Negotiated rulemaking was initiated due to a proposal to consider expanding opportunities for spearfishing.
A proposal to consider expanding take to certain gamefish species (specifically, walleye, pike, and lake trout) was sent to the Department in May 2024. Additionally, at the May 2024 Commission meeting, several anglers requested modification to the gear restrictions pertaining to take of certain gamefish species using underwater spearfishing in waters where the Department is trying to actively reduce their abundance to achieve management objectives.
The rulemaking process considered all comments brought to the Department during the initial comment period. Those comments were integrated into the staff recommendation to the Commission. At the July 2024 Commission meeting, the rule changes were adopted as proposed. A notice of rulemaking – proposed rule will be published in the October 2, 2024, Idaho Administrative Bulletin.
October 2024 Idaho Administrative Bulletin
Public Comment
The public comment period is now closed. Pending rule language will be presented to the Commission for adoption on November 7, 2024.
