Fish and Game Commission Meets This Week

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider lowering nonresident deer tag fees during the annual meeting January 27-29 at Fish and Game headquarters in Boise. The cost to hunt deer in Idaho is one of the highest of 11 western states. Fish and Game has recommended reducing nonresident general deer tags to $255 from the current $300. Commissioners will take up the issue on Thursday, January 28. On Wednesday, January 27, commissioners will head to the Statehouse to meet with House Resources and Conservation Committee from 1:30 to 3:30 pm in the East Atrium Wing. A public comment period will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Fish and Game headquarters, 600 S. Walnut. On Thursday, January 28, the commission meeting will start at 8 a.m. with the posting of the colors and the pledge of allegiance, by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Honor Guard. Later in the morning, commissioners will hear updates on the mandatory harvest reports and deer and elk status. They will consider upland game and furbearer seasons as well as a Bear Lake fishery management plan. After lunch, they will hear updates on fishing rules for 2011-2012, on salmon forecasts and potential seasons, and a budget preview. Commissioners also will hear an update on the ongoing wolf hunting season. Idaho Fish and Game sold more than 25,700 resident wolf tags and 684 nonresident tags in 2009. To date, 140 wolves have been taken by hunters, and five more were either killed illegally or died as a result of wounding loss. Five wolf management zones have closed where wolf harvest limits were met. On Friday, January 29, commissioners will meet with the Senate Resources and Environment Committee from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the West Atrium Wing of the Statehouse. Times on the agenda are approximate and subject to change.