Comments Sought On Idaho Waterfowl Season Proposals

Coeur d'Alene, ID: Waterfowl hunters have a chance to comment on proposed 2005-2006 duck and goose seasons during upcoming open houses hosted around the state by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). For those who can't make the open houses, Fish and Game is taking waterfowl season comments on their web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.

In northern Idaho, IDFG wildlife personnel will be on hand to visit with the public on Thursday August 18 at 7 pm at the IDFG Panhandle Region office (2750 Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene). Call 769-1414 for more information.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees waterfowl management at the national level, has authorized Fish and Game to hold a waterfowl season very similar to last year's. Using that authorization as a framework, Fish and Game has developed the following recommended season for northern Idaho.

A 105-day season is proposed for geese and ducks (except canvasbacks) running from October 1 through January 13, with an additional two day youth hunt on September 24 and 25 for those hunters aged 15 and under. A special 60-day canvasback season would run from October 1 to November 29.

The department is also recommending increasing the daily bag limit from 5 ducks to seven; a limit which may contain no more than one canvasback, two female mallards (limit was one last season), one pintail, two redheads, or three scaup.

Because goose numbers remain particularly strong, the 2005-2006 goose season option includes a four goose of any kind daily bag limit.

Locally, the IDFG is recommending extending the Spokane River waterfowl hunting closure downstream to the Washington state line.

Information collected at public open houses across the state will be summarized and presented to the Fish and Game Commission, which will set the final waterfowl seasons on August 29.

Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jim Hayden at 769-1414 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).

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