STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS28455C1 / H0235
This legislation transitions the hunting framework for sage-grouse from a sport permit-based model to
a tag-based model to better support sustainable hunting opportunity. The current sport permit model is
implemented at a statewide scale and does not allow for harvest management within specific hunt areas. A
game tag model allows Fish and Game managers to use population information to inform game tag availability
and appropriately distribute harvest opportunity. The total number of sage-grouse harvested annually is
expected to remain approximately the same under the new hunt framework. This legislation does not affect
the sport permit-based hunting framework for sharp-tailed grouse.
This legislation is consistent with Executive Order No. 2015-04 Adopting Idaho’s Sage-Grouse Management
Plan signed by Governor Otter on May 27, 2015. This plan recommended adaptive management triggers to
evaluate sage-grouse population and habitat changes. Since the formalization of Governor Otter’s plan, the
Department of Fish and Game has implemented management actions that are consistent with the plan and aimed
at ensuring we have accurate and sufficient date to evaluate population status and trends. Moving to a tag-based
hunt framework will better align Idaho’s sage-grouse hunt season-setting process with our understanding of the
different circumstances and variables that cause annual fluctuations in sage-grouse abundance and distribution
at various habitat scales.
FISCAL NOTE
This legislation will not materially impact the State General Fund or the Fish and Game Fund.
Contact:
Paul Kline
Department of Fish and Game
(208) 334-3771
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/24/2021, 8:25 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-409, 36-416, 36-1401