Idfg Hosts Open House On Proposed Waterfowl Seasons

IDAHO FALLS - When it comes to the setting of waterfowl seasons a host of agencies and even countries are involved in the process. Decisions must be made that will be fair to both sportsmen and migrating waterfowl. The Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) will be hosting an open house at the regional office at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday, August 4th to hear what sportsmen have to say about duck & goose hunting. In the case of Idaho, the Pacific Flyway Council is responsible for determining the general limits for each species and the maximum days that each species can be hunted. It is then up to state wildlife agencies to put flesh on skeleton by way of actual dates and season lengths. Currently, a 107-day duck and goose season is being recommended. As in the past, two of the 107 days will be set-aside for the annual youth hunts. The youth hunts are being proposed to start one week later than last year to allow for collection of more avian flu samples before the season starts. The youth hunt is scheduled for October 30 - September 1. Proposed season for Area 1 (North/East) is October 7 - January 19. For Area 2 (Southwest) the proposed season is October 14 - January 26. Goose will again have a 4-bird bag limit. Ducks will remain the same, with a 1-bird bag limit for both pintails and canvasbacks. The Idaho Fish & Game Commission will make their final decision at their August 8th meeting. 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). E-mails comments can also be sent to dmeints@idfg.idaho.gov The deadline for all comments is 5:00 P.M. on August 4, 2006.