FEBRUARY TOWN HALL
IDAHO SPORTSMEN | ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY
MONTHLY REPORT
February 2026
We’re a month into the 2026 session of the Idaho Legislature and there is plenty of ground to cover regarding new legislation and rules under consideration in the statehouse.
Let’s start with two proposed amendments to the Idaho Constitution dealing with state public lands. HJR8 and SJR102 are two very different solutions for managing, selling and prioritizing public access to acreage that could one day be transferred from federal ownership to the state.
HJR 8, sponsored by Rep. Britt Raybould, R-34, and showcased during our January Townhall, was introduced this week in the House State Affairs Committee. The next step is a public hearing and a deep dive into the details. Her joint memorial proposes a reconsideration of how the state manages endowment and public lands, strengthens the commitment to hunting, fishing and trapping on public lands by finding more balance between those uses and the current revenue generating priorities.
She is also proposing a similar land management framework for federal lands that could be transferred into state ownership and she seeks to establish a dedicated fund for revenue generated from the sale of those lands. Revenue from the fund would be used to manage state lands for public access and recreation.
On the other side of the Capitol, Sen. Ben Adams, R-12, is working to build support for SJR 102. Adams is also seeking to amend the constitution to position the state to manage lands acquired from the federal government in the future. His bill gives the Legislature the power to approve exchanges of these new lands and includes resource utilization among the management priorities. His version has a no sale provision and adds requirements that the fund created also benefit counties and public schools, which could cause legislative and local budget decisionmakers to choose between property tax relief and land management funding. We believe this is a dangerous incentive that would likely result in depleted funds in the name of tax relief. There is also some precarious wording about development and utilization that large and wealthy entitles could see an opportunity.
Idaho Sportsmen Access and Opportunity (ISAO) is reviewing the overall concept; if this is needed now, then what is the best path forward for an amendment. We must consider and meet the needs of all land users, local, state, tribal, resource industries, and of course, the sportsmen and women of Idaho before the legislature moves this forward and voters make the final determination on amending the constitution.
After a sound defeat at attempts to sell federal land from U.S. Senator Mike Lee from Utah in 2025, and with support from our own U.S. Senators Crapo and Risch, as well as U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, we believe we have the leverage to stop future attempts to sell off public land. However, this could certainty change in the future, and we are constantly monitoring.
The Idaho Land Board and IDL staff have a history of selling and exchanging land and there are ideas aplenty for how to manage endowment lands, including recreation. Constitutional amendments that seek to protect sportsmen access to state lands, and potentially transferred federal lands, is generally a win regardless of whether they are transferred. What’s critical in this debate is how the amendments are worded.
We always have, and always will, oppose the sale of federal lands. But the discussion around whether to transfer to state ownership is precarious and detailed. If done right and over time, the benefits could be significant. If it’s not done right, the damage could be permanent.
Our position on these competing efforts is evolving and the wording in each is likely to undergo some edits in the coming weeks. Stay tuned as we continue working with sponsors and stakeholders.
Some other legislative developments of interest to sportsmen this week include:
ISAO Board Member Carl Rey being confirmed by the Senate to serve a term on the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board as the member at large. Congrats to Carl. We know he’ll do fine work and bring a strong and reasoned voice to the board.
A bill that would have required a 30-day public comment period when the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approves hunting season setting has stalled. Outfitters criticized SB 1238 during the hearing in Senate Resources and Conservation, saying extending the comment period could delay season setting and allocation of nonresident tags, which would cause a hardship for confirming trips in the fall. Sen. Foreman, the bill sponsor, asked for a motion that the bill be held in committee while he works on solutions with the agency.
Legislation that has ISAO support was introduced Tuesday. HCR 26 urges federal, state and local policymakers to recognize and support the use of wildlife crossings, with community input, as a tool to improve public safety and protect big game populations. ISAO has been partnering with the Idaho Wildlife Federation on this resolution.
Let’s transition to news nuggets and updates from the attendees at Tuesday’s Townhall.
Jim Fredericks, Director of Idaho Fish and Game, said a series of rule dockets that were not controversial or opposed have been approved by lawmakers. Stay tuned, he said, for developments on the rules dealing with hunting technology. He also highlighted:
A pneumonia outbreak forced the agency to eliminate a small herd of big horn sheep residing in the Reynolds Creek area in the Owyhee Mountains. Fredericks said it was a difficult decision, but the right one to contain the spread of the bacteria to other herds.
The Commission has approved a plan for the agency to remove an estimated 100 nonmigratory elk that have been causing significant crop damage north of Emmett. Fredericks said agricultural losses are estimated at $1 million.
Mike Edmondson, Administrator for the Office of Species Conservation, announced that the Pinyon Jay is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Part of the problem with the species is the loss of Juniper trees, which has been occurring as part of the sage grouse management plan. All parties are submitting comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He said no date for a decision has been announced.
Edmondson also said his office has processed all wolf and grizzly bear depredation claims, and that confirmed kills eligible for federal funding are being paid out at market values. State claims for wolf and grizzly depredations are still being processed.
Finally, Benn. Brocksome from ISAO announced that the Fish and Game Commission has approved another year of support for a program that offers free fishing licenses to foster children. This year, however, free licenses will also be available to immediate foster families. This program is supported by ISAO and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Susan Buxton, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, applauded the program, saying events that have been hosted at Parks and Rec properties have been fun and well attended. She said more than 1,000 people attended the foster kids events at parks around the state in 2025.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3. We hope to see you there or in attendance online.