Wildlife Management Plans Available for Public Comment

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has released proposed management plans for the state's 32 wildlife management areas for a 30-day public review and comment period. These plans are revised periodically to reflect changes in habitat and to identify new management priorities and actions. Varying from 275 to over 124,000 acres in size, each WMA is unique with some including critical big game winter range and others focused on important wetland landscapes. Careful management of each WMA helps the department accomplish its mission of preserving, protecting and perpetuating all fish and wildlife. Each of the proposed plans is available for review and comment on the Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/wma. The deadline to provide comments is May 20. Comments may be submitted on the website or mailed to WMA Plan Comments, c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707. Questions on specific plans may also be directed to regional habitat managers. Moose, Sheep and Goat Hunt Applications Due The deadline for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunt applications is fast approaching. April 30 is the last day to apply for these hunts. Apply at Fish and Game offices or license vendors, or apply using a credit card by telephone or over the Internet. Telephone applications may be made at 1-800-554-8685; Internet users may apply through Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/. Each applicant must possess a valid 2014 Idaho hunting or combination license to apply for a controlled hunt. License fees will not be refunded. For moose, goat and sheep hunt applications only, the entire application fee must be paid with the application. All but the application fee will be refunded to those who do not draw. The resident application, including permit fee, costs $173; nonresidents pay $2,116.50. Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than April 30. Hunters who apply for moose, goat or sheep may not apply for other controlled hunts in the same year except for unlimited controlled hunts, unclaimed or leftover tags, extra hunts, controlled bear hunts or depredation hunts. Those who draw a moose, goat or sheep permit may not apply to hunt the same species for two years, even if they don't harvest an animal. For additional information, see the 2013-2014 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat Seasons and Rules, available at license vendors, Fish and Game offices and online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=64.