FISH AND GAME – Amends existing law to provide for deer and elk tag allocations and to remove certain rulemaking authority.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 192 reserves up to 25% of nonresident deer and elk tags for outfitted hunters, enhancing their access while ensuring fair distribution in Idaho.

Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation

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Bill Information

Bill Number: H 192

Title: Fish and Game – Amends existing law to provide for deer and elk tag allocations and to remove certain rulemaking authority.

Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation

Introduced: February 10, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: Animals, Fish and Game, Hunting, Natural Resources, Wildlife

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 192 aims to revise the allocation system for nonresident deer and elk hunting tags in Idaho. The bill specifically sets aside a percentage of these tags for outfitted hunters, ensuring that a structured allocation system is in place for both general and controlled hunts. The intent is to enhance the hunting experience for outfitted clients while maintaining a fair distribution of hunting opportunities.

Key Provisions

Tag Allocation for Outfitted Hunters:

The bill mandates that up to 25% of the nonresident deer and elk tag quota be reserved for outfitted hunters during the establishment of big game seasons.
These tags are to be allocated separately from those designated for residents and nonresidents in specific hunts.

Recalculation of Allocations:

The allocation of outfitted hunter tags will be recalculated every two years based on historical usage data from the previous two years.
This recalculation applies to both general and controlled hunts, ensuring that the allocation reflects actual demand and usage.

Sales and Distribution:

Outfitted tags can only be sold to individuals who have entered into a signed agreement with a licensed outfitter.
If any reserved tags remain unsold by July 15 for general hunts or July 31 for capped hunts, they may be made available to the general public.

Administrative Fees:

An administrative fee of $5.00 will be charged for each allocated outfitted big game tag sold or exchanged.
A fee of $20.00 will apply for each tag submitted for verification as being outfitted.

Verification Requirements:

All outfitted deer and elk tag usage must be verified to qualify for allocated outfitted hunter tag use history, with records submitted to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game by December 20 each year.

Impact

Affected Parties:

The bill primarily impacts nonresident hunters, outfitters, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
It aims to support outfitted hunting operations by ensuring they have access to a portion of the available tags.

Fiscal Note:

The bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on the general fund or local governments, as it does not alter major government operations but rather reinforces existing practices.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced and referred to the Joint Resources & Conservation Committee on February 10, 2025. It was reported printed and referred to the committee for further consideration on February 11, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 192, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on hunting regulations in Idaho.

Bill