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Committee advances bill codifying Fish and Game rule language limiting thermal imaging, night vision and drones for hunting with exceptions
Summary
H 939 would regulate the use of thermal imaging, night vision, transmitting trail cameras and drones for hunting by moving language similar to Idaho Fish and Game's proposed rules into statute and enumerating exceptions for predators, agriculture, retrieving wounded animals and property monitoring; the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with concerns raised about enforcement and differing treatment of private and public property.
Representative Petzke introduced H 939 as an effort to regulate use of certain technologies in hunting, including thermal imaging, night-vision devices, transmitting trail cameras and drones. He told the committee the bill essentially codifies language from Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) proposed rules but adds specific exceptions for hunting wolves, mountain lions or predatory wildlife, agricultural uses, retrieving wounded animals, monitoring buildings and personal property for theft deterrence, and monitoring traps.
Senator Taylor asked whether there was a forum during the interim to address enforcement challenges; Representative Petzke said the Legislature and IDFG would continue to work on enforcement questions. IDFG Legislative and Community Engagement Coordinator Ellery TuckerWilliams told the committee IDFG has enforcement authority but did not specify particular citation language in committee minutes.
Dexton Lake of the Idaho Farm Bureau testified in favor of H 939. Jeff Abrams of the Idaho Conservation League testified against the bill and said that similar efforts should be given more time for broader participation in the future. Senator Okuniewicz said he believed the legislation was a step forward but raised concerns about inconsistent treatment of cameras on private versus public property.
Senator Okuniewicz moved and Senator Harris seconded to send H 939 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote.
