Idaho bighorn survey on line

[Salmonfg]

For anyone interested in bighorn sheep management in Idaho, a short survey (15 total questions) about hunter preferences is now on line at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/surveys/08bighornSheep/
We are currently working on a revision of Idaho's bighorn management plan and input from hunters is important for allocating hunting opportunity. Please take a few minutes to share your opinions.
Thank you,

Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager

 

[backcountryID]

what about limiting non residents to one sheep per lifetime, or one tag per lifetime regardless of harvest?

 

[idabigbuck]

I submitted my 2 cents. I would love to hunt bighorns someday!
Its fair chase, or its foul!

 

[Salmonfg]

After taking a quick look at the harvest and application records, it appears that the first suggestion would have removed approximately 20 people from the 2008 applicant pool (accumulated over the last 11 years for people who are still applying for a second opportunity). So it would have dropped total applicants from 2,269 to 2,249 (and increased overall draw percent from 3.61% to 3.65%).

The second suggestion would fall somewhere between the values shown on the survey, probably with a similar very small improvement in draw odds. The impact would be quite small because nonresidents are limited to a maximum of only 10% of total tags (currently 8 tags/yr), so very few people would be removed from the applicant pool.

Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager

 

[Salmonfg]

Just a reminder: the survey has been up for about 1 month and will close next week. If you have an interest in Idaho bighorn management, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Thanks.

Tom Keegan
IDFG Salmon Region Wildlife Manager