Fish & Game Sets Meetings on Big Game Rules

Last month the Idaho Department of Fish & Game met with hunters across the region to hear what they would like to see for big game rules next year. Additionally, biologists have spent many hours in helicopters counting populations of deer and elk to have the data needed to make informed decisions when creating proposals for next year's big game seasons. The next step in the season setting process will be to get back together with hunters to present proposals based on the earlier input and data that has been collected. "Our management is dynamic," Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints said. "We manage based on where our populations are in relation to objective and structure regulations to get us where we want them to be." By being able to get their flights done, biologists have been able to gather more information about some of the big game found in the region. Time and money limitations mean that areas are flown on a three to four year rotation. Meetings in the Upper Snake Region start at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 10 - Butte County High School, Media Center, Arco.
• Wednesday, March 11 - Idaho Fish and Game office, Idaho Falls.
• Thursday, March 12 - Madison Middle School, Media Center, Rexburg.

Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Daryl Meints at Fish and Game at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so via e-mail at dmeints@idfg.idaho.gov or by regular mail to IDFG, 4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Statewide proposals will be posted on the Fish and Game Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Comments are due by Friday, March 13.