It is time again for a regional roundup — an opportunity to look at what is going on in the world of Idaho Fish and Game that may be of interest to sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife watchers and outdoors enthusiasts alike in Southeast Idaho.
Big Game Season-Setting Meetings Coming Up
The southeast regional office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is getting ready to discuss the proposals for the 2017 hunting seasons for big game.
To hear these proposals and for an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments, please join us at one of these scheduled meetings.
Feb. 13: Preston — Larsen-Sant Library, 109 S. First E.
Feb. 15: Soda Springs — Senior Center, 60 S. Main St.
Feb. 16: Malad City — Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main St.
Feb. 21: Montpelier — Bear Lake Senior Center, 115 S. Fourth St.
Feb. 22: Blackfoot — City Hall Council Chambers, 157 N. Broadway St.
Feb. 23: Pocatello — IDFG Office, 1345 Barton Road
All meetings start at 6:30 p.m.
Proposals for big game seasons will be posted on Fish and Game’s website at idfg.idaho.gov. Copies of the proposals will also be available at the Fish and Game office in Pocatello.
Public comments can be submitted at the season setting meetings, online via Fish and Game’s website at idfg.idaho.gov or by filling out a comment form at the Fish and Game office in Pocatello. Comments can also be submitted via mail to Idaho Department of Fish and Game, PO Box 25, Boise, Idaho, 83707. All comments must be submitted by midnight Feb. 26.
Big Game Winter Feeding Update
As of Feb. 6, Idaho Fish and Game had established an additional 22 big game winter feeding sites throughout the southeast region. This brings the total number of authorized feed sites to 84 and the total estimated number of animals being fed to 8,581 mule deer, 2,780 elk, and 215 pronghorn.
A complete list of winter feed sites for the southeast region can be found at idfg.idaho.gov/region/southeast.
Do not visit winter feed sites or other areas where wildlife have congregated. Wintering wildlife need to be disturbed as little as possible so that they can maintain as much of their fat/energy reserves as possible. Outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, antler hunting, cross country skiing, snow showing, sightseeing, and target practice with firearms will move wildlife, even driving them from feed sites or from their places of refuge. Please note that most feed sites are located on private property.
Free Southeast Idaho Sportsmen’s Calendars are Available
The Southeast Idaho Fish and Game office is giving away free single-page, poster-sized sportsmen’s calendars while supplies last. These calendars feature outdoor photos of Idaho hunters and anglers as well as important season information, deadlines for applications and other reminders relevant to Idaho sportsmen and sportswomen.
Stop by the Idaho Fish and Game office located at 1345 Barton Road in Pocatello to pick up a free calendar, and grab a couple for friends while you are here.
Jennifer Jackson is the regional conservation educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.
