WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT -- More than 800 hunters and anglers, birders and wildlife watchers and others interested in wildlife conservation have signed up to participate in the Idaho Wildlife Summit that starts Friday and runs through Sunday (Aug. 24-26).

“It is extremely gratifying to see so many Idahoans care enough about their wildlife to be involved with the Wildlife Summit,” Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore said in a media release. 

The three-day event will convene at the Riverside Hotel in Boise and six concurrent satellite sites in Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Salmon, Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. People also may participate online in real time.

The agency hopes to involve as many people as possible in helping to set the direction for how wildlife is managed in Idaho, to find common ground, and ultimately to build a broader base of support for wildlife conservation. 

Part of the conversation involves the question: Where will the funding come from to manage game and non-game critters alike?  Currently virtually all of the funding for Idaho's wildlife management comes from hunter and anglers.

Participation is free, but registration is required because of limited seating.

The Boise venue is at capacity, but an overflow room, which will feature a live video feed, is available.

Click here for more details and background.