White-tailed Deer Subject of Open Houses

White-tailed deer hunters have a chance to comment on the proposed new white-tailed deer management plan at two upcoming open houses hosted by Idaho Fish and Game. On Wednesday, October 27 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Fish and Game personnel will be on hand to visit with the public at both the Nampa and McCall Fish and Game offices. The open house format allows visitors to attend anytime during the session. Call 465-8465 (Nampa) or 634-8137 (McCall) for more information. The white-tailed deer management proposal is available for review on Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. A link to the survey is featured on the right front page of the website. A comment form is also available for those unable to attend one of the open houses. The draft plan has been shaped by considerable public comment already. Just last year, two thousand hunters and landowners were asked their opinion of current white-tailed deer management in the state. Most were generally satisfied, but many indicated that some changes were likely needed. One proposed major change in management - the creation of a new white-tailed deer tag for the 2005 hunting season - was the product of this input. "The tag would replace the current Clearwater tag, allowing white-tailed deer hunters to pursue their quarry in other parts of the state as well as the Clearwater Region," Fish and Game wildlife manager Jeff Rohlman said. "The general deer tag would remain unchanged, except that it could also be used for hunting white-tailed deer in the Clearwater Region during October." The seven-member Fish and Game Commission will review proposal comments from around the state at their November 18 meeting in Orofino.