Idaho

The Gem State is rich in natural resources, stunning scenery, and a strong sportsmen’s community. Joining the Union in 1890, Idaho has a history that stretches from the Shoshone Bannock Tribe to Lewis and Clark, and into the modern era. Idaho is home to the largest federally designated wilderness area in the lower-48, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and 63% of the state’s land is fully available for access to the public. Iconic species include cutthroat trout, mule deer, elk, moose, and many more. Idaho has something for everyone, from rafters enjoying multi-day trips on the Salmon River to fly fisherman chasing trophy rainbows on the Snake, and sportsmen and women pursuing everything from mountain lions to grouse in the field.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Idaho, please contact: Nate Serlin

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Senator Michael Crapo Senator Jim Risch Representative Mike Simpson

Idaho Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member

Governor Brad Little

Idaho Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Representative Judy Boyle Senator Mark Harris

Idaho Policy Highlights

2023 SB 1143 - Expanded the regulatory authority of IDFG to include season setting and restrictions to shed antler, horn, and deadhead collecting, gathering and possession.

2022 HB 702/SB 1422 - Provided an additional $2 million for hunting and fishing access at no additional cost to the Idaho’s outdoor sporting community.

Hunter hunting duck in farm field

2021 SB 1020 - Provides private property protections while simultaneously encouraging free recreational access to the public.

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Paid Hunting License Holders

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Paid Angling License Holders

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Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Idaho Policy Briefs

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a progressive, fatal, degenerative neurological disease occurring in farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, caribou, and moose. The disease was first… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

Search and Rescue Funding

Funding mechanisms for search and rescue (SAR) operations vary by state, but for those in which sportsmen-generated dollars cover the costs associated with these efforts,… Read more.
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Idaho Latest News

April 27, 2026

Idaho Becomes the First State to Make Hunting Its Official Sport 

Why It Matters: An essential component in defending and expanding our rights and/or privileges to recreate outdoors is public recognition for the cultural significance of traditional sportsmen’s activities and sportsmen’s contribution to conservation. Measures highlighting the significance of sportsmen, like Idaho House Bill 652 (HB 652), which named hunting as the official state sport of Idaho, are one such way to celebrate our outdoor heritage. Sportsmen were the original conservationists and remain conservation’s main source […]

January 12, 2026

Idaho Fish and Game Commission Proposes Restrictions on Technology Allowed for Big Game Hunting

Why It Matters: As emergent technologies potentially allow hunters and anglers to be more efficient and successful in the field, questions of fair chase ethics, and population stability inevitably follow shortly behind. State fish and wildlife agencies across the country are tasked with finding a suitable middle ground, where hunters and anglers can still take advantage of new technologies, without giving them an unfair advantage over wildlife and harvesting too many game species off the…

November 3, 2025

CSF Welcomes New Rocky Mountain States Coordinator

The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) announced today that Nate Serlin has joined the organization as the Rocky Mountain States Coordinator. In this role, Nate will work closely with the state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses under the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) and members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming to protect…

September 2, 2025

FWS Expands Hunting and Fishing Opportunities Across 11 States

Why it Matters: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides important hunting and fishing opportunities across the country. Despite the importance that FWS lands, particularly through the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS), play for sportsmen and women, there are often inconsistencies between state and federal regulations, as…

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Idaho Reports

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Impact You Can See

New projectile options are now available for muzzleloader hunters in ID.

Educational and mentorship opportunities for trappers were enhanced in ID and MT.