Date: 9/21/10
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

WILDLIFE COMMISSION TO MEET IN LAS VEGAS

The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (Commission) will discuss a proposal for a potential black bear hunting season, consider adopting a regulation prohibiting a person from interfering with the use of a guzzler or other water development (Commission General Regulation Number 389), and look at amending the current big game release plan to accommodate additional bighorn sheep releases at its September 24-25 meeting in Las Vegas.

The meeting will be held at the Clark County Government Commission Chambers, located at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, and will start at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

Other items before the Commission include a review of the status of wolves in the state, a presentation and discussion of Assembly Bill 291 (Predation Management Bill) by Assemblyman Jerry Claborn, and a review of legal ways to kill mountain lions, to possibly include incidentally trapped animals. The Commission will also discuss the possibility of refunding 2010, 2011, and 2012 Heritage Auction tag donations and fees to successful Heritage and PIW donors pending the outcome of a lawsuit that has been filed by Paul Dixon, Chairman, Clark County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife against the Wildlife Commission.

The Commission may adopt, modify, or take other action to develop and adopt language supporting a resolution to support Elko County in its efforts to ensure multiple uses on the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest and on all public lands in Elko County and the State of Nevada.

After a bighorn sheep disease update by NDOW Game Division Chief Larry Gilbertson on Saturday, the Commission will consider drafting a policy concerning diseased bighorn sheep populations and future rocky mountain bighorn sheep management.

Reports scheduled to be heard by the Commission include a wild horse update, guided hunt regulation update, a report on mule deer efforts within each county, and a report on the Lake Mead Hatchery status and proposed changes to the Colorado River stocking program. Also on the agenda is a report on the Incentive for Early Applications for the Big Game Draw. The Commission will also discuss the creation of a policy on all NDOW input, reports, and other written communications sent to federal and state agencies that affect wildlife.

Members of the public who would like to address the Commission on a topic not on the agenda may do so during the public comment period near the beginning of each meeting.
People wishing to address the commission should complete a speaker's card and present it to the recording secretary.

For a complete agenda and support materials visit www.ndow.org, under "Commissions & Boards," or at www.ndow.org/learn/com/mtg.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.