July IDFG Commission Recap: Trail Cams, CWD, Wolves & More
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission met in Coeur d’Alene on July 17th for their quarterly meeting, covering a full agenda from non-resident tag draw changes to big game tech ethics, wolf population estimates, and more.
Non-Resident Tag Draw Changes
The Department is continuing efforts to shift the non-resident deer and elk tag system from first-come, over-the-counter to a draw for the 2026 season. New definitions and structural changes to support this transition are part of current rulemaking efforts. The proposed draw timeline would include two application windows: one in December and another in February, with results released shortly after each.
Trail Cameras & Fair Chase Debate
A major discussion revolved around whether to allow the use of transmitting trail cameras on public land during hunting season for ungulates. Some commissioners argued it crosses an ethical line and creates unfair advantages. Others questioned whether there's actual data to justify restricting their use as well as enforceability issues.
CWD Management Update
Commissioners reviewed the latest on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). In wild populations, there were 25 positive samples in Units 1, 14, and 18, with spread detected farther from previously known zones. Additionally, Unit 63A saw two positives in captive elk herds. As a result, 63A will now require mandatory testing for deer. Carcass transport and feeding restrictions remain in effect for several units.
2024 Wolf Population Estimate
Using genetic samples from harvested wolves and an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) model, the Department estimated Idaho’s wolf population for May 2024 at 1,235. That’s consistent with the downward trend seen since 2019, though fairly stable the last three years. With last year’s early trapping season suspended due to a court ruling, the May 2025 population estimate, which we will have next summer after a year of collecting genetic data from harvested wolves, is expected to rise slightly.
Sage Grouse & Duck Season Adjustments
For sage grouse, tag numbers are now set using both population data and past harvest success rates. In waterfowl news, a statewide hunter survey showed strong support for current seasons. Only one small zone change was approved - portions of Bear Lake and Caribou County will now fall into Zone 3.
Mountain Goat Management Plan Adopted
The new 2025–2030 Mountain Goat Plan, which IWF submitted comments on earlier this year, was formally adopted. It will guide management efforts across the state for the next five years.
Additional Commission Business:
Wild Sheep Auction Tag: The Wild Sheep Foundation will again manage the auction tag at the Reno banquet. Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation will manage the related raffle tag.
Fish Hatchery Operations: Hatchery staff raise 29 million fish annually, with salmon and steelhead making up half of all production. March is the busiest month—using nearly 200 tons of fish food.
Kootenai River Fish Research: Updates on burbot and sturgeon recovery emphasized the lasting impacts of flow stabilization from Libby Dam. Natural spawning remains limited; acoustic transmitters are being used to track movement.