The bill amends Section 36-408 of the Idaho Code, focusing on the management and allocation of deer and elk tags, particularly for nonresidents and outfitted hunters. It establishes that when the commission sets limits on nonresident deer and elk tags, a maximum of 25% of the nonresident tag quota as of February 6, 2025, must be set aside for outfitted hunters. These tags are to be allocated for use in capped, limited, and controlled hunts, and the bill specifies that these tags shall be sold only to individuals who have entered into a signed agreement with a licensed outfitter. Additionally, if any of these tags remain unsold by specified dates, they may be made available to the general public.

The bill also outlines the process for allocating outfitted hunter tags, requiring that the allocation be recalculated every two years based on historical usage. It mandates that all big game tags used in outfitted hunts must be recorded with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and it introduces administrative fees for the sale and verification of these tags. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for issuing free permits or tags to minor children with life-threatening medical conditions and disabled military veterans, as well as authorizing special auction or lottery tags for hunting wolves and big game species. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-408