IDFG seeks public opinion on big game changes

Big game hunters in the Upper Snake Region had a chance to share their thoughts with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game Wednesday night.

The regional office in Idaho Falls was full of hunters, while IDFG presented its proposals for the 2014 season.

There were no changes proposed for pronghorn, mountain lions, and black bears. For wolves, an increase of the bag limit to five tags is being proposed for all the wolf hunting zones.

Arguably the biggest change is the increased harvest opportunities for mule deer. A November antlerless controlled hunt of 200 tags is being proposed, as well as an expansion of the existing either sex controlled hunt from 200 tags to 600.

Regional Wildlife Manager Daryl Meints said sportsman play an important role in the proposals.

“Based on the public comments they provide us we often times, and most likely, we make modifications to the proposals based on their public input, and we do that every year,” said Meints.

IDFG will hold a similar public meeting Thursday at Madison Middle School in Rexburg.