FEBRUARY TOWN HALL
At the start of each new Idaho Legislature, it’s been a tradition to take the measure of support among lawmakers for hunting, fishing, and trapping. This year is no different. During the first few weeks of the 68th Legislative session, we fanned out across the statehouse. We encouraged new and old legislators to show their support for hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreationally shooting by joining the Idaho Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus.
The response this year was remarkable. So far, 79 of the Legislature’s 105 members have signed on and are now part of the largest caucus in Idaho history! Joining is simple and reinforces personal support for hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting. Thank you to the amazing legislators who joined. We also want to thank the many supportive legislators who didn’t join but remain supportive. Idaho is lucky in this regard.
In the interest of transparency, know that we don’t twist arms when it comes to building the caucus. We make a simple case that the caucus stands for protecting and advancing access and opportunity for Idahoans who are sportsmen. We clarify that we don’t score legislation. We never have and never will build a vote tracker. We refuse to fundraise off their decisions on bills or on specific policies – good or bad – or based on the individual or collective decisions of lawmakers as those choices should reflect the will of constituents. We aim to be a supportive partner to help educate and advance best practices and policies.
During our Feb. 4 town hall, Benn Brocksome thanked all those legislators who joined or recommitted to the caucus. He also noted how impressive it is that three-quarters of Representatives and Senators from both parties are now part of the caucus. “I can’t tell you how important your support is to our work. And know that we are here to support you,” Brocksome told the legislators who took time out of their busy schedules to attend.
Now, on to recapping the discussion.
Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks opened with an update on the most recent meeting of the F&G Commission. The top item agenda was a review of the 27 recommendations submitted by the Nonresident Tag Issuance Advisory Group. Fredericks said the commission gave its blessing to moving forward with some of the recommendations, notably developing a draw system for selling nonresident tags over the counter. Fredericks said the agency would like to have a system in place for the new nonresident tag policy by 2026, but it may take longer.
Fredericks also said the commission discussed the merits of lowering the nonresident tag rate from 14 percent for deer and elk to 10 percent, the minimum required by law. In response to a question, Fredericks said the commission seemed receptive to the idea of requiring nonresident hunters to buy a license before they enter a draw for a tag.
In wrapping up his portion, Fredericks thanked the Legislature for passing a resolution that calls on the Trump Administration to delist grizzly bears and return management of the species back to the states. He added that the agency is considering its legal options in the wake of a federal judge's decision not to consider her injunction on wolf trapping in some parts of the state.
Ellary Tucker Williams, IDFG Legislative and Community Engagement Coordinator, offered an update on the work of the Hunting & Technology Working Group. Members have met three times so far and have two more meetings on the calendar. The focus has been on educating all members about the various levels and technologies out there in the hunting world. Progress was made during the last meeting on developing criteria for future technology and language and working toward consensus on recommendations. Specifically, the group is working on language for thermal imaging, night vision, and drones. Anyone curious to learn more can visit the Fish and Game website pages specific to this project.
It's been a busy year for sportsmen’s issues at the Legislature. Several lawmakers in attendance shared some developments and policy ideas they’re working on, including:
HB 128 would prohibit Fish and Game from crafting any rule that ban the use of sabots during muzzleloader-only season.
S 1011 clarifies the membership requirements for anyone interested in serving on a Winter-Feeding Advisory Committee.
There are a pair of bills that would increase fees to help pay for trail maintenance. S 1085 would increase the sticker fee for OHVs for residents and nonresidents, with the added revenue dedicated specifically for OHV trail upkeep. While HB 57 would raise the annual cost for a state parks pass to $20 and require that $4 of that cost be dedicated to non-motorized trail maintenance. There may be more bills coming on this front, so stay tuned.
OTHER UPDATES
Chuck Gee, from East Idaho Houndsmen Association, said it’s alarming to see some states take legislative steps to reduce the population of mountain lions. Gee said it’s essential to have a good, viable mountain lion population that is supported in data and sound management. Brocksome reiterated the point, said Idaho does a good job of managing the population, and emphasized the importance of continuing along that track to ensure hunting opportunities now and in the long-term. Season setting is currently underway at IDFG, and scoping proposals with the public are underway, including adding second tags and a statewide season. Again, more to come here, so stay tuned.
Matt Borg, also from East Idaho Houndsmen, invited everyone to the group’s annual banquet on March 29th in Rexburg.
The next town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th, at 6 p.m. at Idaho Fish and Game headquarters in Boise.
