Remove beaver trapping closures in Clearwater Region
Proposal
Remove beaver trapping closures on several drainages in Idaho and Nez Perce counties.
Idaho County: mainstem of the Lochsa River, mainstem of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River from Maggie Creek upstream, and the mainstem of the Selway River.
Nez Perce County: all northern tributaries to the Salmon River downstream from, but excluding Maloney Creek, and all tributaries to the Snake River below the mouth of the Salmon River to the Clearwater River.
Justification
These closures were historically implemented to assist in recovery of beaver populations in Idaho for harvest and their benefits to riparian habitat. Currently, closures in these drainages are no longer needed to achieve these goals. Current beaver distribution likely reflects all available suitable habitat.
Removing these closures will provide additional harvest opportunity and simplify trapping regulations.
The public comment period runs through 6 p.m. MST, December 3, 2023.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at their January 2024 meeting.
Proposal
Remove beaver trapping closures on several drainages in Idaho and Nez Perce counties.
Justification
These closures were historically implemented to assist in recovery of beaver populations in Idaho for harvest and their benefits to riparian habitat. Currently, closures in these drainages are no longer needed to achieve these goals. Current beaver distribution likely reflects all available suitable habitat.
Removing these closures will provide additional harvest opportunity and simplify trapping regulations.
The public comment period runs through 6 p.m. MST, December 3, 2023.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at their January 2024 meeting.