Commissioners Re-elect Chairman Wheeler

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission, during its recent meeting in Lewiston, re-elected Commissioner Cameron Wheeler as chairman. "I think you are really doing a good job," Salmon Region Commissioner Gary Power said in support of the nomination. "This is working well, and if it ain't broke don't fix it." Wheeler humbly accepted the nomination and the unspoken confidence in his ability and performance that the nomination implied. Magic Valley Commissioner Wayne Wright also was re-elected as vice chairman. Commissioners facing a proposed fee increase, a key property purchase and other ongoing issues expressed reluctance to change leadership, heading into what could be difficult times. During early November meeting, the commissioners also approved nonresident deer and elk tags and outfitter set-aside as recommended by Fish and Game biologists. Commissioners approved a total of 12,815 nonresident elk tags statewide, with 2,400 for outfitters. The department recommendation also included 12,800 whitetail and mule deer tags, with 1,900 set aside for outfitters. They approved 1,200 southeast deer tags, with 85 for outfitters. Nonresident tags go on sale December 1. In other action, the commissioners adopted a modified operating agreement between the department and the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, pending approval of the foundation. The revised agreement specifies that Fish and Game employees serve as the foundation's executive director and treasurer, but no department employees or commissioners may serve on the foundation board. Following an afternoon workshop on hunting technology, commissioners agreed that the issue needs public discussion. Commissioners made no decision, but recognized that the intent of a muzzle-loader hunt was to allow hunters who use traditional muzzle-loaders, which have limited range and reliability, an opportunity to hunt without competition from modern weapons. The sentiment of the commission was that non-traditional weapons could be included in any-weapon hunts. But "traditional" needs to be more clearly defined. The department plans regional open houses to discuss muzzleloader and archery technology issues before the commission meets again in January.