Commission to Act on Waterfowl, Sage-Grouse

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider options for wolf management and speak to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Regional Director Robin Thorson in light of a recent federal court ruling that placed wolves back on the endangered species list in a special meeting Monday, August 16, in Idaho Falls. The Commission will also consider season and limit proposals for waterfowl and sage-grouse. The meeting, in the Fish and Game regional office at 4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, will start with a morning executive session. After lunch commissioners will consider proposed seasons and bag limits for waterfowl. Fish and Game waterfowl managers propose a 107-day duck season with a daily duck bag limit of seven ducks. A 107-day fall season is proposed for Canada and greater white-fronted geese with a four-goose daily limit. A two-part season is proposed for snow and Ross's geese in the Southwest, Magic Valley and portions of the Southeast and Upper Snake regions, with a 10-goose daily limit. This year a statewide youth waterfowl hunt would be held September 25 and 26. Idaho Fish and Game managers will present a season proposal for sage-grouse. A seven-day restrictive season with a one-bird daily bag limit and two in possession from September 18 through September 24 in southwestern and northwestern Owyhee County; Magic Valley; the Big Desert area west of Interstate 15 and south of highways 20 and 26; Curlew Grasslands in parts of Power, Oneida and Cassia counties; most of the Upper Snake Region; and Lemhi and part of Custer counties. Sage-grouse seasons are closed in eastern Owyhee County (area of Murphy Complex Fire); the southeastern part of the state, east of Interstate 15 and south of State Highway 26; Gem, Adams, Washington, Ada and part of Elmore counties; and western Twin Falls County. The Commission also will consider standardized rules for trapping. Trappers, other resource users, and other members of the public in general agree on proposed rules except for year-round closure at campgrounds, trailheads and picnic areas. And commissioners will hear department proposals for action on the reinstated endangered species status of gray wolves in Idaho. Fish and Game has no plans for a wolf hunt this year. Hunters with 2010 wolf tags may be eligible for a refund. Other agenda items include a rule clarification for wild turkeys to properly reflect Commission intent to restrict special unit tags to resident hunters only; and consideration of a bighorn sheep management plan. Fish and Game proposes to release of the draft "Idaho Bighorn Sheep Management Plan" for public comment. Revision of the previous bighorn sheep management plan written for 1990-1995 began in 2008. The commission also will consider the acquisition of 11 acres along the Portneuf River west of Lava Hot spring in the Southeast Region The day will wind up with another executive session.