House Resources Chairman Marcus Gibbs, R-Grace, has “returned two Idaho Fish & Game legislative proposals to the Fish & Game Commission,” including the department’s fee-increase proposal, saying neither will receive an introductory hearing in his committee, according to a news release from Fish & Game. “Chairman Gibbs cited concerns that the proposals did not sufficiently address wildlife depredation problems on private land or the process for landowner compensation,” the release said.

The fee-increase bill, which would be the first increase in Idaho resident hunting and fishing license and tags since 2004, includes the “price lock” proposal, under which those who purchases licenses consistently each year could avoid the increases.

The other bill the commission said Gibbs returned was “intended to extend the timeframe for landowner compensation for damages to crops caused by antelope, elk, deer and moose,” according to the release. “The proposal would have allowed compensation for damages that occurred up to 20 days prior notifying Fish and Game.   Current law allows for payment for damages up to 10 days before Fish and Game is notified.”

Lewiston Tribune reporter Eric Barker has a full report here; you can read the full Fish & Game press release here.

The release concludes, “The Fish and Game Commission will evaluate whether alternative legislative proposals are viable this legislative session for keeping wildlife management on sound financial footing and for reducing landowner burdens from wildlife damage. The Commission recognizes the importance of ensuring sportsmen and agricultural interests continue to work together for successful wildlife conservation and management.”