Idaho Investigating Technology Limitations for Rifles

Ha. I didn't read all of the posts so it may have been mentioned that the obvious answer to quell issues with too much technology is to prohibit use of 6.5 CM

David_h said:

Ha. I didn't read all of the posts so it may have been mentioned that the obvious answer to quell issues with too much technology is to prohibit use of 6.5 CM

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I despise the 6.5 CM, because of it's cult following, but that's funny as heck! memtb

memtb said:

I despise the 6.5 CM, because of it's cult following, but that's funny as heck! memtb

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In my eyes, it is a cartridge developed for the mere purpose of selling more by a particular company. In my eyes, they are a few more such cartridges, and for this purpose, I have no use for them. I prefer more classic cartridges. My only "modern cartdridge" is the 300AAC I acquired during Obama years for fun. Every other one was developed in the previrous century.

Back to the main topic. I always defer the the residents of a state to decide what regulations they like or don't. At the same time, we should all remain vigilant withing our own state, to make sure our rights/freedoms are respected and ensured.

Dirtrax said:

I refrained from posting early on just to see where this went. I developed just as I supposed. Those that I could identify as Idahoan's aren't too concerned but those of you that have zero skin in the game are freaking out.

There was/is no secret conspiracy. This review was sent to hunters quite some time ago soliciting opinions. Some conspiracy.

IDFG is supported by license and tag sales, and some grants of course. They do not receive general fund money. If they cannot support themselves they are in serious trouble.

Times and technology change rapidly anymore and that warrants diligence to preserve and protect the resources of the CITIZENS of IDAHO. And we have a strong and active voice.

If y'all are concerned about overreach you should carefully research the laws that don't get much attention. IDAHO CITIZENS have codified protections to behave in many ways that are contrary to federal laws. As long as we are within our borders we remain free. These "opportunities" increase regularly, dare I say moving in the right direction. NONE of our neighbors can make same claim.

By the way, we are about to get a refund on our taxes (again) because Boise didn't spend it all.

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Agreed, some of the posts from non citizens are comical. "Good luck idaho," "it's comming idaho", "if you don't believe it idaho"....you are pretty spot on with this post.

I think the bottom-line is to step away from speculation and look for facts. This is a hot topic for us all. I am no different, want no changes, want to be free from rule of law, and want to do whatever I want. I would love to go back to the old Idaho. It was an amazing place and I had no idea it would turn into the sheet show it is now. Most people are not from here, so they have no idea what I am talking about. Just imagine..... no people, very few restrictions, no zones, no draws....... just a tag and hunt everywhere, all seasons....

So what is this all about? What does it mean for the future of hunting in Idaho? Is it a conspiracy gun grab? Is it really technology that is killing more animals (all weapons)? or is it a people problem?

My personal opinion is we don't have a tech problem as we have a typical people problem: more people more dead animals. Statistics don't lie though. Harvest reports show number of animals taken and hunter success rates. If the rate goes from 5% to 25% and animal target numbers are declining, then a change has to be made. For me, I want to know more about the numbers.

Here is what the committee is focused on, listed below. I am going to tell you the outcome is going to be less tags, reduced seasons, more draw unit vs open tag. I said 10 years ago we'll be a draw only state and that is where we are headed. It has to happen, it's just a straight up fact. You can not sell 12000 tags in a single unit and expect harvest to be at 500 animals. Statistics will tell you it's going to be 1200 if average rates are 10%. It's basic math on the basic level.


Those tools include:

1. Equipment restrictions
2. Season timing and length
3. Number of tags

Don't forget we gotta feed the wolves

I'm not a Idaho resident BUT hunt and live on the boarder, we share the elk across the border so how Idaho or Montana regulate their hunts makes a difference to the shared herds.
If they put an elk fence on I-15 from Monida to Dubois it would save a LOT of elk.

nealm66 said:

Don't forget we gotta feed the wolves

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A whole other issue but contributing to the decline in population of game animals. Massive issue for the Idahoans for sure. I am about to the point of not hunting big game anymore, just wolves. In fact, that is my plan this year to a large degree. I love bow hunting in September but I am going to camera hunt this year and pack my rifle. I missed 5 wolves this past winter and I am sick about it. I have new barrel and I am dialing in my rifle now. Should be ready to hit the hills soon.

BrentM said:

A whole other issue but contributing to the decline in population of game animals. Massive issue for the Idahoans for sure. I am about to the point of not hunting big game anymore, just wolves. In fact, that is my plan this year to a large degree. I love bow hunting in September but I am going to camera hunt this year and pack my rifle. I missed 5 wolves this past winter and I am sick about it. I have new barrel and I am dialing in my rifle now. Should be ready to hit the hills soon.

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I hope that you have 5 more opportunities this year…..and may you be successful with each encounter! memtb

OK, statistics..... Here is what I see 2013 to 2023 for ELK only...... . more hunters hunting longer. Harvest rate is the same. 2003 had a higher number but that is due to the zones and draws. I wanted to see what 20 years looked like for argument sake. Now, one could say leave it alone nothing is broken but man, huge huge huge changes were made for the hunter landscape over that 20 year period. Not a lot has changed in the last 10. More draws, fewer tags is the main thing...... A pile of wolves.

338 dude said:

Can't remember which one but I read somewhere that some states have outlawed game cameras!

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at least arizona

OK, from here I decided to look at the most sought after units for Elk to see what that looked like. These zones/units have seen increases in popularity and increases in harvests. Rate was up 2% on average.

BrentM said:

OK, statistics..... Here is what I see 2013 to 2023 for ELK only...... . more hunters hunting longer. Harvest rate is the same. 2003 had a higher number but that is due to the zones and draws. I wanted to see what 20 years looked like for argument sake. Now, one could say leave it alone nothing is broken but man, huge huge huge changes were made for the hunter landscape over that 20 year period. Not a lot has changed in the last 10. More draws, fewer tags is the main thing...... A pile of wolves.

Year	Take Method	Unit	Harvest	Hunters	Success%	Days	Avg
2023​	All	All	11,713	81,289	0.14	506,406	6.23
2013​	All	All	9,853	72,164	0.14	422,256	5.85
2003​	All	All	10,846	76,907	0.14	443,853	5.77

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what state is that? wolves...

memtb said:

Yes…….the "ethical" ones. Sadly, there are some that call themselves "hunters" are not limited/bridled with ethics. This in itself causes the powers that be to intervene……affecting everyone! memtb

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Yeah, but unethical and unprepared hunters will always exist.
Can't stop the slobs by passing restrictions on the good guys.

Just like outlawing guns to stop criminals from murdering people.