Committee holds big-game take rule rewrite after split public testimony

The committee took public testimony on Docket No. 13-0108-2401, a rewrite of rules governing the taking of big game animals, and then voted to hold the docket in committee at the call of the chair.

Amber Worthington presented the docket and Ellery Tucker-Williams, Legislative and Community Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, offered additional information. Numerous individuals and groups testified in support (including Shawn Gunter, Gary Peck, Tal Sampson, Jessica Sampson, Shayne Moore, Justin Russell, Payton Evans, Craig Wilson, Brock Maynard, Nick Fasciano representing Idaho Wild Life Federation, Talesa Sampson, Nicole Swafford, Goerge Nedelea, Kelly Lance, Tracy Milward, John Christensen, Rob Thornberry, Ken Crane) while others testified in opposition (including David Silcock and Justin Webb, who is identified as Executive Director for the Foundation for Wildlife Management; the transcript also lists testimony from representatives tied to the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation). The transcript records that many "testified in support" and others "testified in opposition" without further verbatim detail.

Following the split in testimony, Chairman Mendive moved to hold Docket No. 13-0108-2401 in committee at the call of the chair; the motion carried by voice vote, leaving the rewrite docket to return for further consideration at the chair's direction.

The committee record does not show additional amendments or a roll-call for this action; the hold preserves further deliberation and potential amendments before any final agency rule adoption.