Oct. 25–TWIN FALLS — Turkey outfitters aren’t giving up hope that they can overturn a recent decision to allow guided waterfowl hunts in Idaho.
In September, the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board lifted a 25-year moratorium on guided turkey and waterfowl hunts in Idaho. Back then, the state Department of Fish and Game feared landowners would lease land to licensed outtfitters or clubs and result in a loss of public hunting access.
The board’s decision is considered a legislative rule change, meaning Idaho lawmakers must approve it during the 2014 Legislature before the change can fully be adopted.
Hunters against the board’s decision need to contact their legislators in advance to ask them to vote no on the rule change, said John Howard, board member of the Idaho Wild Turkey Federation. Howard said he’s working with turkey and waterfowl outfitters across the state to raise awareness of the consequences of the decisions.
“It’s going to be bad for hunters,” Howard said. “It will continue to get worse.”
The board voted to approve the guided hunts because it allows landowners more control of their property.
“… state regulatory agencies must consistently recognize a landowner’s right to control use of their lands. This control could include a private landowner’s decision to allow or not allow access to their lands, for outfitting or other commercial purposes or for public use of any kind,” the board said in a statement.
When he lived in Colorado, Howard said, hunting access steadily declined after Colorado officials began allowing guided turkey and waterfowl hunts. Hunters would have to travel for hours just to find an open spot, he said.
“It was also competitive,” he said. “I don’t want that to happen in Idaho. No one does.”