Fewer moose permits proposed in Idaho

HUNTING — Fewer numbers of moose in Idaho have prompted proposals for fewer moose hunting permits as the Idaho Fish and Game Department takes comments on changing moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons and rules for 2013-2014.

Proposed changes in moose tags are in response to decreased success rates in past years and fewer moose. However, Fish and Game biologists are proposing an increase in tags and new hunts where moose are doing better.

Proposed changes are posted on the Fish and Game website for review and comment.

The proposals will be submitted along with public comments to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for consideration and action during the annual meeting Jan. 17.

Comments may be entered online or by email to idfginfo@idfg.idaho.gov.

Read on for more details.

Proposed changes for moose:

• Panhandle – add 12 bull tags and five antlerless tags.
• Clearwater – add four bull tags, and four antlerless tags, reduce 58 bull tags.
• Southwest – no change.
• Magic Valley – no change.
• Southeast – add three bull tags and five antlerless tags.
• Upper Snake – add one bull tag.
• Salmon – reduce one bull tag.

Proposed changes for bighorn sheep:

• Clearwater – no change.
• Southwest – no change.
• Magic Valley – no change.
• Upper Snake – no change.
• Salmon – add one tag.

Proposed changes for mountain goat:

• Panhandle – no change.
• Clearwater – no change.
• Southwest – no change.
• Magic Valley – no change.
• Upper Snake – reduce three tags.
• Salmon – no change.