This bill amends Sections 36-106 and 36-202 of the Idaho Code, focusing on the authority of the Director of the Department of Fish and Game regarding wildlife management. It grants the director the power to take wildlife for inspection and scientific research, while also requiring notification to local county commissioners and affected landowners about planned movements of wildlife, particularly bighorn sheep. In emergency situations, the director can move wildlife without prior notice but must report actions afterward. The bill aims to ensure public involvement in wildlife management decisions and recognizes existing livestock operations in areas where wildlife transplants occur, mandating a management plan for bighorn sheep populations.

Additionally, the bill addresses big game hunting regulations and wildlife disease monitoring. It allows the director to allocate up to 50% of available permits for special depredation hunts to landholders and requires testing of imported or transported classified big game for communicable diseases that could impact domestic livestock. New definitions related to wildlife management, such as "planned movement" and "responsive movement," are introduced to clarify the department's actions. The bill emphasizes the importance of reporting suspected wildlife diseases to the Department of Agriculture within 24 hours and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, including provisions for permits, licenses, and shooting ranges.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-106, 36-202