OUTDOORS: Improve wildlife management

Enough is enough! Are you tired of the way IDFG mismanages your wildlife? It’s time to make a change and start electing our commissioners. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission consists of seven members appointed by the governor, each representing one of seven regions in Idaho. No more than four of these commissioners can be from the same political party. The structure and rules governing appointments are spelled out in Idaho code (36-102(b)) including the political party affiliation restriction.   

Regardless of their political affiliation, commissioners should represent the people in their region while working to preserve, perpetuate and protect wildlife. Electing our commissioners would provide accountability that is missing in the current system. We must demand accountability, improved decision-making, true representation of public interests and effective game management based on facts, not money. Today’s process is not working! 

If you agree, contact your state legislators and let them know you want Idaho law changed so Fish and Game commissioners are elected rather than appointed by a governor who doesn’t make accountability a priority.   

Find your district’s legislators at this link: legislature.idaho.gov/legislators 

DALE BIEDERSTEDT 

Lewiston