Jim Fredericks

The meeting commenced with a roll call of commissioners and a review of public comments from the preceding evening, which included input from various conservation and sporting associations. Key agenda items discussed included the strategic plan update, which incorporated extensive public feedback and involved the presentation of a revised plan structured around four primary goals. Public comments also addressed upland and furbearer season setting, specifically concerning pheasant season extensions and the support for proposed water trapping opportunities and otter quota increases. Rulemaking discussions reflected public frustration regarding technology-related rules, particularly concerning big game species inclusions. Updates were provided on the White Big Horn sheep augmentation program and the fisher augmentation program, both receiving enthusiastic support. Additionally, the concept for a depredation compensation alternative tag was discussed, alongside concerns regarding staff technical input on a proposed shooting range near Eagle. The session covered administrative items including the consent calendar approval and focused discussion on the operational aspects of the strategic plan concerning workforce retention, funding structure sustainability, and interagency relationships.

This strategic plan outlines the direction for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, focusing on four key goals: sustaining Idaho's fish, wildlife, and their habitats; enhancing user experience for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife-related recreation; improving public understanding of and involvement in fish and wildlife management; and strengthening the agency's capability to fulfill its mission.

The meeting included a roll call of commissioners and a review of public comments related to agenda items such as the release of the Big Horn Sheep auction and lottery tags, the wolf population estimate, and the mountain goat management plan. There was also discussion regarding non-agenda items, including wolf management efforts, the relationship between the department and the outfitting industry, and concerns about non-resident anglers on the St. Joe and Cordelane rivers. The commission discussed a consent calendar, which included minutes, a financial report, and winter feeding advisory committee assignments. An update on the progress of implementing the draw framework for 2026 non-resident tags was provided, including a finalized timeline for the draw. The commission also discussed rule-making with Amber, including public use of lands, trapping of wildlife, and bait for hunting big game animals.

The meeting included a review of public comments, which covered topics such as administrative rules related to hunting technology, the strategic plan, chronic wasting disease, and Jax Creek big horn sheep augmentation. There was also a summary of Western States hunting technology regulations, focusing on trail cameras, thermal optics, aircraft, and drones. The commission discussed the use of these technologies for hunting and scouting, and heard feedback from various states on enforcement challenges and the need for forward-thinking regulations.

This Predation Management Plan outlines the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's comprehensive strategies to address and reduce conflicts between piscivorous birds and fish populations. Key focus areas include scientifically assessing predation impacts, implementing a range of management actions from non-lethal deterrence and habitat modification to, when necessary, lethal control, and conducting ongoing monitoring and research. The plan details region-specific approaches for managing pelican, cormorant, and heron predation across the Clearwater, Southwest, Magic Valley, Southeast, Upper Snake, and Salmon regions. The overarching objective is to increase the abundance and improve the conservation status of affected fish populations and enhance fishing opportunities, while ensuring the conservation of piscivorous bird populations.