What The Outfitter Allocation Bill Is - And Is Not - Really All About
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has received many inquiries about the intent of Senate Bill 1172, the “Deer and Elk Tag Allocation” bill.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is considering moving toward more intensive management related to quality elk and deer herds. If this happens, it could mean more restrictive hunts in some traditionally general hunt areas.
This means outfitters could be left out, if tags are allocated as they currently are - that is, on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, an option is needed to allocate tags to outfitted areas in a fair manner to assure outfitting can be sustained.
The bill says that if the commission limits the number of deer and elk tags available in an area, then the commission may allocate a number of deer or elk tags for use by hunters who choose to use an outfitter. Nothing in this legislation requires the commission to take any action. It merely gives it the authority to act if herd numbers warrant action.
The intent of the proposed allocation process is to provide tags to outfitted hunters based on verifiable, historical outfitter use levels.
If the commission decides to adjust the number of tags in a given area, either increasing or decreasing them, the change will be shared proportionally.
So far, no decision has been made to allocate any tags. If it becomes necessary to do so, the commission will hold public hearings and open forums to explain any proposals and to gather hunter and public input.
Nothing in this legislation requires any hunter - resident or nonresident - to go with an outfitter.
Another concern is whether the proposed allocation process would apply to current controlled hunts. This concern - and all others - will be thoroughly addressed by the commission during the rule-making process. This process will include full public participation via public hearings, open houses and written comments, as well as full legislative oversight.
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The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Steven P. Mealey Special to Roundtable