Public Comment Sought On Upland Game And Trapping Proposals

IDAHO FALLS - While the majority of the attention during the season setting process each year is focused on big game, IDFG biologists have also been working with the public to develop the regulations to manage next year's upland game and trapping seasons. After statewide discussion, the Department has a number of proposals it is looking to the public for comments. Thanks to the magic of the Internet, sportsmen can visit IDFG's website to review proposals and post comments. For those looking to talk with a biologist, that avenue still exists in a number of ways. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints, "There are five different proposals IDFG is looking for comments on. Some have to do with managing bird populations, other have to do with how we manage sportsmen." The five issues up for comment are: 1) Pheasant season to open _ hour before sunrise as opposed to noon on the opener. 2) Change the pheasant bag and possession limits on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to 2/4 as apposed to 3/6. 3) Extend the chukar and gray partridge season from January 15th to January 31. 4) Open sage grouse, sharptail, quail, chukar and gray partridge seasons all on the same date: (4th Saturday in September) September 25th for 2004. 5) Apply the Motorized Vehicle Rule to upland game hunting in those Units where it applies to big game hunting. Individuals looking to learn more before making comments can contact a wildlife biologist at the Idaho Falls office by dialing 208-525-7290 or stopping by the new regional headquarters building located in the St. Leon Business Park at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls. Individuals with special needs can also make contact through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Proposals can be viewed and comments posted under the "What's New" heading on the IDFG website located at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame. Deadline for all comments is 5 P.M. on Wednesday, April 14, 2004. Comments will be compiled by regional staff and forwarded to the Idaho Fish & Game Commission for consideration at their May meeting.