Fish and Game Sets Open House To Review Waterfowl Seasons

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled a public open house to review the proposed 2001-2002 waterfowl seasons. Set for Thursday, August 2, the open house will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the regional Fish and Game office, 1540 Warner Avenue, in Lewiston. Staff biologists will be available during those hours to discuss the proposed regulations. There are no major changes proposed for either duck or goose seasons. The forecast calls for a liberal harvest limit on ducks with a 107-day season, and a 100-day season for geese. The youth waterfowl hunt is proposed for Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23. The bag and possession limits for geese remain unchanged at 4 and 8, respectively. Due to waterfowl depredations near Mann Lake, it is proposed to reduce the size of the current closure area to allow hunters with landowner permission to hunt the surrounding private land. The season would remain the same and the lake itself would remain closed. Other recommendations include beginning the federally mandated canvasback closure, and end the Hells Canyon goose hunting closure. Interested persons are invited to attend the Aug. 2 open house to review the waterfowl season proposals and comment to Idaho Fish and Game staff. Those unable to attend can call (208) 799-5010, or send written comments to Wildlife Manager, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 1540 Warner Avenue, Lewiston, Idaho 83501, or fax 208-799-5012 by 5 p.m. the same day. All comments will go to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for consideration at their next meeting.