Fish & Game Talks Back To Sportsmen

IDAHO FALLS - Many people have the perception that the government never listens to their opinions. Unfortunately, sportsmen also sometimes feel the same way about their dealings with the management of their State wildlife, but this time around things are different! On Thursday, April 5, IDFG will be holding a meeting to explain to sportsmen exactly how this year's big game regulations were set. The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM in the cafeteria at Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls. According to spokesman Gregg Losinski, "This is the first time that IDFG has ever formally held a meeting where sportsmen and staff have come together to discuss how the big game regulation setting process played out!" Last February, IDFG held meetings all across the state to gather public input on a variety of proposed changes for next year's big game seasons. All of the public comments were forwarded by IDFG to the Idaho Fish & Game Commission who then set the final seasons at their meeting earlier this month. The new regulations are currently at the printers and should hopefully arrive in time for the informational meeting. Because the regulations are now generated using digital printing technology, a sneak peak will soon be available to those who go to IDFG's website at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/regulations.htm. Because IDFG managers were planning in advance to hold these new meetings, sportsmen were asked to leave a mail or E-mail address at the first round of meetings that were held in the Upper Snake Region. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Brad Compton, "Every individual who left us an address at the first set of meetings received a mailed invitation to the wrap-up meeting. " Individuals who have questions about how specific regulations were set, but who are unable to attend can call Compton at the regional IDFG office at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). He can also be reached via E-mail at bcompton@idfg.state.id.us. THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 7:00 PM EASTERN IDAHO TECHNICAL COLLEGE CAFERTERIA IN IDAHO FALLS