Fish and Game’s final big game season-setting proposals for 2019-2020

If you’re a hunter, there are a few regulations that you should be aware over the next two years.

Idaho Fish and Game is adding three new proposals for the 2019-20 big game hunting season for eastern Idaho. The proposals were voted on by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission Wednesday night in Boise.

Every two years, Idaho Fish and Game evaluates the population of certain wildlife species. Harsh winters and overhunting can often decline elk and deer population.

After presenting population metrics and receiving public comment, Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted on several proposals for elk, deer, mountain lion and black bear hunts in the southeast region.

Wildlife experts suggest the elk population is doing well in southeast Idaho.

“As a result, several of our proposals increased antler and antler-less opportunity,” said Fish and Game regional wildlife biologist Eric Freeman.

Data also indicates that southeast Idaho has an abundance of young mountain lions. The average age of a mountain lion in our area is just over two and a half years old which suggests that their population is more robust.

“That raises several concerns for us,” Freeman said. “With these new proposals, our hope is to work towards addressing those concerns.”

In order to maintain the stability of the population, the new proposals have allowed an increase in mountain lion quotas for the next two years.

Similar to mountain lions, Fish and Game has also increased hunting quotas for black bears due to a population increase in the southeastern region. However, unlike mountain lions, black bears are seen as a hunting opportunity that hunters can utilize, rather than a need to stabilize the population.

To find out more on the 2019-20 hunting proposals, go HERE. The final rules will be available online within the next few months.