By the IDFG definition of hunting -
Definition of Hunting: Hunting means chasing, driving,
flushing, attracting, pursuing, worrying, following or on the
trail of, shooting at, stalking, or lying in wait for any wildlife
whether or not such wildlife is then subsequently captured,
killed, taken or wounded.
Would not driving around county public roads looking for game or sitting in a pickup in a turnout on a public roadway waiting for game be considered hunting (lying in wait) from a public roadway? This nonsense needs to stop.
Answer:
Idaho laws and rules regarding “road hunting” focus on public safety and hunting principles of fair chase.
For public safety reasons, it is illegal in Idaho to shoot from or across a public highway.
It is also generally illegal in Idaho to hunt from motorized vehicles and to molest game with motorized vehicles.
However, driving around looking for game or sitting in a vehicle looking for game do not by themselves violate Idaho hunting laws.
Whether a person is “hunting” from a motorized vehicle typically depends on a combination of factors. Law enforcement looks at what the people in the vehicle are doing: are they actively shooting; do they have firearms ready to use at hand; are they driving erratically or overly slow for road conditions; are they following particular animals; are they actively calling game animals and using optics, and so forth.
If you see conduct that may be illegal, please call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline as soon as possible at 1-800-632-5999. Our conservation officers and other staff can also discuss hunting laws and ethics with you if you’ve got questions about your own hunting activities.
Answered on:
Thursday, January 8, 2015 - 2:30 PM MST