IDFG Brings Back Proposals For Big Game Hunting Regulations To Sportsmen

IDAHO FALLS -After meeting with the public both regionally and statewide, wildlife biologists are now ready to present to the public proposed big game regulation changes for the upcoming seasons. Regionally, biologists held scoping meetings at the end of January in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Arco; now they are ready to return to those towns and present a proposed product developed by combining the wide rage of input provided. According to newly selected Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints, "We not only tried to take into account what our sportsmen were telling us, we also wanted to come up with regulations that would work for hunters and wildlife throughout the eastern part of the State." According to Meints, "One big change that we are proposing involves basically cutting the general antlered deer season in half, running it from October 5th through October 19th." These season changes were the result of analyzing both public input from recent surveys sent to deer hunters and population data collected from survey flights done over the winter. "Overall, our concern is to address low buck:doe ratios and provide hunts that match up with other regions on our side of the State." Says Meints. Meints also said that while there was some concern voiced over cow elk hunts, the region is still proposing to start a new 200 permit youth cow elk hunt in the Island Park zone. In addition to management of wildlife, the Department will also be seeking input on how to manage ATVs'(All Terrain Vehicles) in the future. A survey has been developed to measure what types of management sportsmen feel should pertain to the use of ATVs' in certain units. The Idaho Fish & Game Commission has instructed the Department to research the ATV issue because the use of such machines falls under the purview of the Commission, as being considered a method of take. OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE - All meetings start at 7:00 PM Mon., Feb. 24 Idaho Falls Eastern Idaho Technical College Tues., Feb. 25 Rexburg Madison County Middle School Wed., Feb. 26 Arco Arco Elementary School Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Daryl Meints at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so via E-mail at dmeints@idfg.state.id.us or by regular mail to IDFG /1515 Lincoln Rd. in Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401. The deadline for all comments is 5:00 P.M. on February 27, 2003.