F&G Proposes Changes At Public Meetings

Idaho Fish and Game has two new proposals for hunters, and a third idea that could be considered for legislation.

The agency is taking those ideas on tour around our area to see what hunters have to say about the possible changes to their favorite sport.

The first proposal would split the archery antelope controlled hunt in the area from the larger hunt. The second proposal would split the archery deer hunt in areas 68 and 72. The legislative issue would cap the number of tags for the deer hunt in and around Malad in area 73.

Hunters came out in droves Monday night to figure out what those proposals would mean. By the time the meeting started the room was packed. Bill Nichols said his dad dragged him out to the meeting, so he dragged his 10-year-old son Preston along, too. Since hunting is a family past time, they came to stay on top of the game.

“I just came to see, make sure all the rules and regs are staying the same, or what has changed,” Nichols said.

And some things could change. But Fish and Game Wildlife Manager Toby Boudreau said the issue of capping the number of tags in area 73 wouldn’t be able to happen without a new state law. The proposal would limit the number of tags at 1250, 1000 of those for residents.

“Well because wildlife, especially deer and elk, are a limited resource, and not everybody can hunt everywhere,” Boudreau said.

Splitting the archery hunts for both deer and antelope will just limit where hunters can go, but it will help maintain populations, he said.

“Both of these proposals are basically to help us better figure out who’s going where and how successful they’re being,” Boudreau said.

The Nichols family is full of archers, and they’re hoping to have their voices heard.

“If we’re not here then they’re going to do whatever they want anyway,” Nichols said.

Boudreau said the public input will then go to the Fish and Game Commission meeting on March 21 in Boise where decisions will be made.

Meetings continue for the next week at 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:

February 28: Blackfoot, City Hall Council Chambers, 157 North Broadway February 29: Malad City, Malad Senior Citizens Center, 26 North Main Street March 1: Preston, Larsen-Sant Library, 109 South 1st East March 5: Soda Springs, Soda Springs Senior Center, 60 South Main Street March 6: Montpelier, Senior Center, 115 South 4th Street