IDFG seeks comment on game rules

Idaho Fish and Game will be gathering public comments on several proposed new rules.

Fish and Game plans a series of regional public open house meetings between June 14-25 to gather public comments on a list of proposed rules.

In the Panhandle Region, an open house is 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 25 at the Fish and Game regional office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

Public comments are being sought in four general areas.

• A proposed bonus point system designed to improve odds of unsuccessful controlled hunt applicants in subsequent years.

• Proposed 2011 upland game bird seasons.

• Proposed changes in the landowner appreciation program.

• Proposed rules for muzzleloader rules, trap placement, motor vehicle restrictions and possession and sale of rattlesnake parts.

Proposed changes and a public comment form will be available on the Fish and Game Web site at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/public/ later this week. Public meeting times and locations also are listed at this site.

Written comments may be submitted at the open house, at a Fish and Game office or by mail to one of these: Big Game Comments, Bonus Point Comments, Upland Game Comments or LAP Comments c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707.

The deadline for written comments is June 28.

During a meeting July 7, 8 and 9 at the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider these proposals as well as changes to wolf hunting rules to allow foothold traps, electronic calls and harvesting wolves incidentally encountered at bear bait; extend mandatory check-in for wolves to 72 hours to report a kill and 10 days to check skull and hide, and allow depredation hunts for big game to include bears and wolves.