Commissioners to Set Big Game Rules

Idaho Fish and Game commissioners will meet in Boise March 1-3 to tackle big game seasons and limits, hear updates on wolf management, the 2008 budget and the prospects for a spring Chinook salmon season. The special meeting will kick off with a public hearing at 7 p.m. March 1 in the Trophy Room at Fish and Game Headquarters, 600 S. Walnut in Boise. The next day, March 2 starting about 10:25 a.m., commissioners are expected to consider changes to deer, elk, antelope, bear and mountain lion seasons and limits. The session will continue after lunch. Commissioners are not expected to make any major changes to big game rules this year. Fish and Game biologists will propose a series of adjustments to increase hunting opportunities where big game population goals are being met, and to eliminate or limit hunts in places where male-female ratios or population goals are not being met. They also recommend changes to simplify weapon type opportunities and to standardize mountain lion "dogs prohibited" seasons. Hunters are encouraged to contact their regional Fish and Game offices for local detailed changes and to provide comment on changes or concerns. Regional game managers around the state will meet with hunters to discuss adjustments before sending their recommendations on to the commissioners. Meeting times and locations will be announced by regional offices. About 4 p.m. March 2, commissioners will hear an update on wolf management. Starting again about 8 a.m. March 3, commissioners will hear updates on a preference point system for controlled hunt drawings and on the 2008 budget. About 9 a.m., a 2006 spring chinook salmon forecast.