Senate passes bill F&G opposed to shift $$ from access program to animal damage control

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Senate voted 26-8 to divert money from a Department of Fish and Game hunter-access program to wolf control, an effort backed by the state’s livestock industry. Wednesday’s vote came over objections from Idaho’s wildlife agency, whose Fish and Game Commission opposed the measure. Supporters of shifting funding from the Sportsmen’s Access Yes! program to Idaho’s animal damage control account argued the cash would reduce predators, helping ranchers as well as big-game hunters angry that wolves eat too many elk. Foes included Pocatello Sen. Roy Lacey, who said he was among residents eager to see wolves eradicated. Lacey suggested they might attack him while he rides his bike near Island Park. Even so, Lacey said this bill amounted to raiding Fish and Game money. The measure, HB 278, has passed the House, and now heads to the governor.