Meeting scheduled to discuss potential airboat restrictions
Courtesy image This map shows the areas (highlighted in black) where airboat restrictions are possibly going into effect.
MEDIMONT — Area hunters who prefer the convenience of hunting from an airboat may have to change where they hunt.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is considering airboat closures on a limited portion of the Coeur d’Alene River Wildlife Management Area in the region where the Chain Lakes are located.
A WMA is a protected area set aside for the conservation of wildlife and for recreational activities involving wildlife like hunting or fishing.
Hunters who may prefer a more primitive experience would be able to hunt in these restricted areas and not have to worry about competing with the airboat users to have a quality and successful hunting experience.
An airboat, also known as a fanboat, swamp boat is a flat-bottomed watercraft propelled by an aircraft-type propeller and powered by either an aircraft or automotive engine.
They are commonly used for fishing, bowfishing, hunting and ecotourism.
Despite the obvious ease of getting around, these boats can also be noisier than some hunters may like or be comfortable with.
Norm Merz, a regional wildlife habitat manager with IDFG discussed why these restrictions may be important for keeping hunters happy by giving them options.
“Airboats are becoming more popular and may compete with hunters that use conventional means of access, such as foot travel, canoes and boats,” Merz said. “The proposed airboat restrictions are aimed at providing hunters a choice of experiences. The airboat closure areas will still be accessible by conventional methods, while the remaining portion of the WMA will remain available for both conventional and airboat access.”
Folks who may have questions or concerns about these restrictions are invited to come to an informational open house from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the Medimont Grange Hall, 31146 S. Highway 3, Medimont.