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H 196

FISH AND GAME – Amends existing law to provide for a five-year moratorium on mule deer doe hunting in certain game management units.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 196 imposes a five-year ban on hunting mule deer does in Idaho to protect declining populations, impacting local hunters and promoting wildlife conservation.

Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation
#animals #fishandgame #hunting #wildlife
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Bill Summary · H 196

Summary of House Bill H 196

Title

Fish and Game – Five-Year Moratorium on Mule Deer Doe Hunting

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: H 196
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Animals, Fish and Game, Hunting, Wildlife

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 196 aims to address concerns regarding the declining population of mule deer in specific game management units in Idaho. The bill establishes a five-year moratorium on hunting mule deer does in designated areas, responding to observed reductions in population, low survival rates, and decreased hunting success rates.

Key Provisions

  • Moratorium Duration: The moratorium will commence on July 1, 2025, and will last for five years, expiring on July 1, 2030.
  • Affected Game Management Units: The moratorium applies to the following units:
    • 19, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 52A, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57.
  • Exceptions: The Idaho Fish and Game Commission may allow hunting in these units if chronic wasting disease is detected.
  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency declaration, allowing it to take effect immediately on the specified start date.

Impact

  • Wildlife Conservation: The primary impact of this bill is the protection of mule deer populations in the specified game management units, which are experiencing significant declines.
  • Hunting Community: The moratorium will affect hunters in these areas, as they will be prohibited from hunting mule deer does during the five-year period.
  • Fiscal Note: The bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on state or local governments, as it does not create or expand any programs or require additional funding.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and read for the first time on February 10, 2025, and was subsequently reported printed and referred to the Resources & Conservation Committee on February 11, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 196, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on wildlife management and the hunting community in Idaho.

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

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