Idfg Seeks Public Input On Proposed Changes For 2004 Crane, Dove And Early Goose Seasons

IDAHO FALLS - It is only fitting that wildlife managers in Idaho Falls are seeking input from sportsmen about proposed changes in crane seasons for next fall, because hunters have been the ones making the current management strategy work! According to Upper Snake Regional Spokesman Gregg Losinski, "The controlled crane hunts were first implemented to reduce crane numbers, thereby reducing the potential for damage to agricultural concerns. Today, crane numbers are down. Sportsmen did the job we asked them to do and they had fun in the process!" Portions of the Upper Snake Region serve as fall staging grounds for thousands of sandhill cranes as they group up before starting their southward migration. Often these masses of birds show up at just the time when certain crops such as wheat are nearly ready to harvest and are most susceptible to damage. IDFG is proposing to adopt a controlled hunt sandhill crane season with a daily limit of two and a seasonal limit of nine. The total number of permits being offered would be 20% less than last year. A total of 48 permits would be available in each of the hunt areas in Teton and Fremont Counties. They would be split between two different weeklong seasons each. One season starting on September 1st and the other the 8th. In the Caribou and Bear Lake County hunt area there would be one single season starting on September 1st and ending on September 17th. A total of 165 permits would be available. IDFG is also seeking comment on the fact that they are proposing no early goose hunts, instead opting to include all the allowed hunting days possible in the late season. The Idaho Fish & Game Commission will set the actual season dates at their August meeting. Dove hunters are also being asked to comment on the recommendation that there be no changes made to the existing dove season or harvest structure. The season would still run the entire month of September and the daily limit would be 10 birds with 20 total allowable in possession. Comments should be directed to Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints. He can be reached at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). E-mail can be sent to him at dmeints@idfg.state.id.us or written comments can be sent care of IDFG at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, ID 83401 of via FAX at 208-523-7604. Deadline for all comments is 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 19.