IDFG Hosts Open House To Discuss Proposed Access Program And Regs For Trophy Species & Turkeys

IDAHO FALLS - IDFG is planning for sportsmen's futures today! On Friday, November 22 the Upper Snake Region of IDFG will be hosting an open house at Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls to discuss proposed moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and turkey hunting regulations for next year. Additionally, the Department will be discussing and seeking public comment on a new access program. The meeting will take place at the EITC cafeteria and run from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. When it comes to proposed changes, Regional Wildlife Manager Brad Compton says, "When it comes to trophy species regs we aren't proposing much, just tweaking things; but for turkeys we are proposing some changes that hunters should really like." The changes Compton refers to are an expansion of hunting turkey opportunity throughout the region due to a successful ongoing turkey transplanting program. For Compton, who was recently promoted to statewide big game manager, this will be his last meeting as regional manager in Idaho Falls. Because access to hunting opportunities is shaping up to be a major problem nationwide in the future, the Idaho Fish & Game Commission has charged the Department to work with the public to create a program to help insure access for sportsmen. The new program is entitled "Access Yes" and centers on payment or other forms of compensation to landowners for allowing sportsmen to utilize their property. Comment is being sought not only on the access program itself, but the method that the program should be funded. Depending on the final plan, the program could cost anywhere between $500,000 and $1.2 million to run. Details concerning the proposed program will be available at the open house. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Justin Naderman at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Individuals may also send comments via e-mail to jnaderman@idfg.state.id.us. Deadline for comments is 5:00 P.M. on Fri., Nov. 29, 2002.