04-26-2007, 02:13 AM
I found this on the F&G website and thought it was worth posting here.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game plans meetings across the Upper Snake Region in the next two weeks to discuss potential fishing rule changes.
The three meetings are part of the process for setting the 2008-2009 fishing seasons and rules. Fish and Game will seek public comments, develop proposals, and offer recommended rule changes to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for approval.
Meetings begin at 7 p.m.
" Tuesday, May 1, Madison County Seniors, Rexburg.
" Wednesday, May 2, Idaho Fish and Game regional office, Idaho Falls.
" Thursday, May 3, Mackay High School, Mackay.
Fish and Game wants to hear ideas from anglers on potential rule changes and share information and ideas about where changes may be appropriate, regional fisheries manager Jim Fredericks said.
"We're very aware that the rules brochure can be difficult to understand, and for that reason we try to minimize the number of special rules and exceptions," Fredericks said.
He suggests that anglers focus on specific goals for a fishery, and then work with the Fish and Game biologists to determine what rules, if any, could achieve the goal. As an example, Fredericks said, anglers often promote catch-and-release rules assuming that will improve the average size of fish.
"It's important to keep in mind that the goal should be to increase the size of fish, not eliminate harvest," he said. "Our job is to use science to determine if the goals are realistic and, if so, identify options that would help achieve them."
The department doesn't have a lot of big changes planned. But Fredericks sees a need to deal with potential problems with the ice fishery in November on Henrys Lake.
"Although we don't see this as a major biological issue, trespassing and parking will likely become a problem if the ice fishery lasts more than a few days, and highly productive fisheries can certainly bring out the greed in people," he said.
The department already has heard from the public on a few issues.
"We've heard some interest in further restricting the winter catch-and-release season on the Big Lost River," Fredericks said, "and anglers have suggested extending the season for Henrys Lake tributaries and managing a small number of mountain lakes for more quality-size fish."
At the statewide level, Fish and Game is looking for comments on removing harvest restrictions on bullfrogs, on allowing larger crayfish and minnow traps, and on restricting the importation of live aquatic organisms, such as leeches, salamanders, and crayfish.
Anglers are encouraged to attend one of the meetings. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jim Fredericks at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).
Comments can also be sent via e-mail to [url "mailto:jfredericks@idfg.idaho.gov"]jfredericks@idfg.idaho.gov[/url]. Deadline for comments is 5 p.m. May 31
[url "http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=3811"]http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=3811[/url]
[signature]
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game plans meetings across the Upper Snake Region in the next two weeks to discuss potential fishing rule changes.
The three meetings are part of the process for setting the 2008-2009 fishing seasons and rules. Fish and Game will seek public comments, develop proposals, and offer recommended rule changes to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for approval.
Meetings begin at 7 p.m.
" Tuesday, May 1, Madison County Seniors, Rexburg.
" Wednesday, May 2, Idaho Fish and Game regional office, Idaho Falls.
" Thursday, May 3, Mackay High School, Mackay.
Fish and Game wants to hear ideas from anglers on potential rule changes and share information and ideas about where changes may be appropriate, regional fisheries manager Jim Fredericks said.
"We're very aware that the rules brochure can be difficult to understand, and for that reason we try to minimize the number of special rules and exceptions," Fredericks said.
He suggests that anglers focus on specific goals for a fishery, and then work with the Fish and Game biologists to determine what rules, if any, could achieve the goal. As an example, Fredericks said, anglers often promote catch-and-release rules assuming that will improve the average size of fish.
"It's important to keep in mind that the goal should be to increase the size of fish, not eliminate harvest," he said. "Our job is to use science to determine if the goals are realistic and, if so, identify options that would help achieve them."
The department doesn't have a lot of big changes planned. But Fredericks sees a need to deal with potential problems with the ice fishery in November on Henrys Lake.
"Although we don't see this as a major biological issue, trespassing and parking will likely become a problem if the ice fishery lasts more than a few days, and highly productive fisheries can certainly bring out the greed in people," he said.
The department already has heard from the public on a few issues.
"We've heard some interest in further restricting the winter catch-and-release season on the Big Lost River," Fredericks said, "and anglers have suggested extending the season for Henrys Lake tributaries and managing a small number of mountain lakes for more quality-size fish."
At the statewide level, Fish and Game is looking for comments on removing harvest restrictions on bullfrogs, on allowing larger crayfish and minnow traps, and on restricting the importation of live aquatic organisms, such as leeches, salamanders, and crayfish.
Anglers are encouraged to attend one of the meetings. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jim Fredericks at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).
Comments can also be sent via e-mail to [url "mailto:jfredericks@idfg.idaho.gov"]jfredericks@idfg.idaho.gov[/url]. Deadline for comments is 5 p.m. May 31
[url "http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=3811"]http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=3811[/url]
[signature]