HUNTING -- A proposal to raise money for wildlife management and sportsman access by offering five big-game hunting tags for auction -- one each for elk, mule deer, mountain goat, pronghorn and moose -- will be presented for public comment at a meeting in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday, March 3.

The Idaho Legislature in 2012 gave authority for the state  Fish and Game Commission to auction up to 12 "Governor's Wildlife Partnership" big-game tags.

More than half of the hunters responding to a mail-in survey last year approved of offering more tags. However, more opposition to the idea has surfaced as the commission began formally considering proposals.

The public can comment directly to Fish and Game staff  in Coeur d'Alene at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at Panhandle Region Fish and Game Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave.

People can also comment on the proposed auction tags by visiting Fish and Game’s website.  The comment period will continue through Friday March 4.  

The commission has not offered any tags for auction except a bighorn sheep tag that it has auctioned annually since 1988.

The commission directed Fish and Game staff to develop a proposal to auction five tags for the 2017 season by qualified nonprofit organizations dedicated to conservation.  At least 95 percent of the proceeds from the tags would go to Fish and Game, which could use up to 30 percent of the proceeds for sportsman access programs such as “Access Yes.” 

The remainder would be used for wildlife habitat projects, wildlife management projects to increase the quantity and quality of big game herds, and other research and management activities approved by the commission.