Idaho’s Bear identification test now required for bear hunters

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) recently implemented a mandatory bear identification course, which will be required for any hunter wishing to hunt black bears beginning with the 2025 season. The test - which can be completed in about five minutes - goes through a series of pictures, intending to ensure that hunters are able to accurately determine the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear. Hunters can take the test for free, and the test can be taken as many times as needed in order to obtain a passing score of 80% or greater. As long as the test is passed once, that fulfills the requirement and hunters will NOT be required to take the test annually. This mirrors a similar test that is required for bear hunters in Montana and Washington, and IDFG notes that it will honor the certification if a hunter has already passed the exam in one of those states.

While any additional requirements for hunting are bound to cause frustration among hunters, this test may actually help to ensure that our black bear hunting rights stay intact. As grizzly bear populations expand across Idaho, a statewide validation showing that hunters can discern grizzlies from black bears may help to deter lawsuits from anti-hunting groups claiming that black bear hunting should be stopped due to the danger of misidentification with grizzlies. While this may seem far-fetched, recall that a recent lawsuit successfully stopped wolf trapping in large portions of the state due to a perceived danger to grizzlies, despite no evidence that a grizzly has ever been caught in a legally placed wolf trap. This test may help to fight back against similar lawsuits aimed at black bear hunting. 

A rule such as this may also be a small step to help in the effort to return grizzly bears to state management. Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states have made a remarkable comeback in recent decades, thanks to conservation efforts, habitat work, and careful management. Although some populations have now met or exceeded recovery goals, all grizzlies in the lower 48 states remain ESA listed. When grizzlies are removed from the endangered species list, the state will take over management responsibilities and this course may help to demonstrate that Idaho is prepared for this transition by promoting educational efforts among Idaho hunters.