HB 653: County Approval Requirements for Wildlife Relocation (2026)

Summary: Requires county notification, potential hearings, and commission approval for each wildlife relocation effort by IDFG, granting counties the authority to block relocations and lengthening the process even for routine population management and restoration actions.

ICL’s Position: Oppose

Current Bill Status: Committee - House Resources & Conservation

Issue Areas: Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Counties

HB 653, introduced by Rep. Doug Pickett (R-District 27), would require the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) to notify county commissioners and any affected ranchers, landowners, or lessees within five miles of a proposed wildlife relocation. Efforts undertaken to address an immediate threat to public safety or property are excluded. If a hearing is requested before the county commission, the bill imposes a 30-day waiting period and requires commission approval before the animal(s) may be relocated. These notification, hearing, and approval requirements would apply to each individual relocation effort.

Wildlife relocation is an important management tool used by IDFG to reestablish or augment populations where they are absent or genetically isolated. The agency also relocates species such as beavers to restore impaired habitats. Each year, IDFG relocates approximately 31 moose and 79 turkeys, along with dozens of other animals.

At IDFG’s apparent request, the revised bill excludes game fish. However, the restrictions would still apply to non-game fish, such as lamprey, and could impede restoration efforts.

The bill would authorize county commissions to block relocation efforts entirely, shifting greater control from IDFG and its independent Commission. If a county denied a reintroduction, IDFG would need to restart the process in the next county.