OPINION: Idaho Fish and Game must evolve for the future of wildlife conservation

The challenges of modern wildlife conservation are far more complex than anything managers faced when the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) was created by a citizens’ initiative in 1938. The agency is now undertaking a once-per-decade strategic planning process. This offers a critical opportunity for every Idahoan who enjoys what native wildlife brings to our lives. It’s now time for Idaho to embrace bold, reimagined conservation strategies that confront the growing landscape-level threats common to all wildlife species that call Idaho home. 

Since the late 1800s, when many species were taken to the brink of extinction, game animal populations have largely rebounded, thanks to taxes on equipment purchased by hunters and anglers. While effective for a tiny number of species like deer and elk, this approach is now woefully inadequate to address the enormous challenges Idaho’s native wildlife face today. Threats like habitat fragmentation, invasive species and disease, sprawl and climate change cannot be confronted by the same management mindset that worked for a handful of game species disappearing from overexploitation. Instead, all of Idaho’s voices must come together to seek lasting conservation solutions. 

Over 95% of Idaho’s species are not hunted, trapped or fished. Yet, only 3% of IDFG’s budget is allocated for their conservation. This disproportionate focus on game species neglects the vast majority of Idaho’s wildlife, including pollinators, amphibians, birds, most mammals and more. It also shirks the fundamental mission of IDFG — to manage ALL of Idaho’s wildlife on behalf of ALL Idahoans. As stewards, IDFG needs to give nongame species a bigger seat at the table. 

To truly protect Idaho’s diversity of wildlife, IDFG must embark on a new era of holistic conservation. This pivot would be smart for wildlife and smart for Idaho. Idahoans connect with wildlife differently than when IDFG was created. Idaho’s wildlife is a public trust resource to be managed by IDFG for the benefit of all Idahoans — not just hunters and anglers. Managing for a broader range of conservation values will also make IDFG a more resilient, contemporary, science-driven wildlife agency — not only for this decade’s strategic plan, but for generations to come. 

Reimagining a funding model for IDFG based on revenues contributed by a wider diversity of Idahoans is also part of that evolution. IDFG’s budget has doubled in the last 20 years, yet nongame funds have been reduced by 50%. The current system, which still relies heavily on hunting and fishing revenues, is inadequate for the stewardship of all wildlife. We wish that money for nongame species from tax check-offs and license plate sales were enough, but it’s not. By diversifying funding sources, we can ensure all Idaho’s wildlife is taken care of. Nationwide, states are beginning to adopt innovative funding tools that enjoy popular support. Instead of robbing Peter to pay Paul, we need to grow a bigger conservation pie. 

Idaho’s wildlife belongs to all of us! Let’s imagine a brighter future for all the species we love — in all their shapes and sizes. The Idaho Conservation League encourages Idahoans to submit comments to IDFG by April 15. All wildlife enthusiasts — whether you fish, hunt, birdwatch, or simply appreciate nature — must collaborate on conservation priorities that protect Idaho’s immense wildlife heritage. The future of wildlife in our state cannot and must not be taken for granted. With leadership from IDFG, the entire conservation community can ensure the agency fulfills all its wildlife stewardship responsibilities and finds new funds to carry them out. It’s time for IDFG to work with all wildlife advocates and build a stronger, more resilient wildlife management agency for everyone. 

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As the Idaho Conservation League’s Wildlife Program Associate, Jeff Abrams focuses on imperiled wildlife populations, raising awareness about landscape-level threats to Idaho’s wild critters and advocating for overdue mechanisms to proactively conserve these at-risk species. Jeff has lived in Idaho since 1994, initially working as a biologist in hatchery evaluations for IDFG.