TOWN HALL RECAP
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Idaho Sportsmen Legislative Caucus met for their monthly town hall, which was facilitated by Idaho Sportsmen and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Benn Brocksome, Idaho Sportsmen’s Executive Director, kicked off the meeting by reminding the group of the bill tracker Idaho Sportsmen provides weekly.
The 2024 Legislative Session is in week nine (9) and full swing. Rep. Raymond and Rep. Galaviz discussed HB 592 - Deprivation for Livestock by Grizzly Bears and Wolves, on the Senate third reading calendar. Rep. Raymond also discussed HB 591 – Fencing for domestic Cervidae regarding CWD. This bill has been difficult for many different groups, especially relating to the switch from two (2) fences to one (1) fence to save on costs. CWD is as dangerous to sportsmen as quagga mussels are.
Rep. Petzke discussed HB 404 – Wildlife Records, which is coming to Governor Little for signature. Rep. Petzke also discussed the introduction of HB 696, which is aimed at solving the issue of nonresident tags and permits for deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope sales. This legislation creates a committee to move away from over-the-counter nonresident tag sales and find a path forward for a draw-based system that works for Idaho. Chairman Mendive announced the bill will be heard on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 1:30 PM in House Resources and Conservation.
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) spoke to the Outdoor Recreation Fund projects regarding the next steps for when decisions from both the Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council and Governor Little recommended to the Parks and Recreation Board. The Parks and Recreation Board’s next regular meeting is not scheduled until May 13, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and an agenda has not yet been posted.
Kristen Ryan, Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), gave an update on the Cinnabar and Gilmore sites, which both Superfund Sites were denied by the EPA and Governor Little. Mike Edmundson, Office of Species Conservation (OSC), updated the group on the Wolf Deprivation Fund application to the Fish and Wildlife Services; OSC asked for the max amount but does not expect to receive the full amount.
Jim Fredricks, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), spoke on the unfortunate news of the positive results of CWD from unit 14. The management zone is expected to be expanded to unit 18 during the next Fish and Game Commission meeting in two weeks. The Fish and Game Commission took a negative stance on HB 592 due to the change in the fences from two (2) to one (1). Director Fredricks also touched on the agreement signed off today for Wildlife Management to start the delisting process of grizzly bears within the next two (2) years. Next year, a proposed rule by the federal government will be released to start the process.
Many members were very interested in the delisting of grizzly bears. House Joint Memorial 10 was introduced to deal with the attempt to reintroduce grizzly bears to central Idaho but was pulled back when a prior statute from 2000 that already codified the Legislature’s stance was brought to light.
The meeting ended shortly after 7 PM with a great discussion between sportsmen, legislators, congressional delegates, and agency leadership. Idaho Sportsmen thanked the group for joining and staying involved during this busy time of the year. The next Idaho Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus town hall will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6 P.M.
