Governor Appoints Panhandle Commissioner

Governor Dirk Kempthorne has appointed Anthony R. (Tony) McDermott, to represent Region 1 on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Region 1 covers the Panhandle of Idaho. McDermott will replace Nancy Hadley and will serve a four-year term. Tony McDermott is a semi-retired real estate broker who has been living in Sagle, Idaho since 2000. McDermott received his master's degree in public administration from Central Michigan University. He is a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Rifle Association and the North American Hunting Club. He is also a member of Idaho Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife. "I've been an avid outdoorsman all my life" McDermott said "I'm interested in wildlife, interested in outdoor issues, and I'm looking forward to learning and contributing to make things better." McDermott served in the military for 28 years. His career included two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Most recently he was chairman of the Military Science Department at the University of Montana in Missoula. Before being drafted in 1965, McDermott lived in Sandpoint for several years. He returned to the region five years ago, and says he is in tune with the concerns of Panhandle residents. He promises not to "overturn the apple cart" on the Fish and Game Commission, but says there are issues that he believes should be addressed in North Idaho. At the top of his list is the kokanee fishery in Lake Pend Orielle. "I would like to see Pend Orielle return to a healthy kokanee population" he said.