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IDFG to Host Public Meeting to Discuss Proposed Wolf & Mule Deer Management Plans, Along With Proposed Changes to Upland Game, Trapping, and Muzzleloader

Posted on: November 28, 2007

IDAHO FALLS – If during the busy holiday season there were only one evening that an Idaho outdoorsman could commit to attending a public meeting, Wednesday the 5th of December would be the one night that they would want to reserve. A veritable smorgasbord of wildlife and hunting related topics will be presented for public comment. Topics ranging from beaver trapping in Units 66 & 69, to modifying muzzleloader definitions will serve as appetizers for the main entrees of the proposed wolf and mule deer management plans. The wolf plan will direct how IDFG manages wolves when they are delisted, and the mule deer plan will guide the department in regards to mule deer until 2017.

While all this information might at first seem like too much to consume in one setting, IDFG Upper Snake Regional Supervisor Steve Schmidt believes that they have the right recipe for success in serving the public. “We’ve got a lot to present to the public, but the combination of open house and public meeting format should provide plenty of opportunity for people to learn about proposed plans and regulation changes.” In addition to the standard public meeting that will begin at 7:00 PM to discuss the proposed mule deer and wolf management plans, the region will be holding an open house starting at 4:00 PM to also discuss the proposed changes to upland game & trapping regulations. A proposal to modify the current muzzleloader rules will also be available for review. According to Regional Wildlife Biologist Hollie Miyasaki, “The proposal is to remove the rotating hammer requirement.” This small change will allow many of the more modern muzzleloaders already in the hands of hunters to once again be legal for use in muzzleloader-only hunts.

The open house portion will feature poster displays on all of the proposed changes and plans and IDFG staff will be available to answer questions and take written comment. According to Schmidt, “Everything that will be presented at the public meeting portion will also be available at the open house. The presentations about the proposed wolf and mule deer management plans will just be another chance to hear and see the same information presented, and questions will be limited to those required for clarification of a specific point.” Neither of the plans has specific season dates or harvest numbers. “The purpose of this meeting is to hear what the public thinks about these proposed plan frameworks and regulation changes.” said Schmidt. Meetings to discuss plan specifics will be held at a later date after public input has been considered.

Both the open house and public meeting will take place at the IDFG Regional Headquarters located at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls. All comments will be taken in written format. The proposed plans and regulation changes can be also be viewed and comment given at the IDFG website located at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.

4:00 – 7:00 OPEN HOUSE – Upland Game, Trapping, Muzzleloaders, Mule Deer & Wolf Plans

7:00- 8:00 PUBLIC MEETING – Proposed Mule Deer Management Plan

8:00 – 9:00 PUBLIC MEETING – Proposed Wolf Management Plan

Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Daryl Meints at IDFG at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so via E-mail at dmeints@idfg.idaho.gov or by regular mail to IDFG /4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.


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About Dave Langston

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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