Idaho looks to be the target of pressures to open up it’s muzzleloading season.

This news story comes from a tip from the Idaho Wildlife Federation. For full transparency, they are against this bill.

Idaho Wildlife Federation Alert- https://idahowildlife.org/news/action-alert-ho469

Last fall, Idaho Fish and Game proposed a change to allow lead and non-lead projectiles in their muzzleloader season. While in committee to discuss the change, legislators reportedly felt the changes didn't do enough and have introduced HB 469 as an alternative change

HB 469 seeks to legislativly direct the IDFG to not adopt or enforcing any rule that makes it unlawful to use 209 primers, pelletized powder, or sabots in a muzzleloader-only season.

Initial perception - very round-about and forceful way to open up Idaho’s current muzzleloaders season via state legislature, not the IDFG.

The 2023 Edition of IDGF Big Game Seasons and Rules only uses the word “traditional” twice, not in reference to muzzleloaders. Idaho Fish and Game’s documentation never mentions the idea of historic preservation or traditional muzzleloading appreciation anywhere. This is important because that point is the key fulcrum of this argument here and across the United States.

(It could be argued that this conversation over words and meanings is happening across American Culture right now, but we’re going to stick to muzzle loading. Keep an eye out though in your day-to day life)

Based on Idaho’s rules, Idaho appears to have a more “traditionally” focused muzzleloader season but,

To be blunt, nothing in Idaho’s Fish and Game says anythign about keeping muzzleloading traditional, it’s a big ol’ legal hole in the “traditional” argument that can be driven through with a truck.

Links from Kyle and the IDWF:

IDWF blog post on HB469 with an action alert,

BREAKING: Idaho Legislators Setting Seasons, Again — Idaho Wildlife Federation

ISWF Legislative Bill Tracker where people can see the bills relating to fish and wildlife, a little about them, our stance on each bill, and a signup for our weekly updates and action alerts for the 2024 session,

Idaho Bill Tracker — Idaho Wildlife Federation

This is the Idaho House Resources and Conservation Committee homepage. Agendas for meetings are listed here and there are links for people to sign up to testify in person or remotely during meetings, 

HRES – Idaho State Legislature

If people want to provide input on HB469 they can call the House Resources and Conservation Committee at (208)332-1136, or send an email to hres@house.idaho.gov

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