Commission to Set Fishing Seasons and Rules

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will set 2011-2012 fishing seasons and rules during its quarterly meeting November 17 and 18 in Jerome. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is presenting the rules in a new format, opening more seasons year round, reducing the number of special rules and also reducing the size of the new brochure. The rules also would change to a regional format to reduce the number of exceptions to statewide rules. The goal has been make the rules simpler and easier to understand and to reduce the number of exceptions. The commission meeting will start with a public comment period beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, at the Idaho Fish and Game Magic Valley Region office at 324 S 417 E, Jerome. The Thursday meeting will start with routine agenda items. During the morning, commissioners will set fishing rules and seasons, followed by an update on native fish species management and conservation efforts. They also will consider policy on wildlife salvage of wildlife killed in unintentional vehicle collisions, and whether such salvage should include sale of any salvaged wildlife. Later in the day, commissioners will consider the Bighorn Sheep Management Plan, and they will hear a report on wolf related expenditures. And they will consider a position statement on grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Commissioners also will hear an update on discussions about the moratorium on waterfowl and turkey hunting outfitting. They will set the 2011 calendar and appoint a commission representative to Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The day will end with an executive session. Note: Times on the agenda are approximate and subject to change.