Waterfowl Open House Slated in Lewiston

LEWISTON - Waterfowl hunters have a chance to comment on proposed 2006-2007 duck and goose seasons during an upcoming open house scheduled for Tuesday, August 1. Fish and Game personnel will be on hand to visit with the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clearwater Regional office, 3316 16th Street in Lewiston. The open house format allows visitors to attend anytime during the session. Call 799-5010 for more information. The Department has received the tentative waterfowl season framework from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees waterfowl management at the national level. Although they will not be finalized until July 28, the season recommendations are expected to be similar to those in 2005. Tentative department recommendations for both duck and geese include: A 105-day season with the usual bag, including a 1-bird bag for both pintails and canvasbacks. A two-day youth hunt on September 30 to October 1 for those hunters aged 15 and under. Season dates in Area 1 (Northern and Eastern Idaho): October 7 to January 19, 2007. Season dates in Area 2 (Southwestern Idaho): October 14 to January 26, 2007. Information collected at public open houses across the state will be summarized and presented to the Fish and Game Commission, which will set the final waterfowl seasons on August 8. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Connie Stevens at the Fish and Game Clearwater office (799-5010) or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).