Idaho Department of Fish and Game to Meet on May 17

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idfg commission to meet in coeur d'alene

The Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) Commission will meet in Coeur d'Alene May 17, 18 and 19 at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Meetings will be held in the Convention Center. Attendees should use the main entrance to the resort.

The day's agenda for May 17 includes considering changes to some southern Idaho mule deer hunts in response to poor winter survival and extending some game bird seasons. That evening, the commissioners invite public comments at a public hearing to begin at 7 pm. Individuals will be given three minutes each to address the commissioners. Speakers representing groups will be given five minutes.

Although fishing proposals specifically affecting the Panhandle Region will be addressed later in the three-day meeting (May 19), Panhandle area anglers are encouraged to attend the public hearing on May 17 if they wish to express opinions on proposed changes to local fishing rules. (The proposals are described below.) Public comments are only taken during the public hearing the evening of May 17.

On May 18, commissioners are expected to set seasons and limits on upland game, upland birds and furbearers; and, to take action on proposed upland game rule changes. Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists are recommending extensions of some southern Idaho pheasant seasons, quail seasons and gray partridge seasons. Commissioners also are expected to set seasons and rules for hunting and trapping furbearers.

After lunch on May 18, Jill Green of Lewiston is scheduled to be honored as the 2005 Hunter Education Instructor of the year. Later in the day, the Commission will consider the department's budget for 2007.

Commissioners will start May 19 with matters of high interest to Panhandle anglers. A presentation on rainbow and lake trout control efforts in Lake Pend Oreille will be given at 8 am. Because of the urgent need to reduce predation on kokanee by rainbow trout and lake trout, IDFG is proposing rule changes to the Commission that will allow for additional opportunities to harvest rainbows. Commissioners will consider lifting limits on rainbow trout in Lake Pend Oreille to give struggling kokanee a chance to increase in number. (There is currently no limit on lake trout on Lake Pend Oreille.)

The Commission will consider a proposal that would allow anglers with a two-pole stamp to use up to four lines on Lake Pend Oreille.

The Commission will also consider a proposal to open Grouse Creek, Lightning Creek, and Pack River for fishing April 1- Aug 31, with no limit on rainbow trout. In addition, the lower Clark Fork River (from the railroad bridge downstream to the lake) is proposed to remain open year round with no limit on rainbow trout. Limits on rainbow trout for the remainder of the Clark Fork River would also be removed under this proposal.

Commissioners will be asked to approve three land purchases and two land exchanges that would provide mitigation for lost habitat, and improve access and habitat protection. They will get an update on spring Chinook salmon numbers, and a salmon season recommendation if warranted by those numbers.

The meetings are open to the public. However, comments will only be accepted during the public hearing on May 17. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the director's office at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208-334-5159 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD).