Meetings Scheduled for Big Game Regulations

IDAHO FALLS - Even though most sportsmen's freezers are still packed full of wild game from last season, the winter doldrums already have everyone interested in hunting thinking about next fall, and IDFG is no exception. Regional wildlife manager Daryl Meints says, "IDFG has no major changes planned," but he still wants to meet with sportsmen to share information that has been collected and talk about adjustments. IDFG will be holding a series of three big game proposal meetings in the Upper Snake Region in mid-Febrauary. According to Meints, "What we're mainly thinking about is adjustments to cow permits and doe permits." These adjustments are based on recent information from deer and elk survey flights. An example of changes being proposed is the addition of a 500-permit antlerless elk controlled hunt for units 66 & 69. According to Meints, "This is part of our ongoing management strategy for the elk herd that winters on and around our Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area." The reasoning behind the hunt is to not only adjust the elk herd to management objectives, but also address the total number of elk utilizing deer winter range. Meints also noted other concerns as well, "We've already had some of these elk causing trouble with hay stacks, and they had to be hazed back across the Bone Road." After meeting with the public, Meints will not only send his regulation proposals on to the Idaho Fish & Game Commission for their March meeting, but will also send copies of all public comments. "We want hunters to know that we are hearing everything they're telling us. The tough part is making it all fit together," said Meints. SCOPING MEETING SCHEDULE - All meetings start at 7:00 PM Tues Feb. 21 Rexburg Madison Middle School Wed Feb. 22 Idaho Falls IDFG Regional Office Thurs Feb. 23 Mackay Mackay Jr/Senior High School 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). Individuals not able to attend but wishing to comment may do so via E-mail at dmeints@idfg.idaho.gov or by regular mail to IDFG /4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401. The deadline for all comments is 8:00 A.M. on Monday, February 27, 2006.