in both general seasons and controlled hunts. During spring general hunts, the proposals would allow youth 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. IDFG also is requesting comments on hunting turkeys with rifles. 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 the Access Yes program, including several options for increased funding and expanding the program. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jay Crenshaw at 799-5010 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so by regular mail to IDFG, 1540 Warner Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. Comments will also be accepted through the Department's website, www2.state.id.us/fishgame, under "What's News" then "New Additions." The deadline for all comments is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21.