Mountain Lion Open Houses Slated

A possible change in mountain lion management philosophy is the topic for a series of upcoming open house meetings hosted by Fish and Game. "We'd like to invite everyone who takes an interest in mountain lions to attend one of our public open houses," Fish and Game wildlife manager Jon Rachael said. Open houses will be held at these locations. Please note the dates and times for each. McCall - Wed., January 9 1:00 - 7:00pm Fish and Game Office 555 Deinhard Lane Nampa - Wed., January 9 1:00pm - 7:00pm Fish and Game Office 3101 S. Powerline Drive Weiser - Thursday, Jan. 10 4:00pm - 7:00pm Weiser High School Library 690 Indianhead Road The open house format allows visitors to come and go and visit one-on-one with Fish and Game personnel. Written comments collected from open house attendees will be summarized and presented to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for review and consideration. The Commission will take final action on lion management and other big game issues when they set 2002 big game rules at their March meeting. Mountain lion management strategies were last visited in 1991. Three management options are currently being considered, including maintaining current lion distribution, managing lions at varying densities depending on location, and maintaining lion populations only in remote, core areas. Those persons unable to attend still have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes in mountain lion management. Information packets including a comment form are available at any Fish and Game office. Written comments can be addressed to Mountain Lion Comment, IDFG, Box 25, Boise, Idaho 83707. For compilation purposes, written comments should be submitted by January 9, 2002. Information is also available and comments can be submitted online at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/hunt/programsinfo/lionoptions/default….