Public Input Sought on 2001 Big Game Hunting Proposals

Proposed changes in Owyhee County mule deer seasons and a cap on bull elk tags in the Boise River Zone are just two issues slated for discussion during a series of upcoming Fish and Game-hosted open houses. The public is invited to attend the get together nearest them to help shape this year's hunting seasons in Idaho's Southwest region. Other proposals include expanding youth hunting opportunities and dramatically reducing the elk herd in the Weiser Cove area. "We'd like to invite everyone to attend one of our open houses and share their input with us," Fish and Game wildlife manager Lou Nelson said. "That input will be important in shaping final fall hunting seasons." The open house format allows visitors to come and go during a four-hour period and visit one-on-one with Fish and Game personnel about any wildlife management issue. 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 in Boise. Open houses will be held at these locations from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.:

McCall - Tuesday, Feb. 13 Best Western Hotel 415 N. Third Weiser - Thursday, Feb. 15 Weiser High School Library 690 Indianhead Road Marsing - Monday, Feb. 19 Marsing Elementary School 239 8th Ave. West Boise - Tuesday, Feb.20 Hunter Education Center 44th & Chinden Mt. Home - Wednesday, Feb. 21 Mt. Home Bingo Parlor 3285 Airbase Road Nampa - Thursday, Feb. 22 F&G Regional Office 3101 S. Powerline Road

Contact Fish and Game's Nampa office at 465-8465 or the McCall office at 634-8137 for more information.