Waterfowl Season Open House Slated in Lewiston

Waterfowl hunters in Idaho have a chance to comment on proposed 2013-2014 duck and goose seasons during an upcoming public open house. The meeting will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 6 at the Clearwater Region office, 3316 16th St., Lewiston. The open house format allows visitors to attend anytime during the session and visit with Fish and Game personnel about the proposals. Those unable to attend the open house can submit their comments by mail to: 2013-14 Waterfowl Seasons, P.O. Box 25, Boise, Idaho 83707. The deadline for public comment is August 16. Fish and Game received a tentative waterfowl season framework from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees waterfowl management at the national level. Proposed season dates for hunting waterfowl in the Clearwater Region are:

• Youth Waterfowl: September 28-29.
• Ducks: Area 2: October 12 - January 24; Scaup: November 2 - January 24
• Canada and White-fronted Geese: Area 2: October 12 - January 24
• Blue, Ross's and Snow Geese: Area 4: October 12 - January 24

For the duck and Canada goose zones, please see the 2012-2013 waterfowl rules brochure. Information collected from across the state will be summarized and presented to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, which will set the final waterfowl seasons at its meeting on August 19. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Chasity Newman at the Fish and Game Clearwater office, 208-799-5010 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).