Senate kills ATV hunting bill

BOISE (AP) — A measure to strip the Idaho Department of Fish and Game of the authority to regulate ATV-mounted hunters has been shot down by Senate lawmakers.

The Senate voted 20-15 against the measure, which takes aim at Fish and Game rules requiring sportsmen on ATVs in a third of Idaho's hunting units to avoid off-road vehicle trails.

Terreton Sen. Jeff Siddoway, a former Fish and Game commissioner, fears losing that authority could lead to overharvests and reduce hunting opportunities in Idaho.

Mountain Home Sen. Tim Corder pushed the measure, saying the department doesn't have legal authority to ban ATV hunting on the public trails. He says it discriminates against those not fit enough to traverse some trails without a vehicle.

People with disabilities can get waivers to use ATVs for hunting.