Sep 25, 2026 · 13 min · 8 segments
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State. This week, we’re talking about…
Hunters heading into this year's batch of hunting season should be aware of technology rule changes after legislation was passed earlier this year.
[tape rewinding] The Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 939 addressing the use of advanced technology during big game and game bird hunting seasons.
The legislation comes on the heels of extensive discussion about the role of technology in hunting, and establishes statutory restrictions that hunters need to understand before heading into the field.
Between August 30th and December 31st 2026, it is unlawful to use any of the following technologies for hunting or scouting all deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear, and game birds.
Thermal imaging technology, night vision technology, transmitting trail cameras on land owned by the federal government, the State of Idaho, or a local government within the state, and drone aircraft or other unmanned aircraft systems.
The only exception for these technologies being used are for hunting wolves, mountain lions, or predatory wildlife, including coyotes, jackrabbits, skunks, weasels, starlings, raccoons, and rattlesnakes, for retrieving wounded game animals or game birds, and monitoring traps.
The law includes specific provisions and exceptions, so hunters should not assume that all technology is prohibited or that the same rules apply to every species.
Hunters should also review pages 95 and 96 of the 2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet to understand how the law applies to their hunt.
We highly encourage hunters to stay informed about changes to hunting laws and regulations.
Our staff can help explain how the law applies to specific hunting situations, but hunters are responsible for knowing and following the laws and regulations that apply to their hunt.
For more information on hunting technology, visit our website or contact your local Fish and Game office.
Speaking of technology, having it conveniently at our fingertips isn't always a good thing.
Time after time, a quick Google search or a conversation with Alexa or Siri to get to the bottom of an Idaho Fish and Game regs question can lead to inaccurate or false information, or worse, a violation.
Every year, Fish and Game Conservation Officers increasingly encounter folks in the field who use AI and search engines and get incorrect information.
Remember, getting bad information off the internet is no excuse for violating seasons and rules.
We know how handy search engines and AI can be, but when it comes to hunting and fishing regs, go straight to the source.
[paper rustling] Always check Fish and Game's seasons and rules booklets to make sure you're getting accurate and current information.
The most up-to-date versions can be found online directly at Fish and Game's website.
Hunters heading into this year's batch of hunting season should be aware of technology rule changes after legislation was passed earlier this year.
[tape rewinding] The Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 939 addressing the use of advanced technology during big game and game bird hunting seasons.
The legislation comes on the heels of extensive discussion about the role of technology in hunting, and establishes statutory restrictions that hunters need to understand before heading into the field.
Between August 30th and December 31st 2026, it is unlawful to use any of the following technologies for hunting or scouting all deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear, and game birds.
Thermal imaging technology, night vision technology, transmitting trail cameras on land owned by the federal government, the State of Idaho, or a local government within the state, and drone aircraft or other unmanned aircraft systems.
The only exception for these technologies being used are for hunting wolves, mountain lions, or predatory wildlife, including coyotes, jackrabbits, skunks, weasels, starlings, raccoons, and rattlesnakes, for retrieving wounded game animals or game birds, and monitoring traps.
The law includes specific provisions and exceptions, so hunters should not assume that all technology is prohibited or that the same rules apply to every species.
Hunters should also review pages 95 and 96 of the 2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet to understand how the law applies to their hunt.
We highly encourage hunters to stay informed about changes to hunting laws and regulations.
Our staff can help explain how the law applies to specific hunting situations, but hunters are responsible for knowing and following the laws and regulations that apply to their hunt.
For more information on hunting technology, visit our website or contact your local Fish and Game office.
Speaking of technology, having it conveniently at our fingertips isn't always a good thing.
Time after time, a quick Google search or a conversation with Alexa or Siri to get to the bottom of an Idaho Fish and Game regs question can lead to inaccurate or false information, or worse, a violation.
Every year, Fish and Game Conservation Officers increasingly encounter folks in the field who use AI and search engines and get incorrect information.
Remember, getting bad information off the internet is no excuse for violating seasons and rules.
We know how handy search engines and AI can be, but when it comes to hunting and fishing regs, go straight to the source.
[paper rustling] Always check Fish and Game's seasons and rules booklets to make sure you're getting accurate and current information.
The most up-to-date versions can be found online directly at Fish and Game's website.
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