Sage Grouse Hunting on Discussion Table

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho wildlife officials want the public’s input on proposed hunting

changes for sage grouse, a game bird that’s a candidate for federal Endangered

Species Act protections. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission plans to take up

recommendations for the 2012 sage grouse hunting season at its Aug. 23 meeting.

If adopted, the changes would follow guidelines laid out in Idaho’s state plan

meant to protect the birds — and help convince federal officials that Idaho is

doing enough without federal listing. A listing could dramatically affect

activities including ranching in sage grouse habitat. Among changes include

closure of all sage grouse hunting in Elmore County, from a portion last year,

and moving opening day to Sept. 15, earlier than in 2011.