


Posted on: April 25, 2007
IDAHO FALLS – Management of sandhill cranes to prevent agricultural damage in the Upper Snake has been ongoing since 1996, but IDFG biologists continue to seek an annual dialogue with the public about crane hunts being proposed for the upcoming fall.
The actual total number of sandhill cranes that can be harvested is set by the Pacific Flyway Council, not IDFG. What IDFG does control is how to get the maximum benefit from the total allotment the state receives each year. Last year the limit was set at 336, of which 236 actual birds were harvested. “This year the allocation has been set at 306 birds, a similar number to last year.” says Tom Hemker, statewide waterfowl coordinator for Idaho.
In the Upper Snake Region, biologists are proposing the following permits for each of the specific locations and dates. New hunting opportunity is being proposed for Bonneville and Jefferson Counties.
| Hunt Area | Season | Permits |
| Teton County | 9/1-7 | 40 |
| Teton County | 9/8-15 | 40 |
| Fremont County | 9/1-7 | 40 |
| Fremont County | 9/8-15 | 40 |
| Bonneville County | 9/1-7 | 10 |
| Bonneville County | 9/8-15 | 10 |
| Jefferson County | 9/1-7 | 10 |
| Jefferson County | 9/8-15 | 10 |
IDFG is also looking for comments on mourning dove seasons and early goose hunts. At the present time no early goose hunts are being considered because of the proposed 107 day long regular season. No changes are being proposed for mourning doves because the season is already as early as law will allow and the most liberal harvest.
Anyone who would like to comment on these proposed changes or any other facet of early goose and sandhill crane hunts is invited to make comment at the IDFG regional office on Wednesday, May 9. The office will be open for comment from 8 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Daryl Meints at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Comments can also be sent via E-mail to dmeints@idfg.idaho.gov. The deadline for all comments is Friday, May 11 at 5:00 P.M.
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Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.
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