Guest Opinion: The Risks of SB 1326 for Idaho’s Wildlife and Enforcement

The following is a personal perspective written by the Idaho Conservation Officers Association.

The Idaho Conservation Officers Association and Idaho FOP Lodge 38 stand firmly in opposition to Senate Bill 1326 due to the potential risks this legislation poses to both private property and Idaho’s public trust resources.

The Idaho Conservation Officers Association represents the state’s Conservation Officers - sworn peace officers responsible for enforcing Idaho law, protecting fish and wildlife, and upholding the Idaho Constitution. Our members are not only law enforcement officers but also lifelong sportsmen, landowners, farmers, ranchers, and active members of the rural communities they serve. We deeply respect and defend private property rights, which are foundational to Idaho’s heritage and culture.

While property rights are vital, SB 1326 could create serious unintended consequences for lawful wildlife enforcement. Conservation Officers occasionally need access to private land to ensure equal application of wildlife and natural resource laws. Over decades, officers have built strong relationships with landowners, especially absentee owners, to protect both property rights and wildlife. This bill risks incentivizing individuals to restrict lawful enforcement, potentially creating financial advantages for those who limit the protection of Idaho’s shared wildlife resources.

Furthermore, Section 18-7106 imposes personal civil liability on certain government agents while exempting county sheriffs, municipal police, and Idaho State Police. Conservation Officers, as commissioned state peace officers, should not face unequal legal standards. Such disparities undermine fairness, consistency, and the uniform application of law across Idaho’s public safety framework.

Idaho’s fish and wildlife belong to all residents, landowners and non-landowners alike. Effective, constitutional enforcement ensures no one gains an unfair advantage and safeguards our natural resources for future generations.

For these reasons, the Idaho Conservation Officers Association and Lodge 38 urges the Idaho Legislature and general public to oppose Senate Bill 1326 and preserve both private property rights and public trust wildlife resources.