Idaho going online for elk plan input

HUNTING — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled an online chat , 6 p.m.-8 p.m., on Wednesday and Thursday (April 10 and 11) for the public to weigh in on the new blueprint for managing the state’s elk herds.

The agency’s big-game biologists and mangers statewide will be working online with transcribers to answer questions as they come in from people who connect through the agency website .

“We had good participation in the online chat we held this winter for waterfowl rules and licensing and that was held during mid-day when people were working,” said Mike Keckler, the agency’s communications chief.

“We’re thinking we’ll get even more participation if we hold it in the evening.”

The agency also will schedule an open house meeting in Coeur d’Alene this spring.

Id aho’s elk management plan was revised more than 12 years ago and is in need of an update to reflect shifting public attitudes and elk population changes, officials said.

Revisions currently under consideration are based on elk hunter surveys, habitat changes and other factors.