Date: 02/03/09
Contact: Jake Sunderland
Phone: 775-688-1558

WILDLIFE COMMISSION TO MEET IN RENO THIS WEEKEND

The upcoming Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (Commission) meeting set for Feb. 6-7 is due to decide the 2009 – 2010 big game season dates as well as review key policy and legislative proposals that may change the role of the Commission and the focus of mountain lion management for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

The meeting is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. and Saturday, Feb. 7 at 8 a.m., in the conference room of the NDOW Headquarters located at 1100 Valley Road in Reno.

During the Commission meeting on Feb. 7 big game biologist Mike Cox will present the Game Division recommendations for the 2009 – 2010 and 2010 – 2011 heritage tag seasons, species and quotas. Later in the day he will also present the 2009 – 2010 big game season dates for consideration by the Commission.

The Commission also has two items on its agenda concerning mountain lions. NDOW predator specialist Kevin Lansford will recommend the statewide mountain lion harvest objectives. Another item related to mountain lions will be the discussion of Assemblyman Claborn’s proposal to develop a bill draft to promote the harvest of mountain lions.

The Commission meeting will also review a number of other agenda items, including a decision on whether to accept changes to Commission Policy 1, which would allow the Commission an opportunity to offer input on the performance of the NDOW Director, and a second change that would grant the Commission authority to acknowledge gifts of donors and provide NDOW input on which programs should receive monetary gifts.

The Heritage Committee will report its account’s interest and principle raised, as well as the proposed number of tags and season for 2009-10 Heritage Tags.

Wildlife Diversity Division Chief Laura Richards will provide a program overview and will also present recommendations for 2009 - 2010 limits for hobby collecting of live reptiles and amphibians and the recommended seasons and quotas for taking raptors for falconry. Operations Chief Bob Haughian will provide an update on last year’s unauthorized release of 2008 Big Game Draw Results, and recommended changes for this year’s draw.

The agenda and support materials can be viewed here.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting and may address the Commission during public comment at the end of the day on Feb. 6, and near the beginning of the meeting on Feb. 7. People wishing to address the Commission about those items should complete a speaker’s card and present it to the recording secretary.

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.