Idaho hound hunters need to take action!!!

[T.Hunt]

February 17th 2015
Dear membership,
It has been brought to the Idaho Houndsmen Association’s (IHA) attention that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proposing to change our fall bear seasons in units 22, 31, 32, and 32a. The first proposal is to add 25 tags to unit 22/31. They are also proposing to shorten the time we can run hounds in these units by two weeks. The so called reasoning for this proposal is they are trying to ease hound hunter/ bow hunter altercations. Houndsmen have already been limited to half the bear season in these units. The Fish and game’s reasoning for splitting units 32 and 32a are to disperse the hound hunters.
We as houndsmen must make a stand now! Below are the names and contact information of the people we need to write emails to and call. It is of the utmost importance each and everyone call, and write the individuals who are responsible for these proposals and get it stopped now.
Regan Berkly- Regional wildlife biologist regan.berkly@idfg.idaho.gov (208) 634-8137
Scott Reinecker- biologist scott.reineker@idfg.idaho.gov (208) 465-8465
Jon Racheal wildlife manager for the state of Idaho jon.racheal@idfg.idaho.gov. (208) 334-2920
Here are some key talking points to include
Units 22 and 31
• Fish and Game are favoring one sportsmen group over another
• Chances of harvesting mature boars 5 years and older( which is in fish and game’s objectives in the statewide bear report)
• Adding more tags in a smaller window of time will create more congestion
• Less opportunity for houndsmen
• The last two weeks of the season are prime: better chance of meat recovery in the cooler temps
• Early season private property only applies to a small percentage of houndsmen
Units 32 and 32a
• The proposed unit change will create conflict with landowners in the northern part of the unit
• Changes will create conflict with archery hunters in the northern part of the unit
• Loss of opportunity for houndsmen
• Creates more congestion with other houndsmen in northern part of unit due to private property

Again, please contact the above biologists, and let them know we do not support these proposals!