Field reports: More wolves killed in Montana seasons

PREDATORS – As Montana’s wolf seasons closed last week, hunters and trappers reported killing at least 225 wolves during the state’s third season and the first that allowed trapping.

That’s an increase of 59 over last season’s total.

The general rifle wolf season began Oct. 20; trapping opened Dec. 15.

With expanded hunting options and recently modified regulations, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has made up ground in its pursuit of reducing the wolf population, which has continued to grow despite hunting in recent years.

Hunters shot at least 131 wolves and trappers caught at least 92.

“Certainly it’s a step in the right direction,” said Ron Aasheim, FWP spokesman in Helena.

• Idaho, which allows hunters to shoot up to five wolves and trap up to five wolves, is in the middle of its second annual hunting season. Hunters and trappers had taken a combined 245 wolves by Thursday in the 2012-2013 seasons (169 by hunters, 76 by trappers). The current season closes March 31.

Mark’s Marine sets fishing seminars

FISHING – Lake Pend Oreille angler Roy Stokes will present the first in a wide ranging series of free fishing seminars Thursday (March 7) at Mark’s Marine, 14355 N. Government Way in Hayden.

Stokes will be demonstrating planer boarding and trolling techniques in the first of six scheduled weekly seminars, all of which run 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Refreshments are served and prizes are awarded.

Other scheduled seminars:

• March 15 – Walleye fishing, speaker to be set.

• March 21 –Pike fishing by local guide Jeff Smith of Fins and Feathers.

• March 28 –Bass fishing by Tony Mccalmant, Jim Grassi.

• April 4 – Seminar topic to be announced

• April 11– Lowrance Electronics by Mike Pentony, Navico/Lowrance pro staff.

Idaho holds meetings on big game seasons

HUNTING – Idaho Fish and Game plans several public meetings around the state to discuss 2013 big game seasons and fishing seasons and rules.

Meetings on Idaho’s big-game hunting season are being held across the state to hone proposals Idaho Fish and Game biologists will present to the state Fish and Game commission on March 18-19 in Boise.

The open-house meetings in this region run 4 p.m.-8 p.m. as follows:

• Tuesday: Fish and Game regional office, Lewiston.

• Thursday: Coeur d’Alene Inn, Best Western Plus, Appleway at U.S. Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene.

Idaho wants input by chinook anglers

FISHING – Idaho Fish and Game fishery personnel has set up meetings to present the latest information on this year’s chinook salmon runs and discuss strategies for managing the runs in the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater rivers.

The meeting in Lewiston begins at 6 a.m. Monday at the Idaho Fish and Game Office, 3316 16th St.

Email comments to Joe DuPont, fisheries manager in Lewiston, joe.dupont@idfg.idaho.gov.