Forest Fires Force Emergency Hunting Season Changes

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Friday, August 31, adopted emergency season changes to some elk and bighorn sheep hunt areas within the Selway and Middle Fork wilderness areas that are closed to human entry. Forest fires and associated closures during 2007 have been more numerous and larger than normal. Some closures may affect hunters' access to some early season elk and bighorn sheep hunts. It is unknown when fires will subside and when fire closures will be lifted. Idaho Fish and Game staff members have recommended emergency changes to a few elk and bighorn sheep hunts to provide hunters with additional flexibility to participate in 2007 hunts. Commissioners and Fish and Game have heard from numerous hunters and several outfitters concerned about this year's fires. The staff recommendations would provide greater hunter flexibility through lengthened seasons. Some recommendations are designed to minimize potential congestion caused by overlapping seasons, and to provide equity among different tag holders. Regional Fish and Game staff members have been consulted, and they determined the proposed one-time emergency changes will not have long-term biological effects on wildlife populations. For details on specific season changes, go to Fish and Game Website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/rec_add/