Bill Description: House Bill 586 would require nonresidents to procure a big game hunting license before collecting, possessing, or transporting antlers or horns from deer, elk, moose, or pronghorn. 

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NOTE: The Senate Amendment to House Bill 586 does not change the rating. The analysis has been updated.

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

In 2023, Senate Bill 1143 opened the door to government regulation of collecting antlers or horns from deer, elk, moose, or pronghorn.

This year we have House Bill 586, which would amend Section 36-508, Idaho Code, to require "a nonresident collecting, possessing, or transporting antlers or horns shed from deer, elk, moose, or pronghorn in this state shall be required to first procure a license entitling the nonresident to hunt big game as provided in chapter 4, title 36, Idaho Code. No license shall be required for a nonresident under twelve (12) years of age who is accompanied by a nonresident who is licensed in compliance with the provisions of this section or by a resident."

To adapt a famous aphorism, "First they came for the nonresidents. …" 

The only reason why the government would want to regard and regulate the hobby of collecting shed antlers or horns as "hunting" is so it can charge people for doing it. While some Idahoans may not be overly concerned about imposing new fees on nonresidents, it is very likely residents will eventually be subject to these fees as well. 

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