In yet another attempt for the Idaho Legislature to bypass the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Idaho House of Representatives introduced House Bill (HB) 469.  On February 5, 2024, the Idaho House set about to create Idaho Code 36-419.  If this House Bill passes and becomes law, it would have a big impact on the hunting landscape of Idaho.  

Traditionally, Idaho has been a state that most do not look at for muzzleloader opportunities.  Idaho was vastly different in muzzleloader rules from our neighbor to the south, Utah.  Currently Idaho restricts muzzleloaders to very traditional equipment.  As it stands now, your muzzleloader must be “Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited.”  You are also prohibited from using sabots for projectiles and 209 primers as an ignition source.

If codified into law, 36-419 will read, “The department of fish and game shall not adopt or enforce any agency rule that makes it unlawful to use 209 primers, pelletized powder, or sabots in a muzzleloader-only season.”  

Again, I am conflicted because I would enjoy being able to use a modern muzzleloader for an additional season.  But I do not like the Legislature going over IDFG’s head and imposing their will on “methods of take”.  I said this a couple of years ago when the Legislature did this with archery equipment.  It opened a door and set a precedent that I knew would be followed by more.  

If you are counting, that is three new laws that the Legislature is trying to pass that would directly go over the head of IDFG (HB-469, HB-587 and HB-586 that we have covered so far).  I do agree that the IDFG needs to get with the times and redo some of their rules/laws, but this is not the way to do it.  Most people do not know the power that the IDFG has to establish these methods of take.  

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is authorized under Sections 36-104(b) and 36-1101(a), Idaho Code, to adopt rules concerning the taking of big game animals.  Idaho Administrative Procedure Act (IDAPA) IDAPA 13.01.08 is labeled as the “Rules Governing the Taking of Big Game Animals in the State of Idaho”.  These rules are used to establish the methods of take, season and possession limits of all big game species in Idaho.  This is also the case for other birds and mammals as well.  

Under the IDAPA rules, IDFG would be able to do what the legislature is trying to do but without the negative implications of having the legislature get involved.  This is how Politics ends up in the world of animal conservation.  If you wish to read the IDAPA 13, Title 01, Chapter 8, go to this link (IDAPA 13 – Idaho Department of Fish and Game.book)