The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
62°F
Current Conditions
Clear sky
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Moose, Wild Turkey Season May Be Changed Fish And Game To Take Suggestions On Changing Hunting Restrictions

Susan Drumheller Staff Writer

The number of moose and wild turkeys is growing in North Idaho, prompting wildlife managers to consider changing the restrictions on hunting them.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will take suggestions on hunting seasons for five different species at an open house Nov. 21.

In addition to moose and wild turkey, the agency is considering changes in the hunts for bighorn sheep, mountain goat and sandhill crane.

Because of rising moose numbers, the agency might increase the number of moose permits in the Panhandle from 100 to 108. Wildlife managers said more permits could be issued if they could decrease the number of illegally killed moose. In 1995, 28 moose were poached in North Idaho.

While certain parts of the Panhandle are seeing an increase in mountain goat numbers, that is not the case near Bayview. The agency also is trying to increase goat numbers in the Cabinet Mountains.

The agency is suggesting that permits be eliminated for goats in the Cabinet Mountains.

Turkey numbers are on the rise from natural growth and transplants to Idaho. The agency is considering lifting the restriction to one unit that is now placed on wild turkey hunters. The Idaho Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep has requested that the “once in a lifetime” restriction on bighorn sheep hunting be dropped.

Complaints of grain crop damage in eastern Idaho from sandhill cranes has led to a proposal to allow controlled hunts of cranes in fields where the cranes congregate.

Comments on these and other proposals are welcome at the open house, which is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fish and Game’s regional office at 2740 Kathleen Ave. The agency also will accept written comments.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will review the comments prior to setting seasons for the species at its December meeting.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Open house The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will take suggestions on hunting seasons for five different species at an open house Nov. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fish and Game’s regional office at 2740 Kathleen Ave.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Open house The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will take suggestions on hunting seasons for five different species at an open house Nov. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fish and Game’s regional office at 2740 Kathleen Ave.