Committee backs bill allowing remote camera checks for wolf traps, amid conservation group concerns

On March 11 the Senate Resources & Environment Committee voted to advance H 678, legislation to allow wolf trappers to inspect traps remotely using transmitting trail cameras. Representative Shepherd, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the purpose was to "allow wolf trappers the opportunity to inspect their traps remotely with transmitting cameras," arguing the change would make trapping more economically feasible and assist wolf-control efforts.

Supporters included Dexton Lake (Idaho Farm Bureau), Nick Fasciano (Idaho Wildlife Federation), Ben Brocksome (Idaho Sportsman Access and Opportunity/Idaho Trappers Association), Patxi Larrocea-Phillips (Idaho Wool Growers Association and Idaho Cattle Association) and Ellary TuckerWilliams of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. TuckerWilliams said the Fish and Game Commission "appreciated the latitude the sponsor provided to the Commission when developing provisions of this legislation" and clarified that the administrative rule requiring a 72-hour trap check "was already common practice and written in administrative rule." Alex Watt of the Idaho Conservation League testified in opposition and asked the committee to send the bill to the amending order, saying the bill risked removing minimum standards for trappers who do not respect check requirements.

Senator Harris moved to send H 678 to the floor with a do pass recommendation; Senator Okuniewicz seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Senator Taylor voiced concerns about the amount of time allowed to check traps remotely and suggested any timing issues could be addressed by rule-making at the Commission level.