Governor Otter Appoints Clezie, Fischer To Idaho Fish and Game Commission

(BOISE) - Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter announced the appointment today of Pocatello real estate agent Lane Clezie and Meridian irrigation equipment wholesaler Blake Fischer to the seven-member Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Clezie succeeds Randy Budge of Pocatello representing the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Southeast Region, and Fischer succeeds Bob Barowsky of Fruitland representing Fish and Game's Southwest Region. The terms of both Budge and Barowsky expired June 30. Clezie and Fischer both will serve terms through June 2018. "Lane and Blake are experienced, passionate sportsmen who bring great understanding of the Fish and Game Commission's responsibilities to hunters, anglers, fish and wildlife, and everyone who loves the outdoors," Governor Otter said. "I appreciate their willingness to take on the challenge of preserving, protecting and managing the people's resources for the enjoyment of future generations of Idahoans." Lane Clezie, who designs and builds custom firearms stocks, is very active in the National Rifle Association (NRA), Safari Club International, the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Mule Deer Foundation and many other sportsmen's organizations. He became well known to members of Idaho's congressional delegation while lobbying them on hunting and firearms issues. Governor Otter received letters of endorsement for Clezie's appointment from Congressman Mike Simpson, Senator Mike Crapo, the chief executive officer of Safari Club International and NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. "I've had a lot of experience in conservation activities around the world, and I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience toward protecting, perpetuating and enhancing Idaho's wildlife," Clezie said. Blake Fischer owns and operates Fischer Sales Co. in Meridian. He also manufactures specialty archery equipment as owner of Traditional Pursuit Inc. Fischer is the Idaho co-chair for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and past president of the Idaho Traditional Bowhunters. He also is active in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and he wrote in applying for the Commission that he wants to address a decline in the number of people hunting. "We need to figure out how to turn this around by developing new and better hunter recruitment programs and get youth out in the field and transition them into lifelong hunters," Fischer wrote. "Knowing that my children and their generation will have the opportunities to hunt, fish, and explore Idaho like I have makes me want to be involved and create new avenues to enhance participation."