This bill amends Section 36-106 of the Idaho Code to establish new provisions regarding the transplant or relocation of certain wildlife, specifically bighorn sheep, and to require testing for communicable diseases in animals imported, transported, or utilized for tracking purposes. Key provisions include the requirement for the director of the Department of Fish and Game to notify county commissioners and affected landowners prior to any proposed transplant or relocation of bighorn sheep, as well as the establishment of a management plan to maintain a viable population of bighorn sheep in Idaho. The bill also emphasizes the importance of recognizing existing sheep or livestock operations in the area of any transplant and the potential risks of disease transmission.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the director regarding the transplant or relocation of wildlife, including a 30-day notice period and the necessity for public hearings if concerns are raised. It mandates that any deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, or bison imported or transported must be tested for certain diseases, with the specifics of the testing program to be mutually agreed upon by the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Agriculture. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-106