What are the preliminary proposed changes and management goals for the upcoming big game hunting seasons? What fishing opportunities would anglers like to see in the 2011 fishing regulations?
This coming week hunters and anglers will have the chance to voice their opinions.
Idaho Fish and Game will host three meetings in the Magic Valley from 5:30 to 8 p.m.:
- March 2 - Burley City Hall, 2020 Park Avenue., Burley.
- March 3 - Magic Valley Regional Office, 319 South 417 East, Highway Business Park, 2.5 miles north of the Flying J, Jerome.
- March 9 - Hailey Community Campus, Rooms 201 & 202, 1050 Fox Acres Rd., Hailey.
"For this coming fall we are looking a several changes to help achieve population management objectives for deer, elk and pronghorn," said Randy Smith, regional wildlife manager. "These meetings are a chance for us to get some feedback from hunters on the preliminary proposals, discuss issues, and listen to new ideas."
Preliminary proposals include:
- Proposed changes designed to increase elk numbers in the Pioneer and Smoky Mountains Zones:
- Capping the Pioneer Zone A-tag.
- Replacing the Unit 49 general A-tag spike hunt with a general antlerless muzzleloader hunt.
- Reducing the number of bull and cow tags in the Smoky Mountains Pioneer Zone.
- Fish and Game is considering changes in the general pronghorn archery seasons that would limit hunter number improve buck and hunt quality.
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- Make adjustments in mule deer seasons and permit numbers in Units 54, 55 and 56 to achieve population objectives. This could include changes in antlered permit levels and possible new antlerless hunting opportunities.
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"These are just a few of the items we are hoping to get some feedback on," Smith said. "We strongly encourage sportsmen to attend one of the meetings and give us their opinions on the proposals."
The regional fisheries crew is also seeking public comments.
"We're asking folks to come in and talk with us about how things are going and what kind of changes they might light to see in the Region," said Doug Megargle, regional fisheries manager. "There are no formal proposals on the table at this point, we're just asking for input and letting folks know about ideas already submitted to the department".
Some ideas already put forth include:
- Catch and release rules for all of Silver Creek.
- Tackle restrictions for sturgeon fishing.
- Slot limits for walleye on Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir.
"Right now, anything goes. We want to find out what type of opportunities sportsmen would like in the Magic Valley," Megargle said. "We will come back later and finalize all the ideas we receive at these meeting before we put out the new regulations in 2011."
For more information about the open house or any of the items listed, call 208-324-4359.
Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the Jerome Regional Office at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208-324-4359 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD).
