The Hagerman Wildlife Management Area has long been a sanctuary for waterfowl - a place to rest while migrating without fear of hunters.

That could change this fall.

The Magic Valley office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled a youth duck hunt at the preserve, where 168 birds could be shot during the first two weeks of November. Avian enthusiasts are outraged.

"I'm just not happy about the location," said Sarah Harris, president of the Prairie Falcon Audubon Society in Twin Falls and a lab manager for the College of Southern Idaho's Biology department.

Fish and Game should have scheduled the hunt for a location where migrating birds aren't as accustomed to being left alone, she said.

Fish and Game says the bird-saturated WMA was picked because it ensures a successful hunt for the inexperienced youths, who drew admission to the program in a lottery, and it is unlikely many birds will be affected.

"Frankly, the property is owned and operated by the department," said Gary Hompland, a conservation officer in Fish and Game's Magic Valley office. "We just thought this would be a fantastic opportunity for children who can't always get out and do the things other hunters can."

Bird enthusiasts are concerned the hunt could scare off some of the 20,000 birds at the 880-acre WMA and affect an annual bird count scheduled for December, when as many as 100,000 birds settle there temporarily during migration.

"If the birds become skittish," Harris said, "it's going to be difficult to see and count them."

That's not likely to happen, Hompland said. "If you look back at the history of the WMA, it's had hunting on it for longer than it hasn't."

Hunting was restricted at the WMA in 1979, 39 years after Fish and Game bought the property that surrounds the Hagerman State Fish Hatchery. It's not clear from historical bird count data whether hunting significantly affects the number of birds at the WMA.

The local Audubon Society chapter plans to count the birds this weekend, during and after the hunt to gauge the program's effects.

The Hagerman area, in general, is a popular spot for duck hunters, who take advantage of wooded riverbanks and small ponds.

Fish and Game said it has no plans to move the hunt.

Matt Christensen may be reached at 735-3243 and at matt.christensen@lee.net.