BOISE, Idaho — The fate of hunting with advanced technology may be in the hands of the Idaho residents.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is creating a new task force, the Hunting and Advanced Technology Working Group (HAT). The HAT team is in search of volunteers to make recommendations on advanced technology tools that can or cannot be used for “fair chase” in hunting.
Roger Phillips, the IDFG's public information supervisor, told KTVB on Tuesday the agency determined the need for a HAT team after numerous hunters expressed concern over the matter.
The group is set to begin meeting in October 2024 and will have monthly discussions through March 2025.
However, despite the current assembly of the HAT working group, there are many discussions ahead and uncertainties about changing laws or regulations.
“This is the first step in a long process, so I think that we want folks to know that we’re not just deciding something based on this group,” Phillips said.
While this group will consist of volunteers knowledgeable in hunting and advancing technology, they will not have the power to change regulations directly.
HAT will serve as an advisory group reporting to the Fish and Game Commission, which decides whether to bring suggestions to the Idaho Legislature. Ultimately, the Idaho Legislature has the final say in changes to hunting and advanced technology regulations.
IDFG expressed the positive feedback they have been receiving at the creation of the Hunting and Advanced Technology group, receiving many applications already. For further information about how to apply visit their website here.