IDFG To Hold First Meeting At New Building. Turkey, White-Tailed Deer And Access Yes Program Slated

IDAHO FALLS - Some files are still in boxes and the pictures are not yet hung on the walls, but the Idaho Department of Fish & Game is ready to make use of the meeting room facilities at their new regional office in Idaho Falls. According to Regional Supervisor Bob Saban, "The new building was specifically designed with being able to accommodate our public meetings." The new regional offices are located at 4279 Commerce Circle in the St. Leon Business Park, just off 15th East and Highway 20. The meeting will be held in the Centennial Room at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12. The purpose of this meeting is to gather public comment on a variety of wildlife and hunter management topics. Firstly, the Department will be giving the public its initial chance to view the newest Whitetail Deer Management Plan. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints, "This is our first statewide whitetail management plan. Past plans focused only on the northern portion of the state, since then whitetails have expanded their range considerably and a new statewide management strategy was needed." In addition to white-tailed deer, the region is also seeking input on recommendations for future turkey hunting seasons. Transplanted turkeys have done quiet well and the Department is looking to increase harvest numbers. According to Meints, "Not only are we looking at boosting the number of controlled hunt permits to 175, but we are also proposing a youth hunt for turkeys that would provide an additional 25 tags for junior license holders. Along with wildlife management, the Department is also seeking information on behalf of the Idaho Fish & Game Commission regarding how the issue of sportsmen's access will be handled in the future, particularly how the Department should proceed with the fledgling ACCESS YES program. In addition to statewide public meetings, the Department has sent out 1,000 surveys to sportsmen across the state. There is no question that access programs have a place in the future if wildlife management in Idaho, but there are some basic questions, especially about funding that need to be addressed before the program can expand. 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 /4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401. The deadline for all comments is 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 13.