Jon Oswald

The commission reviewed public comments regarding strategic plans, rulemaking processes, season settings, and wildlife management programs. Key agenda items included the adoption of the 2026 strategic plan, setting upland game, turkey, furbearer, and falconry seasons, approving a turkey tag discount order, and closing the 2026 California bighorn sheep hunting season in Hunt Area 41. Additionally, the commission received reports on legislation, chronic wasting disease, outfitter use, and conducted an executive session to discuss litigation matters.

The Commission conducted a legislative conference call to provide updates on various departmental activities. Key discussion topics included reports on Commissioner confirmation status, details regarding the agency's budget review before JFAC, and upcoming schedules for presenting specific regulatory chapters to Senate and House resource committees. Additionally, the Commission received an analysis and status update on pending legislation, including discussions on House Bill 536 concerning agricultural pests and House Bill 565 related to agency code clean-up.

The Commission meeting focused on several key topics, including a review of public comments regarding landowner permission hunt season adjustments and wolf board funding. The Commission authorized funding allocations for the Animal Damage Control Board, specifically for predatory wildlife control, black bear and mountain lion depredation control, and the management of piscivorous birds. Additionally, the Commission directed funding for the Wolf Depredation Control Board to support ungulate protection and livestock depredation control, with significant discussion on the efficacy and evaluation of current wolf management and reimbursement programs. The session also included a historical overview and status update on the public shooting range grant program.

The Commission addressed public concerns regarding the history of outfitter allocation, the five-day waiting period for controlled hunts, and mandatory chronic wasting disease testing. Discussions included potential rulemaking for chronic wasting disease management zones and electronic tagging for upland game birds. Additionally, the Commission reviewed a petition to restrict steelhead and salmon fishing on the South Fork of the Clearwater River to residents, ultimately voting to deny the petition to avoid fragmented regulatory changes, while acknowledging concerns regarding river congestion and non-resident participation.

The Commission addressed public comments on various wildlife management issues, including non-resident hunting allocations, trail camera usage, and dam impacts on fish migration. Significant actions included the adoption of pending administrative rules, the approval of a land acquisition for the Harris Trust property, and the authorization of a raincheck for a bighorn sheep hunt. Furthermore, the Commission approved a discount order for fishing licenses for foster families, appointed a liaison to the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and finalized the 2026 commission meeting calendar. Updates were provided on the strategic plan, chronic wasting disease, and various species management programs.