Idaho revising elk plan

[salmonfg]

IDFG is in the process of revising the state's Elk Plan. You can view information about the process at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wil ... etPage=324

Upcoming items are online chats 10 and 11 April, 7-9 p.m. (MDT) and open houses/public meetings across the state mid-Apr through end of May.

Your input will help guide Idaho's elk management for the next decade.

Thanks,

Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager

[Solitude]

Thanks for talking the tim to post Tom. Much appreciated.

[ElkNut1]

Tom, thanks for the heads up! I watched the video clip on the website, didn't see any specifics there? Any changes being considered for the McCall Zone?

ElkNut/Paul

[Indian Summer]

Thanks Tom and welcome to our forums. It makes it even better when we have a line of communication with guys like you.

Are there any changes worth mentioning that we as hunters should consider submitting public comment on?

[dotman]

Thanks Tom, great to have you on the site.

[salmonfg]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

At this point the main thrust is to get the word out and encourage participation during the process.

Below are general draft objectives and a few items to think about for comment. I'll emphasize this is very much a draft and on-going process. Outcomes will depend a great deal on input and results from a second survey of elk hunters. Much of the plan will focus on "big-picture" items, with hunting season changes to meet the objectives implemented as part of the 2014 season-setting process. A couple of the broader concepts that could directly affect hunting opportunity are esablishing specific "quality - high quality" units or zones in each region (trade-off of annual opportunity for higher bull numbers) and providing an option for hunters to hunt in more than 1 elk zone.

Draft Statewide Elk Management Objectives:
Continue to offer general season elk hunting opportunities by managing elk populations, predator populations, and improving elk habitat;
Enhance mature bull hunting opportunity;
Aid hunters in aligning hunting areas with their desired hunting experience;
Maintain the A/B tag structure, while adjusting it to meet the needs and interests of today’s hunters;
Implement proactive measures to reduce elk-caused crop and property damage;
Improve citizen involvement in elk management decision-making;
Reduce disease impacts on elk and livestock;
Increase public knowledge and understanding of elk biology, elk management and elk hunting.

Now Is the time to Provide your input on:
Statewide elk management direction;
Zone-specific elk management goals;
Option of hunting in more than one elk zone during a hunting season.

Thanks again,

Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager

[Garrett Drach]

"Over 70% favored making some Elk zones foot and horse access only, restricting the use of OHV's, and choosing a single weapon for the entire Elk season"

I've always heard/read that Idaho is considered the land of ATVs when it comes to hunting, so the above statement from the executive summary caught my attention. I'm curious to hear from those who have hunted Idaho if ATV's are in fact abundant? And would restricting ATV use make certain areas more attractive to you?

[Freebird134]

"Over 70% favored making some Elk zones foot and horse access only, restricting the use of OHV's, and choosing a single weapon for the entire Elk season"

I've always heard/read that Idaho is considered the land of ATVs when it comes to hunting, so the above statement from the executive summary caught my attention. I'm curious to hear from those who have hunted Idaho if ATV's are in fact abundant? And would restricting ATV use make certain areas more attractive to you?

I'd say they are very abundant, depending on where you are. But, for me, one atv or dirt bike is one too many. I wish they were outlawed during hunting seasons.

[FemoralArchery]

Don't forget that the live chat with the F&G is tonight and tomorrow night.