HAT Working Group final recommendations advance to negotiated rulemaking

During the March Commission meeting (rewatch here), the Idaho Fish and Game Commission directed staff to include the final recommendations—of which 23 out of 23 members were in support—of the Hunting and Advanced Technology (HAT) Working Group in developing negotiated rulemaking proposals, public outreach, and policy recommendations. The HAT Working Group consensus recommendations were specific to the following.

Drones

The HAT Working Group recommends that it be unlawful for any person to use any aircraft
(including drones, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft) to spot, locate, or aid in the taking of
any big game ungulates from July 1 through December 31 or dates as determined most
appropriate by the Commission.

Smart Optics

The HAT Working Group recommends that the current regulations related to smart optics
be kept in place. Under current regulations, smart optics are unlawful when attached to or
incorporated into a firearm while scopes with battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are
allowed.

Muzzleloader Technology

The Hat Working Group recommends maintaining the current muzzleloader regulations for
Muzzleloader-Only Seasons.

Short Range Weapons

The HAT Working Group recommends that the Commission consider the weapons allowed
in short range seasons and whether they align with the intent of short range hunting
seasons.

Education

To promote ethical hunting practices and fair chase principles, the HAT Working Group
recommends the IDFG increase education and outreach efforts.

Transportation

The HAT Working Group recommends that access policies be balanced to provide hunting
opportunity mindful of wildlife conservation to promote fair chase and sustainable hunting
through strategic management.

Artificial Intelligence

At this time, the HAT Working Group does not have any formal recommendations for
restricting the use of AI technologies in hunting. However, the Working Group strongly
advises the Commission to closely monitor the rapidly evolving application of AI within the
hunting community. As AI technologies continue to advance, new tools and techniques
may emerge that could significantly impact hunting ethics and the principles outlined by
the HAT Working Group. Maintaining a vigilant and adaptable approach will be critical to
preserving Idaho’s hunting traditions and ensuring alignment with wildlife management
goals.

Modern Archery Optics

The HAT Working Group recommends keeping current archery equipment regulations. 

Other Draft Recommendations Considered by the Working Group

The Commission also directed Fish and Game staff to incorporate three draft recommendations from the HAT Working Group into the negotiated rulemaking process. Those three draft recommendations were not included in the consensus package because they were one vote shy of reaching 100% consensus. Those recommendations were specific to the following.

Night Vision

The HAT Working Group recommends that it be unlawful to use night vision technology,
mounted as well as handheld equipment, for scouting, hunting, or retrieving big game
ungulates from July 1 through December 31 or dates as deemed most appropriate by the
Commission.

Thermal Imaging Optics

The HAT Working Group recommends that it be unlawful to use thermal imaging technology
for scouting, hunting, and retrieving big game ungulates from July 1 through December 31
or dates as determined most appropriate by the Commission.

Transmitting Trail Cameras

For the purposes of hunting and scouting for big game ungulates, the HAT Working Group
recommends that it be unlawful to use transmitting trail cameras from July 1 through
December 31or dates as determined most appropriate by the Commission, on public or
public access property. 

Public comment opportunity

Fish and Game encourages the public to provide input on the proposed rule changes above during the negotiated rulemaking process. Specific recommendation and draft recommendation language can be found here, along with additional HAT Working Group resources.