IDFG Seeks Public Comments for Big Game, Upland Game, Furbearer Seasons

LEWISTON - Proposed changes to the 2006 big game seasons, and the 2006-07 Upland Game, Furbearer and Trapping seasons will be the focus of a series of public meetings hosted in February by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). Interested individuals can discuss the proposals and provide written comment at any of four open house meetings scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following: - Lewiston, Feb. 15, IDFG Regional Office, 3316 16th Street - Moscow, Feb. 16, Fairground Exhibit Bldg, 1021 Harold - Grangeville, Feb. 23, Senior Center Hwy. 3, County Road - Orofino, Feb. 27, VFW Hall, 330 Michigan Avenue "We hope to hear from as many hunters and trappers as we can," IDFG Wildlife Manager Jay Crenshaw said. "We hope that they attend to learn more about the various options and then provide their written comments." The open house format allows participants to come and go during a three-hour period and visit with IDFG personnel about wildlife issues. Written comments collected will be presented to the Fish and Game Commission prior to their March meeting, where final action will be taken. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Mike Demick at IDFG at 799-5010, prior to February 15, 2006. IDFG reminds Grangeville-area bobcat hunters and trappers that they can meet the mandatory bobcat tagging requirement by presenting their pelts at the Grangeville meeting. All carcasses and pelts must be thawed out prior to tagging. A fee of $2.00 will be charged for each pelt, and an additional $1.75 vendor fee will be charged to each license holder. Sportsmen can save money by checking all their pelts in at one time, as the vendor fee of $1.75 applies whether one pelt or ten are checked.