Boise Debates Changes For Fish & Game

Lawmakers are battling over a proposed hunting regulation at the state house.

The House Resources Committee is considering a bill that would strip the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s authority to limit hunting from off-highway vehicles.

Fish and Game officials argue the power is an important wildlife management tool that helps prevent the over-harvest of big game animals.

The Fish and Game regional supervisor in Idaho Falls, Steve Schmidt, said one of the most common complaints they receive come from hunters regarding use of off-highway vehicles.

?Our objective is to continue to provide general hunting as long as we possibly can. We would like to manage off-highway vehicles as a tool to maintain general hunting,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said there are just not enough U.S. Forest Service officers to implement the federal travel plans.