Idaho Fish & Game seeks public input about possible grizzly bear hunt

Idaho Fish and Game met with the public Tuesday night to get input on the proposed grizzly bear hunt.

Fish and Game says the grizzly bear population in the Yellowstone area has recovered successfully since the 70s. The population was less than 200 in the early 70s and is now above 700.

The hunt will be split between Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The number of bears allowed to be hunted in each state depends on the percentage of land in the bear monitoring area, excluding Yellowstone Park. Because of that, Idaho will only be allowed one grizzly bear. Montana has decided not to go forward with the hunt this year.

Idaho Fish and Game says they have heard mixed emotions and encourage those interested to give their input.

“People are generally excited to see and to be a part of the success of grizzly bear recovery in Yellowstone,” said Toby Boudreau, Assistant Chief of Wildlife for Idaho Fish and Game. “I think that people are, you know, there’s mixed emotions about hunting grizzlies and I’ve heard both ends of the spectrum and somewhere in between.”

No decision has been made yet. Idaho Fish and Game is holding another public comment meeting Wednesday evening in Boise. The online public comment period is from April 16th through May 1st. The commission will meet on May 10th to make a final decision. If you would like to give a comment regarding the proposed grizzly bear hunt, you can do so here.