Legislation Would Expand Idaho Wildlife Relocation Notifications

In an effort to address wildlife relocation practices in Idaho, Representative Doug Pickett introduced House Bill 653.  The Oakley Republican noted that currently, only bighorn sheep relocations require statutory notification.

House Bill 653 expands notification requirements to most wildlife relocations, excluding game, fish, and predatory wildlife as defined as coyotes, jackrabbits, skunks, weasels, starlings, raccoons, and rattlesnakes.

“For planned relocations, the Department of Fish and Game must notify landowners and leaseholders within a five-mile radius and county commissioners," Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Dexton Lake.  "If objections are filed from affected individuals within ten days, county commissioners must hold a public hearing and decide whether to approve the relocation. Emergency relocations may proceed immediately when there is an imminent threat, but the department must later notify affected parties and report those actions publicly."

HB 653 also expands disease testing and straying requirements for big game animals that are imported, transported, sampled, or used for tracking. 

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