Commission Meets in Boise January 11-13

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet in Boise January 11-13 to adopt rules for big game, hear an update on a bonus point system for controlled hunt drawings and consider a proposed wolf management project in the Clearwater Region. The commissioners will begin the January 11 session with a wolf management workshop beginning at 8:20 a.m. followed by a workshop on department lands at 10 a.m. They are also scheduled to meet with the Idaho Senate and House resource committees at 1:30 p.m. in the Gold Room. All Commission business except for the meeting with the House committee will be conducted in the Trophy Room at Fish and Game headquarters, 600 South Walnut in Boise. A public hearing is set for 7 p.m. On January 12 the commissioners, starting about 9:40 a.m., will consider department recommendations on non-biological rules-those not related to seasons or limits-for deer, elk, antelope, bear and mountain lion. Around 11 a.m. they will hear updates on sage grouse management and the department's centerpiece Mule Deer Initiative. Commissioners will hear the results of a hunter survey on proposed bonus point plans as a way to favor unsuccessful applicants in subsequent years. They will also consider a proposal to control wolf numbers in part of the Clearwater Region where elk numbers are below department management goals. Commissioners will review department programs on the morning of January 13 before attending the Senate confirmation hearing for newly appointed commission member Tony McDermott. The hearing is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Resource Committee room at the statehouse.