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Committee splits over proposed limits on thermals, night vision and transmitting trail cameras; docket held subject to call
Summary
The committee debated Docket No. 13-0108-2401, which would restrict certain advanced technologies (smart optics, thermal and night vision, transmitting trail cameras) during parts of big-game seasons. Proponents cited fair-chase ethics; opponents raised wolf-management, statutory, and constitutional concerns. After a failed roll-call and substitute motion, the committee held the docket subject to call of the chair.
The Senate Resources & Environment Committee debated Docket No. 13-0108-2401, a chapter rewrite that includes restrictions on certain advanced hunting technologies and other updates to big-game taking rules. Ellary TuckerWilliams, Legislative and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, described the Hunting and Advanced Technology (HAT) Working Group process and the proposed limits.
"The group was comprised of 23 Idahoans representing a wide range of hunting perspectives," TuckerWilliams said, describing facilitated meetings, public input and a statewide survey that informed the working group's recommendations. The draft language would prohibit smart optics attached to a weapon (with narrow exceptions for permitted reasonable modifications) and would ban thermal imaging, night vision, and transmitting trail cameras for scouting, hunting or retrieval between Aug. 30 and Dec. 31 on public lands; other clarifying edits address aircraft/drone language and retrieval exceptions.
Supporters — including members of the HAT Working Group and conservation organizations — said the restrictions preserve fair‑chase ethics and protect game populations. "It was time for Idaho to address the use of advanced technology in hunting seasons," several proponent witnesses told the committee, noting that other Western jurisdictions restrict thermals and similar tools.
Opponents, including Justin Webb (Executive Director, Foundation for Wildlife Management) and Dexton Lake (Idaho Farm Bureau), argued the change could impede wolf management and cited statutory and constitutional protections for methods of take. Webb referenced earlier legislation and the state's constitutional language on hunting as reasons to preserve management tools. Dexton Lake said changing the scope from 'big-game ungulates' to 'big game' could improperly include predators like wolves and conflict with Idaho Code § 36-2012.
The committee split on a motion from Senator Okuniewicz to approve the docket with an exception for Section 410.04(g) and (h) (which contain the technology restrictions). Senator Guthrie offered a substitute motion to approve the full docket; a roll-call vote resulted in four ayes and five nays and the substitute motion failed. The committee then approved a motion to hold Docket No. 13-0108-2401 subject to call of the chair. The committee recorded disagreement on whether the restrictions would hinder wolf-control efforts; Director Jim Frederick said reducing the wolf population was IDFG's priority and that the department would not have advanced changes it believed would significantly hinder wolf control.
The committee did not adopt the proposed technology restrictions at this meeting; the docket remains held subject to call.
