Why It Matters: As a part of their ongoing case to delist grizzly bears, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is reviewing and updating hunting and trapping rules to aid in their overall recovery plan. Temporary black bear hunting rules were recently adopted by the IDFG commission, and a formal rule making process, which will include public comment opportunities, will follow shortly. This effort also aims to protect black bear hunting opportunities in Idaho from lawsuits and other challenges.
Highlights:
- The fight over grizzly bear management has impacted Idaho trapping opportunities recently, as a March 2024 court decision reduced trapping season on some private lands by nine months.
- IDFG is working to review and update hunting rules to aid in grizzly recovery while protecting hunting and trapping opportunities in the state.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is working closely with IDFG and our in-state partners as hunting rules are reviewed.
Northwestern states like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming have been faced with an onslaught of lawsuits against predator hunting, trapping, and predator management. As reported previously by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, a grizzly bear lawsuit filed in Idaho recently had sweeping impacts on trapping seasons. The Idaho Department of Game and Fish (IDFG) has made a valiant effort at managing grizzly bear populations to encourage delisting while maintaining hunting and trapping opportunities for other game species. As a part of their overall management plan, IDFG is in the process of reviewing and updating existing hunting rules.
At the recommendation of IDFG, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently adopted new, temporary bear hunting rules. These rules aim to protect black bear hunting opportunities, while also supporting grizzly recovery and delisting efforts.
The new rules will go into effect in phases:
- September 1, 2024 – Black bear baiting rule changes
- Any hunter witnessing a grizzly bear utilizing their black bear baiting site must immediately notify IDFG.
- Baiting sites used by grizzly bears cannot be hunted for the remainder of that season and cannot be rebaited.
- January 1, 2025 – Identification testing
- Prior to hunting black bears, Idaho hunters will be required to take a test proving that they can properly identify the differences between black bears and grizzly bears.
- More details on testing and how to show proof of testing will be made available soon.
These temporary rules will strengthen IDFG’s case for delisting grizzly bears and shifting management authority to that state agency. In addition, they can serve to protect black bear hunting opportunities from any future litigious efforts. CSF is a strong supporter of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation which insists that science, not litigation or petition, serves as the guiding force for wildlife management. Some rule updates, like the new Idaho black bear hunting rules, may be necessary to strengthen the case for downlisting grizzly bears and returning management to the state. CSF will be working closely with IDFG and our partners as the formal rule making process opens on black bear hunting seasons.
