The Department is initiating proposed rulemaking. Written comments were accepted from October 1, 2025, to October 22, 2025.
The notice of rulemaking – proposed rule was published in the October 1, 2025, Idaho Administrative Bulletin.
The intent to promulgate was published in the May 1, 2024, Idaho Administrative Bulletin.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to adopt the proposed rule language
This rulemaking concerns the comprehensive review of current IDAPA 13.01.08, “Rules Governing Taking of Big Game,” in compliance with Executive Order 2020-01. The agency has identified some technical, duplicative, obsolete, and non-substantive modifications to be evaluated for integration. The agency has evaluated content of this chapter and IDAPA 13.01.04, “Rules Governing Licensing,” and to streamline, has moved relevant content that specifically addresses big game to 13.01.08 from 13.01.04 and content that addresses general licensing topics from 13.01.08 to 13.01.04.
The agency has added provisions to enable electronic tagging for big game animals; added a new Centerfire Open Sights Only special weapons season; removed language regarding draw length and let off percentage language; added language comprised of recommendations from the Hunting and Advanced Technology Working Group, staff contributions and public comments which includes prohibition of thermal imaging, night vision technology, transmitting trail cameras, and any aircraft for big game scouting or hunting between August 1 to December 31; changed use restrictions date under the motorized hunting rule from December 31 to November 14 and removed use restrictions from units 30, 30A, 36A, 37, 47, 49, 70 and 72; and under use of bait, removed plastic from prohibited container material, modified language regarding number of bait sites allowed on land management agency land, and included language reauthorized by temporary rule regarding use of bait by a grizzly bear and the need to report and pull bait.
The public comment period was open from October 1, 2025, to October 22, 2025.
Amber Worthington, Deputy Director
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
600 S. Walnut St.
P.O. Box 25
Boise, ID 83707