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H 232

FISH AND GAME – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for allocation of deer and elk tags to residents and nonresidents.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 232 limits nonresident deer and elk tags to 10%, enhancing resident hunters' experience while maintaining revenue for Idaho's Fish and Game Department.

Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation
#animals #fishandgame #hunting #licensesandpermits #wildlife
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Bill Summary · H 232

Summary of House Bill 232 (H 232)

Title

Fish and Game – Allocation of Deer and Elk Tags to Residents and Nonresidents

Status

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported Printed and Referred to Resources & Conservation

Purpose

House Bill 232 aims to enhance the hunting experience for resident hunters in Idaho by limiting nonresident participation in deer and elk hunts. The bill seeks to achieve this while maintaining revenue for the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and deregulating the outfitting industry.

Key Provisions

  1. Nonresident Tag Limits:

    • The bill caps nonresident participation in deer and elk hunts at 10% of total tags available for each hunt type (capped, controlled, and nonresident-limited/resident-unlimited).
    • This cap is designed to reduce crowding for resident hunters while still allowing for some nonresident participation.

  2. Tag Allocation Changes:

    • The legislation removes the previous allocation system for elk and deer tags, allowing for a more flexible marketing approach for outfitters.
    • Residents will have the opportunity to purchase leftover tags at nonresident prices if the nonresident quota is not met by July 31.

  3. Definitions and Hunt Frameworks:

    • Introduces definitions for various hunt frameworks, including "capped hunts," "controlled hunts," and "nonresident-limited/resident-unlimited" hunts.
    • Establishes guidelines for how tags will be sold and allocated based on these frameworks.

  4. Exemptions:

    • Certain tags are exempt from the nonresident cap, including:
      • Tags based on private landowner designation.
      • Tags for lifetime license holders who are no longer residents.
      • Free tags for specific groups (e.g., minors with life-threatening conditions, military veterans).
      • Nonresident junior mentored tags.

  5. Implementation Timeline:

    • The provisions of the bill will take effect starting with hunting licenses and tags sold for the 2027 calendar year.

Fiscal Impact

  • The bill is expected to have a net neutral fiscal impact once fully implemented.
  • While it may decrease nonresident tag sales by up to $7 million, this loss is anticipated to be offset by:
    • Increased sales of leftover tags to residents.
    • Higher license sales to nonresidents.

Affected Parties

  • Residents: Will benefit from reduced competition for deer and elk tags.
  • Nonresidents: Will face limitations on tag availability but can still participate in hunts.
  • Department of Fish and Game: Will need to adjust revenue strategies to accommodate changes in tag sales.

Conclusion

House Bill 232 represents a significant shift in the management of deer and elk hunting in Idaho, focusing on enhancing the experience for resident hunters while balancing revenue needs for the Department of Fish and Game. The bill's implementation will require careful monitoring to ensure that both resident and nonresident hunters can enjoy Idaho's wildlife resources sustainably.

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

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