Upland Game, Furbearer Open House Set in Southwest Region

Modifying the Unit 38 spring controlled wild turkey hunt and reducing the bobcat season statewide are just two proposals available for public comment at an upcoming upland game, furbearer season open house, hosted by Idaho Fish and Game. Fish and Game staff members will host an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 2, at Fish and Game's Nampa office at 3101 S. Powerline Road. People may also provide comments via an online web-chat during the last hour, from 5 to 6 p.m., of the open house. For information, call the Fish and Game Nampa office at 208-465-8465. The entire package of upland game, turkey and furbearer proposals is available for review and comment on the Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Comments may be submitted at the open house, via the website or during the online chat. The comment deadline is Friday, January 3. One proposal calls for reducing the overall regional river otter quota from 30 to 20 and closing several sections of the Boise, Payette and Snake rivers to river otter trapping. "Recent surveys of these areas show reduced otter populations, which lead to the proposal," wildlife manager Craig White said. A second proposal would split the unit 38 spring controlled turkey hunt into two hunts. "Turkey numbers in this unit have increased in recent years, leading to a number of depredation and nuisance complaints," White said. "By splitting the season and offering more tags, we can put provide additional turkey hunting opportunity and help address some of the nuisance issues that have arisen." A questionnaire and a list of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 upland and furbearer proposals will be available at the open house. Public comments 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. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Kim Cox at the Fish and Game Nampa office at 208-465-8465, or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).