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H 128

FISH AND GAME – Adds to existing law to provide that the Department of Fish and Game shall not adopt or enforce any rule that makes it unlawful to use sabots in a muzzleloader-only season.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho H 128 allows sabot ammunition in muzzleloader-only seasons and blocks future Fish and Game rules prohibiting them; effective July 1, 2025 via emergency clause.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 28, 2025 Session Law Chapter 191 Effective: 07/01/2025
#fishandgame #hunting #rules #weapons #wildlife
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Bill Summary · H 128

Summary of Idaho H 128 (2025)

Overview

House Bill 128 (H 128) was enacted in Idaho during the 2025 legislative session. The bill adds a new provision to the Fish and Game law to explicitly allow sabots to be used in a muzzleloader-only hunting season. It includes an emergency clause and becomes effective July 1, 2025. The bill was signed by the Governor and codified as Session Law Chapter 191.

What the bill does

  • Adds a new section to Idaho Code, Chapter 4, Title 36 (new Section 36-419).
  • Key provision: The Department of Fish and Game shall not adopt or enforce any agency rule prohibiting the use of sabots in a muzzleloader-only season.
  • Declares an emergency, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.

Provisions and changes

  • Clarifies that sabots (a device used to fire certain types of projectiles from muzzleloaders) may be used during muzzleloader-only seasons.
  • Prohibition on any future rulemakings by the Department that would ban sabots in muzzleloader seasons (i.e., sabots are expressly permitted).
  • Effective date governed by the emergency clause: July 1, 2025.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal Note states the legislation would merely change a Fish and Game rule, with no anticipated fiscal impact to state government.
  • Statement of purpose notes potential modest benefits: improved accuracy and terminal performance for muzzleloader hunters, with a potential increase in harvest rate and minimal effect on kill rate.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Hunters participating in muzzleloader-only seasons in Idaho.
  • Secondary: The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (in terms of rulemaking and enforcement related to muzzleloader seasons).
  • Equipment vendors and hunters who use sabot-compatible muzzleloader ammunition.

Timing and procedural history

  • Introduced: February 4, 2025.
  • Passed the House and Senate in March 2025, with substantial floor votes.
  • Signed by the Governor and transmitted in March 2025.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (due to the emergency clause; Chapter 191).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Hunting practices: Expands allowable projectile options in muzzleloader seasons, potentially expanding the choices available to hunters.
  • Wildlife management: Could influence harvest patterns or success rates modestly due to changes in projectile performance.
  • Rulemaking: The department is blocked from prohibiting sabots in muzzleloader seasons going forward, altering existing regulatory flexibility.
  • Implementation: Hunters and retailers may need to verify compatibility of sabot-based ammunition with state muzzleloader season rules and any adjacent regulations.

Bottom line

H 128 amends Idaho law to ensure sabots are permitted in muzzleloader-only hunting seasons, removing the Department of Fish and Game’s ability to ban them via rules. It includes an emergency clause, making the change effective July 1, 2025, and is expected to have minimal fiscal impact while potentially improving hunter accuracy and harvest outcomes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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