It sounds like farmers around Lake Lowell may get some relief from the depredation caused by mule deer. A proposed controlled hunt at Lake Lowell (short range weapons only) is on the table. You of course, can comment to the folks in charge at your convenience.
From the Idaho Statesman:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on a Draft Mule Deer Hunt Plan, Environmental Assessment and compatibility determination for Deer Flat National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge’s Lake Lowell Unit in Canyon County. The agency examined the impacts of opening both a controlled mule deer hunt season and a depredation hunt season on portions of the Lake Lowell Unit. Short-range weapons would be used for both seasons, the agency said in a news release Wednesday morning. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and other stakeholders identified important mule deer issues, including managing the refuge’s mule deer population, providing mule deer hunting opportunities and controlling agricultural depredation by mule deer, during initial planning for the refuge’s comprehensive conservation plan. In response, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service examined these issues under a separate planning process to expedite development of the Draft Hunt Plan and associated documents. Those draft documents are available for public review and comment on the refuge’s website. Printed copies are available at the refuge visitor center, 13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa. Public comments on the Draft Hunt Plan and associated documents are due: Jan. 5, 2012. Email comments to Eric_anderson@fws.gov or mail them to US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, attn: Eric Anderson PVST, 911 NE 11th Ave. Portland, Ore. 97232-4181
