Commission to Consider Big Game Seasons

Most hunters' freezers may be packed with wild game from last season, but they may want to set aside some time in the first week of March, when the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is expected to set the seasons for big game hunts. The meeting was moved up to March 1-3 because of a scheduling conflict. The earlier date will allow hunting rules to be in hunters' hands before the controlled hunt application period that runs from May 1 through June 5. The commissioners extended the application period to avoid conflict with the Memorial Day weekend. Fish and Game plans no major changes, but regional game managers around the state will meet with hunters to discuss adjustments before sending their recommendations on to the commissioners. Times, dates and meeting places will be announced by regional Fish and Game offices. Also on the agenda: Commissioners will consider a proposal by Fish and Game to reduce the wolf population in the Lolo elk management zone, which comprises two game management units in the Clearwater Region. The Commission will decide whether to submit the proposal to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which must approve the proposal. Commissioners will take public comments beginning at 7 p.m. March 1 in the Trophy Room at Headquarters in Boise.