Fish & Game Sets Open House for New Turkey and Trophy Species Rules

The Department of Fish and Game will sponsor a public open house on Tuesday December 3, 2002 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Magic Valley Region Office (868 E. Main, Jerome) to collect input on 2003 turkey seasons and 2003-2004 moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat seasons. Additionally, information on a new program called Access Yes, designed to increase access to private lands for hunting and fishing, will be available for comment. Turkey numbers in Unit 54 have continued to increase in numbers allowing additional hunting opportunity for youth and adult hunters alike. It is proposed to have three back-to-back 2-week hunts with four permits in each. The first hunt would be for youth only- 15 years and younger. This change would double the number the permits offered in 2002. Changes being considered for trophy species include increasing the numbers of moose permits in Hunt 44 from two to four and reopening a bighorn sheep hunt with two permits in the Jarbidge and Bruneau canyons. No changes in mountain goat hunting in the region are being considered this year. Access Yes is a new program being considered that would provide cash payments to selected landowners to secure hunting access on private land. If you are interested in learning more or commenting on these proposals, you may call the Jerome Fish and Game Office at 208-324-4359. A comment form is also available on the Department's website at: www2.state.id.us/fishgame.