Trophy species regulations open house today in Cd'A

COEUR d'ALENE - An open house to accept public comment on proposed 2015-2016 regulations for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat will be conducted today in Coeur d'Alene.

The open house is slated for 3-6 p.m. at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Panhandle region office, at 2885 W. Kathleen Ave.

The open house format allows visitors to attend at any time during the session to visit with Fish and Game personnel about the proposals.

The Panhandle Region proposal includes the addition of 20 bull moose tags.

There are no proposed changes to current mountain goat seasons. There are no bighorn sheep hunts in the Panhandle.

The proposal includes an increase in moose tags in the Unit 4 long season (from Sept. 15 to Dec. 1), from 15 tags to 20 tags.

Harvest success rates have been high in Unit 4 and the average number of days of hunting to harvest a moose in the unit is decreasing.

There has not been a decrease in antler spread of harvested bulls, and this proposal would increase hunter opportunity.

Two new short season hunts are proposed for Unit 5 with five permits in each hunt. One hunt would run Oct. 1-14 and the other Nov. 1-14.

The current long season in Unit 5 would not change. Given the current moose population size and bull and calf ratios, Unit 5 can withstand increased hunting and provide additional hunter opportunity.

Unit 6 currently has three moose hunts, including one long hunt from Sept. 15 to Dec. 1. There are 15 tags currently available in each of the hunts.

The proposed season would increase the number of tags in the long hunt to 20.

The two shorter seasons would not change in dates or permit levels under the current proposal.

The change is proposed because harvest rates are high, the average number of days hunted to take a moose is decreasing, and there has not been a decrease in the antler spread of harvested bulls from Unit 6.

Current Panhandle region moose hunts not mentioned are proposed to continue with no changes in 2015-2016.

Proposed changes for moose, sheep and goat hunts throughout all of Idaho are available on Fish and Game's website.

Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Wayne Wakkinen at 769-1414, or the Idaho Relay Service at (800) 377-3529.

Those unable to attend the open house can submit their comments online by visiting the department's website, or by mail to: 2015-2016 Trophy Species Season Proposals, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.

All comments must be received by Jan. 5.

All comments will be presented to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission prior to setting the seasons at their meeting on Jan. 22.