F&G Seeks Comments on Sandhill Crane Changes

For more than a decade, Idaho has been able to offer controlled hunts for sandhill cranes in portions of Eastern Idaho. While these hunts provide a hunting opportunity, they have been part of a larger plan to help reduce agricultural damage caused by sandhill cranes as they stage by the thousands in preparation for their southward migration each fall. Changes in land use practices have shifted sites used by the birds, and that has Idaho Fish and Game seeking comments on proposed changes as part of its ongoing adaptive management. The biggest proposed change is the elimination of sandhill crane controlled hunts. Instead a limited number of permits will be available on a first-come basis for $15, with no controlled hunt application or permit fee. "Fremont, Teton, Jefferson, and Bonneville Counties would only have one hunt, instead of two, and the season would run from September 1 through 15," Upper Snake Region Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints said. Hunters would still have a two bird daily bag limit, with a nine bird limit for the season. New closure areas are also being proposed in Fremont and Teton counties to help protect roost sites. In Fremont County, the Chester Wetlands Wildlife Management Area would be closed. In Teton County, the area west of Highway 33, south of Packsaddle Road, north of the North Cedron Road and east of the west bank of the Teton River would be closed. Anyone wishing to discuss proposed changes or anything else related to sandhill crane hunting can stop by the Fish and Game regional office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Anyone unable to visit the office by May 8 may contact Daryl Meints by telephone at 208-525-7290 or via e-mail at daryl.meints@idfg.idaho.gov.