Boaters invited to race the St. Joe River in May
ST. MARIES - The St. Joe River Jet Boat Race is scheduled May 17-19 on the St. Joe River.
Organizers believe it will be a roaring success.
"The St. Joe River saw approximately 6,000 cheering fans during the first two days of the 2012 U.S.A. World Jet Boat Marathon Championship held last April," said St. Maries Chamber President Shirley Ackerman.
The St. Maries Chamber of Commerce and St. Maries-St. Joe River Jet Boat Club have partnered with Epic Motorsports Consulting Group, L.L.C. to bring the event to the area.
"We anticipate this many fans will come watch jet boat teams Race the Joe in May and have received tremendous community support," said Kyla Sawyer, Epic Motorsports spokeswoman.
The tentative schedule includes a boat show Friday, May 17 at the Cormana Building in St. Maries followed by a fireworks display at dusk.
Jet boats will be on display and racers will be available for photos and autographs during this free public event.
Racing will be Saturday and Sunday, with several legs of racing each day from the Idaho Forest Industries Landing to Calder and back.
There are five jet boat race classes including Unlimited, Local A, CX, FX and Local FXV - which are determined by hull style and engine power.
"I have been involved with racing clubs for many years and St. Maries is the warmest and most enthusiastic group I have ever had the pleasure to work with," American Power Boat Association Referee Larry Darneille said.
Epic Motorsports is responsible to raise the money for the show, Sawyer said.
Info: www.stmarieschamber.org
Outdoors briefs
Panel OKs funds for wolf control
Idaho Fish and Game commissioners approved a staff recommendation to move $50,000 allocated to coyote control in eastern Idaho to wolf control within elk management zones that are performing below management objectives.
The animal damage control funds come from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Idaho annually appropriates $100,000 of these Fish and Game funds to the state Animal Damage Control Board for control of predatory animals and birds.
Idaho statute authorizes the Fish and Game Commission to direct how these funds are to be used.
Since 2005, the commission has directed $50,000 or more to be used for intensive coyote removal in conjunction with the Mule Deer Initiative in eastern Idaho. The commission has directed about $50,000 in addition to support U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services activities.
In July 2012, the commission directed funds go to coyote control in eastern Idaho. But coyote control money from the previous year was unused and carried forward. At the same time federal funding for wolf management has decreased.
Apply for spring controlled hunts
The application period for spring turkey controlled hunts opens Feb. 1 and runs to March 1.
The spring black bear controlled hunt application period opened Jan. 15 and continues through Feb. 15.
Spring turkey and spring black bear seasons start April 15 - some controlled hunts open later. Turkey youth hunts open April 8.
Leftover controlled hunt tags for spring turkey and bear controlled hunts go on sale April 1.
Hunters may apply for controlled hunts at any hunting and fishing license vendor; Fish and Game office; with a credit card by calling 1-800-55HUNT5; or online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/controlledHunts/. The application fee is $6.25 per person for residents and $14.75 for nonresidents. An additional fee is charged for telephone and Internet applications.
A turkey controlled hunt permit costs $7.75.
Spring 2013 bear controlled hunt information is in the 2012 Big Game Seasons and Rules book. Spring turkey controlled hunt information is available in the 2012-2013 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules book. Both are available at all license vendors and at Fish and Game offices.
Hunters must have a 2013 Idaho hunting license to apply.