IDFG: Needs our protection

Idaho Fish and Game is under assault once again. The Idaho Legislature has seven pieces of pending legislation relating to Idaho Fish and Game. It seems that once elected, legislators automatically become experts in all things. Each piece of legislation seeks to either limit IDFG’s ability to protect all of Idaho’s Wildlife, or restrict hunting activities for Idaho residents. One bill seeks to require IDFG to spend at a minimum $200,000 a year to contract out the controlled hunt drawings. Is there any actual evidence of misconduct? Laws shouldn’t be enacted based on rumors.

Another bill intends to prevent members of the Fish and Game Commission and IDFG employees from participating in all controlled hunts. Clearly all these individuals are residents of Idaho. On what basis are their hunting privileges being taken away? Again evidence of any wrong doing is absent.

Two bills introduced in the House only make it more difficult to detect and apprehend violators. As a resident of Idaho, I should hope that violators are apprehended. The legislation concerning the auctioning of 12 highly prized tags is the Legislature’s attempt to disregard the will of Idaho’s residents. It professes to provide IDFG with additional funding. The bill estimates a $200,000 funding increase each year. Just enough to offset the private contractor costs for drawings.

IDFG isn’t perfect, but they have a ton more expertise than the Legislature. Call, email, or write our legislators. Idaho’s wildlife needs protection from them.

JOHN MOORE

Coeur d’Alene