Public Input Sought on 2003 Big Game Hunting Proposals

Hunters who pursued big game in Idaho's Southwest region in 2002 should plan on having very similar seasons in 2003. Potential season proposals will be available for public review at several upcoming Fish and Game-sponsored open houses. 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. Topping the list of proposals is one that would limit ATV use in some hunting areas. "The use of ATVs for hunting has been a contentious issue for years now," Fish and Game regional supervisor Al Van Vooren noted. "Some hunters would like to see areas designated such that off-road ATV use is restricted to game retrieval only. We have enough real estate here in Southwest Idaho that we can offer that kind of experience, and we'd like to hear from the public regarding how much and what areas should be managed this way." 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: Boise, Wednesday, Feb. 12 Fish and Game Headquarters 600 S. Walnut Mtn. Home, Thursday, Feb 13 Mtn. Home Bingo Parlor 3285 Airbase Road McCall, Tuesday, Feb. 18 Fish and Game Office 555 Deinhard Drive Nampa, Tuesday, Feb. 18 Fish and Game Office 3101 S. Powerline Road In addition to several Fish and Game-sponsored proposals, the Department has been requested by outside interests to gather public input on two other issues. One is a suggestion to add July and August to the black bear hunting season in the Selway and Middle Fork elk zones. The other would establish a special antlerless elk season for traditional archery equipment users during an existing muzzleloader season in unit 39. 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 13 meeting in Boise.