Bill Description: House Bill 939 would broadly prohibit the use of certain technology equipment for hunting or scouting, and provide some exceptions. 

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Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

House Bill 939 would amend Section 36-1101, Idaho Code, to add a list of prohibited hunting technology equipment as well as a list of exceptions. 

The new language would say that, unless it falls under one of the exceptions, “no person shall use any of the following technologies for hunting or scouting big game animals or game birds from August 30 through December 31 of each calendar year:

1. Thermal imaging technology;
2. Night vision technology;
3. Transmitting trail cameras on land owned by the federal government, the state of Idaho, or a local government within the state; or
4. Drone aircraft or other unmanned aircraft systems.”

It is worth noting here that the terms “scout” and “scouting” do not currently appear in statute, and the other regulations and prohibitions in this section apply to “hunting” and the “taking” of game. This is a much broader prohibition based on an undefined term that could be used to prevent research and other activities conducted well in advance of an actual hunt. 

The list of exceptions added by the bill would allow for using such technologies only in certain specific cases:

1. “Hunting wolves, mountain lions, or predatory wildlife as that term is defined in section 36-201, Idaho Code;
2. Monitoring, preventing, or controlling damage to livestock, other domestic animals, or crops by the owner thereof, an owner's authorized representative or lessee, or a federal or state agency;
3. Retrieving wounded game animals or game birds;
4. Monitoring buildings or personal property for the deterrence of theft; or
5. Monitoring traps.”

A violation of this section (which would apply to these new prohibitions) is a misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $1,000 and incarceration for up to six months. An offender can also have his or her hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges revoked for up to three years in addition to the criminal penalties.

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