Upland Game, Falconry, And Trapping Seasons To Be Discussed

The public is invited to comment on this year's upland game, falconry, and trapping seasons at an open house hosted by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The open house is slated for Wednesday, April 14, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Fish and Game's Coeur d'Alene office, 2750 West Kathleen Avenue. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jim Hayden at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208) 769-1414, or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). Only minor changes to upland game, falconry, and trapping seasons are being proposed in the Panhandle Region. The opening of the quail, gray partridge, and chukar seasons would open the fourth Saturday in September, rather than the third Saturday, matching up with sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse in other parts of the state. The gray partridge and chukar season would close January 31 instead of January 15, and the quail season would close January 31 instead of December 31, providing more opportunity for hunting. Public comment from across the state will be assembled and presented to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for review at their next regular meeting. After evaluating the comments, the Commission will determine whether any rule or season changes are warranted for fall 2004. For more information, please call the Coeur d'Alene office at 769-1414. Comments may also be made on the Idaho Fish and Game website, www2.state.id.us/fishgame