Idfg Seeks Input On White-Tailed Deer Plan

IDAHO FALLS - White-tailed deer have always been a part of Idaho's wildlife heritage, but for the most part they were considered to be a central & north Idaho phenomenon. Growing numbers of white-tailed deer statewide and the role they play in interacting with mule deer has caused the Idaho Fish & Game Commission to request that the Idaho Department of Fish & Game work with the public to develop a statewide management plan. That process is underway across the state and an open house is planned locally in Idaho Falls on Wednesday, October 20 to provide information to the public about proposed management options. The new plan has implications for both white-tailed and mule deer hunters. Options in the plan will affect the structure of all deer tags in the state. The new plan will be available for review October 15th on the department's website at (http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/) along with a public survey to provide input and select a preferred deer tag structure. According to Regional Wildlife Biologist Jeff Short, "Surveys are also available to pick up at the Idaho Falls office. 2000 surveys are also being sent randomly to deer hunters across the state." The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is having an open house to discuss the new plan on Wednesday October 20th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Idaho Falls Office located at 4279 Commerce Circle (off of St. Leon near Highway 20 in the St. Leon Industrial Park). Department personnel will be available to answer questions on the plan and distribute surveys. According to Short, "Now is the time to comment on this new plan. Comments will be reviewed by the commission and a decision made at the mid-November commission meeting." Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jeff Short 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 jshort@idfg.state.id.us.