Fish and Game to Host Open House

JEROME - Waterfowl season planning and fishing regulation changes, are the topics of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's open house, at 868 East Main in Jerome, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sportsmen wanting to comment on the upcoming waterfowl season or the 2004 -2005 fishing regulations are invited to attend. Magic Valley Region waterfowl proposals: - Youth waterfowl season - Sept. 27-28, 2003 - Duck season - Oct. 11, 2003 through Jan. 23, 2004 - Pintail and canvasback season - Oct. 11 through Dec. 9, 2003 - Goose season - Oct. 11, 2003 through Jan. 23, 2004 - Goose Hunt Area 4 - No change in boundary, three geese daily bag "We have two pretty big changes this year," said Bruce Palmer, Regional Wildlife Biologist. "We have an additional seven days for the goose season and 60 days of hunting will be allowed for canvasbacks. Our goal with this open house is to hear what the public wants and how they want the seasons designed." Fishing regulations: The only regional change being considered is the opening the Little Wood River to year-round fishing from its mouth to the Little Wood Dam. Statewide changes being considered, include: á Redefine the definition of "fishing contests." - The new definition: "Any event where the total prize value is greater than $1,000; or the individual entry fee is greater than $25; or the number of boats is greater than 10 or the number of individual contestants is greater than 20; or there is a live fish weigh-in." The intent of the new definitions is to eliminate the need for smaller, less organized tournaments to obtain a permit for their event. á For-profit tournaments held in streams: - It would require tournament holders to provide funding for conservation or fishing enhancements on the body of water (streams only) where the contest occurs. - Funding should be equal to the value of the top prize. - New deadline for fishing contest permit applications. Applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the fishing contest. - No application will be accepted prior to Dec. 1 for the following year. Other items: á Remove some fish species from the list of fish species allowed for commercial harvest. á Clarify the dimensions allowed for crawfish traps. A crawfish trap cannot exceed three feet in length, width and height or a total volume of 27 cubic feet for non-rectangular traps. Those unable to attend may submit comments to the regional office, by calling 324-4359. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the Magic Valley Regional office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208-324-4359 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD).