IDFG To Hold Scoping Meeting For Big Game Hunting Regulations And Mountain Lion Management

IDAHO FALLS - Just as sure as the changing of the seasons, so to is the annual changing of hunting regulations. Because nothing in nature ever stays the same for long, biologists must not only constantly monitor wildlife, but also adapt their management strategies to account for changes in habitat conditions and shifts in both wildlife and human populations. To help get started heading in the right direction, IDFG will be holding a series of three scoping meetings in the Upper Snake Region in mid-December. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Brad Compton, "The meetings will have two general goals: one is to talk about ideas for next fall's big game hunts, the second is to discuss the direction that future mountain lion management should take in Idaho." Of these two areas, mountain lion management is the one expected to draw the most interest because of the wide variety of management options available. Lion populations in Idaho are at the point that some rather specific decisions need to be made because of not only the various wildlife species impacted, but the complex human interests as well. These scoping meetings are the first chance that sportsmen will have to let their opinions be heard, but certainly not the last. A second round of meetings will be set in mid-winter to present to sportsmen proposals created from response to the first set of meetings and a final meeting will be held in early spring to let sportsmen know the final outcome of the regulation setting process. These follow-up meetings were instituted statewide last year and were very positively received by sportsmen. SCOPING MEETING SCHEDULE - All meetings start at 7:00 PM Monday, Dec. 17th Arco Butte County High School Tuesday, Dec. 18th Idaho Falls Eastern Idaho Technical College Thursday, Dec. 20th Rexburg Madison County Middle School Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Brad Compton 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 bcompton@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 December 28, 2001.