Waterfowl Season Open Houses Slated

Waterfowl hunters have a chance to comment on proposed 2005-2006 duck and goose seasons during upcoming open houses hosted by Idaho Fish and Game. On Monday, August 22, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Fish and Game personnel will be on hand to visit with the public at the Fish and Game Nampa office (3101 S. Powerline Road) and the Fish and Game McCall office (555 Deinhard Drive). The open house format allows visitors to attend anytime during the session. Call 465-8465 (Nampa) or 634-8137 (McCall) for more information. For those who can't make the open house, Fish and Game is taking waterfowl season comments on their web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees waterfowl management at the national level, has authorized Fish and Game to hold a waterfowl season very similar to last year's. Using that authorization as a framework, Fish and Game has developed the following recommended season for the southwest portion of Idaho. A 105-day season for geese and ducks (except canvasbacks) running from October 8 through January 20, with a two day youth hunt on September 24 and 25. In addition, a special 60-day canvasback season would run from October 8 to December 6. The department is also recommending a seven duck daily bag limit which may contain no more than one canvasback, two female mallards, one pintail, two redheads, or three scaup. Because goose numbers remain particularly strong, the 2005-2006 goose season option includes a four goose of any kind daily bag limit. 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 29. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Cece Mann at the Fish and Game Nampa office (465-8465) or Judy Wallace at the Fish and Game McCall office (634-8137) or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).