Open House Highlights 2004 Big Game Hunting Seasons

With few exceptions, hunters who pursued big game in Idaho's Southwest region in 2003 should plan on having very similar seasons in 2004. A few potential changes are being considered and that's where you come in. Plan now to attend and provide input that will help shape this fall's hunting seasons in Idaho's Southwest region. Contact Fish and Game's Nampa office at 465-8465 or the McCall office at 634-8137 for more information. After a successful trial year of motorized vehicle restrictions in units 32 and 32A, additional units are being proposed for the same restrictions. "The unit 32/32A restrictions were very well received by the public," Fish and Game regional conservation officer Jeff Wolfe noted. "Whether contacted in camp or at check stations, the bulk of hunters said they liked the restrictions, and compliance with the new rules was very high." This feedback has prompted Fish and Game to propose expanding the motorized vehicle restrictions to units 22, 39 and 40, or potentially other units in the region. A second proposal relates to the establishment of a trophy mule deer hunt in Southwest Idaho. "For years, hunters have been asking us to manage for more opportunities to harvest trophy bucks," Fish and Game wildlife manager Jon Rachael said. "We can do that, but hunters need to understand the trade-offs." To accomplish this, one of Southwest Idaho's general season hunt units would have to be re-designated, likely forcing hundreds of deer hunters to seek their quarry in other areas if they were unsuccessful at drawing for the hunt. Units being considered for this designation include units 22, 23 or 32A. "However, no units are off the table," Rachael noted. "It's a matter of determining where this proposal fits best, and that's where we need public input." Another proposal is intended to address the chronic problem of crop damage by mule deer along the Snake River. "We're looking at three different options to deal with the damage problem along the river in units 40 and 41," Rachael said. "These include an antlerless youth hunt, a landowner permission hunt, or extra controlled hunt tags for antlerless deer in the problem areas. We'd like some feedback on these options to help guide the decision." In addition, Fish and Game is proposing a landowner permission elk hunt in the southern portion of unit 31 near Weiser to address elk depredation problems in that area. The open house format allows visitors to come and go during a three-hour period and visit one-on-one with Fish and Game personnel about any topic related to big game seasons. Open houses will be held at these locations from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the dates indicated: Weiser, Monday, March 1 Weiser High School Library 690 Indianhead Road Marsing, Monday, March 1 Univ. of Idaho Extension Office 238 8th Avenue West McCall, Tuesday, March 2 Fish and Game Office 555 Deinhard Lane Boise, Tuesday, March 2 Hunter Education Center 109 W. 44th Street Nampa, Wednesday, March 3 Fish and Game Office 3101 S. Powerline Road Council, Wednesday, March 3 Council Ranger District Office 500 E. Whiteley Mtn. Home, Thursday, March 4 Mtn. Home Bingo Parlor 3285 Airbase Road 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 these and other big game issues from across the state at their March meeting.