HB 484 Would Move Idaho Big Game Management Backwards

Presented by Rep. Kingsley (R-Lewiston) HB484, would mandate big game season setting every year for all deer, elk and moose. Currently, these species have their seasons set by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG), after robust outreach from sportsmen and approval by the science-based Commission, every other year.

In 2015, IDFG asked the sporting public if we supported the move to a bi-ennial season setting. 70% supported the move, which freed up staff and resources in the “off years'' for program expansion and science related activities. The transition allowed for full seasonal data sets to be considered before the next year’s season setting process began. It did not limit public input opportunities or the ability of the Department to adjust seasons, as the bill sponsor claims. Consider, for instance, that chinook season adjustments still happen daily during their run. 

IWF sees this bill as yet another encroachment on the autonomy of the IDFG Commission that continues to erode the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation in Idaho, as well as an unnecessary use of sportsman's dollars as IDFG  already holds the ability to adjust regulations on the fly based on wildlife harvest.

Rep. Kingsley claims his bill will “fix” what he claims to be a system that limited sportsmen input. However, the commission still meets quarterly, holds special meetings, has weekly legislative calls during the session, and are generally accessible for individual meetings throughout the year. On top of that, the Department holds robust outreach in person and online for numerous processes and scoping projects throughout the year. 

People may have differing opinions on this idea. We get it. But, this is only the latest of several examples of legislating biology. Please, can we leave this to the professionals?

Please email your Representatives today using the once-click form below to let them know you oppose HO484.