Committee approves three Fish and Game rule dockets including mandatory black‑bear ID test, zone boundary revisions and spearfishing language

The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved three rule dockets from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game after debate and public comment.

1) Mandatory black‑bear identification education (IDAPA docket 13.02.01.22041): Deputy Director Amber Worthington said the temporary rule requires hunters to pass an online identification test (Idaho or equivalent sister-state test) before hunting black bear; identification evidence may be shown digitally in the field or via the hunter’s account. The temporary rule had already been implemented January 1; the committee approved the pending rule after discussion about enforcement and outreach. Worthington said the test is short and free; she described it as an educational step to reduce mistaken identity of black bears and grizzly bears. A substitute motion to adopt the pending rule carried on a committee voice vote.

2) Revisions to game‑management zone boundaries and a non‑substantive statement about federal authority (IDAPA docket 13.01.00.72.401): The department proposed moving several GMUs between the Owyhee, Boise River, Big Desert and Snake River zones to better reflect elk abundance and local changes. The pending rule also includes language reaffirming Idaho’s position that federal authorities cannot commandeer state personnel to implement federal take prohibitions; the committee approved the docket.

3) Fish rules clarifying definitions and spearfishing (IDAPA docket 13.01.11.2401): The department added a definition distinguishing above‑water spear use from underwater spearfishing and clarified that unprotected fish may be taken by methods allowed when seasons are open. Remote testimony from a lifelong spearfisherman argued the method is selective and could help control invasive species such as pike and walleye in certain waters. The committee approved the docket on a voice vote.

Committee members debated the bear‑identification test at length. Representative Vander Woud moved to reject the pending bear rule, arguing the incident rate of mistaken‑identity kills was low; Representative Boyle, the committee chair and other members supported adoption, noting the rule helps reduce risk of incidental grizzly take and can strengthen the state’s litigation posture. Worthington said outreach (press releases, vendor notification) has been under way and that enforcement discretion (initial warnings) would be used while hunters and vendors adjust to the new requirement.

All three dockets were approved by the committee; the bear ID rule had a substitute motion to adopt and the department said the temporary rule remains effective while the pending rule proceeds.