Idaho lawmakers drop bill targeting ATV rules for hunters

HUNTING — An Idaho Senate panel dropped a bill aimed at gutting the Department of Fish and Game’s authority to regulate where hunters can drive their all-terrain vehicles.

The Senate Resources and Environment Committee rejected the measure this week, while also shooting down legislation that would have forbid the Fish and Game from enforcing road closures on federal land.

The proposals were sponsored by Republican Sens. Tim Corder, of Mountain Home, and Monty Pearce, a state lawmaker from New Plymouth who chairs the Senate committee.

The state lawmakers introduced the proposals with backing from sportsmen who are furious about management of Idaho’s backcountry.

But other sportsmen are just as adamant that off-road vehicles need to be control for the benefit of wildlife, and the rights of hunters who appreciate being able to walk a way a hunting in peace.

The bills failed to muster enough support on the committee to move forward in the 2011 Idaho Legislature.