Group Says Fish And Game Ignores Hunters

An Idaho hunting group says Idaho Fish and Game is holding secret meetings with environmental groups, and planning illegal changes to how the department runs.

Save Western Wildlife said Fish and Game is conspiring to keep hunters out of the loop.

“What it will mean for Idaho hunters is the beginning of the end for hunting,? SWW President and CEO Scott Rockholm said.

At least one local hunter agrees that fish and game isn’t listening.

“I used to go to all the meetings and we’d tell them what we thought that they should do, and they’d do exactly the opposite, every time,? Pocatello sportsman Leo Lish said.

The official mission statement of fish and game says the department should ensure supplies of wildlife for hunters, fishers, and trappers.

SWW said Idaho Fish and Game is conspiring to hold a summit for later this year where it will illegally change the mission statement.

“Idaho Fish and Game is negotiating to bring these people to the table. to redesign the mission statement of fish and game. And I charge that is illegal in itself,? Rockholm said.

But IFG officials said there is absolutely no truth to that allegation.

“The wildlife summit has nothing to do with changing the mission of fish and game, it has everything to do with what finding out what Idahoans want for wildlife management,? IFG Regional Supervisor Mark Gamblin said.

As for the secret meetings with environmentalists, IFG officials said they have met with conservation groups to plan the summit, along with plenty of hunting organizations.

“There’s nothing nefarious or behind the scenes that has been planned or desired by the fish and game department,? Gamblin said.