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Rule 259.02 – Licensable Waters – River Sections (MF1) Middle Fork Salmon River through (SE2) Selway River – Table: Based on feedback from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and for clarity, the Board changed the boundary description for SA8 to the following: “Hammer Creek to the Idaho/Washington State line near Lewiston.”
Rule 259.03 – Licensable Waters – River Sections (SH1) Henry’s Fork Snake River through (TE3) Teton River – Table: Based on feedback from IDFG and for clarity, the Board changed the boundary description for SN14 to the following: “Pittsburg Landing to the Idaho/Washington State Line near Lewiston. Excludes the mouth of the Salmon River, defined as a straight line perpendicular to flow from the most downstream point of land where the Salmon and Snake rivers merge.”
Impactful Legislation - Effective July 1, 2026
During the 2026 Legislative Session, the following bills were passed that could have an impact on the industry and will become effective July 1, 2026.
H0652: Hunting state sport – Whereas hunting is a bastion of the history and culture of Idaho, both as a source of sustenance and recreation, the state sport of Idaho shall be hunting.
H0678a: Trapping, checking wolf traps – The purpose of this legislation is to allow wolf trappers to inspect their trap remotely with transmitting cameras.
H0855: Lifetime Fishing and Hunting License – This legislation changes the requirement to purchase lifetime hunting licenses. It requires a person to have lived in the state for five years instead of six months before purchasing a lifetime license.
H0939: Hunting technology – This legislation regulates the use of thermal imaging, night vision, transmitting trail cameras, and drones for hunting. It provides certain exemptions, including for predators and for agricultural purposes.
S1241a: Protection of Working Animals – The purpose of this legislation is to add a new section to Chapter 35, Title 25, Idaho Code, to clarify and protect the lawful use of working animals in commerce and service. The bill affirms the right to utilize working animals for mutual benefit and welfare. It prohibits state or local governments from enacting or enforcing ordinances, regulations, or rules that are more restrictive than state law or that effectively prohibit the lawful use of working animals or working animal enterprises. This legislation defines "working animal" for purposes of the new section and clarifies that the provisions do not apply to cockfighting or dog fighting, which remain governed by existing law. An emergency clause is included to ensure the provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
S1300: Agency Directors, Appointment by Governor – Presently, the directors for the Idaho Departments of Transportation, Fish and Game, and Parks and Recreation are neither subject to Senate confirmation nor gubernatorial appointment. This legislation provides for Senate advice and consent, as well as gubernatorial appointment, for the directors of these three agencies, consistent with other state agencies.
H0703a: Universal Discipline Procedure – This legislation establishes a unified, Division-wide disciplinary framework for all boards, commissions, committees, and programs administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. By consolidating duplicative and inconsistent disciplinary provisions currently scattered across numerous practice acts, the bill creates a single procedural section that standardizes how complaints are processed, how investigations are conducted, what due process protections apply, and how sanctions are imposed. While substantive grounds for discipline will continue to be defined in each profession’s governing statute or standards of practice, this new framework ensures consistency in enforcement processes across all licensed professions regulated by the Division.
The proposal preserves and clarifies key enforcement tools such as subpoenas, injunctions, license suspensions, administrative fines, and confidential informal resolutions while ensuring they are applied consistently. It also affirms DOPL’s jurisdiction over expired licenses, permits, and actions against licensees who fail to cooperate with investigations, and provides mechanisms for referring serious violations for criminal prosecution. Complaint intake and file management procedures are formalized to improve transparency, accuracy, and administrative efficiency. All formal discipline will continue to proceed under the contested case provisions of the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act, ensuring due process rights are maintained.
Outfitters, Designated Agents, and Guides License Renewals Were Due March 31st, 2026
Important licensure dates:
September 30, 2026 – The last day for an outfitter to reinstate a lapsed license.
Once an outfitter's license expires, the licensee has six (6) months to reinstate the license. If not reinstated prior to September 30, the Board may consider the operating area and activities as an available opportunity (IDAPA 24.35.01.101.04).
December 1, 2026 – Renewal window opens for outfitters, designated agents, and guides to renew their license for the 2027 season.
March 31, 2027 – The deadline to renew your license for the 2027 season.
Cecil D. Andrus WMA, Idaho
Unlicensed outfitting and guiding are crimes (IC § 36-2104). The Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board does not have jurisdiction over criminal offenses. Criminal activity should be reported as follows:
- Wildlife crimes can be reported online to Idaho Fish & Game: idaho.gov/tipline or by calling: 800-632-5999.
- Other crimes should be reported to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the area (i.e., Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management).
Remember that safety should always be your top priority when acting as a witness to a crime.
On behalf of the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, 13 investigations were conducted from March to June 2026. Common complaints that were investigated include the following:
- Breach of contract.
- Fraudulent, untruthful, or misleading advertising.
- Operating in an area for which the licensee is not licensed.
- Employment of an unlicensed guide by an outfitter.
- Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct.
- Harassment of the public in their use of Idaho’s outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Conviction of a felony or any fish and game violation.
- Operating in a manner that endangers the health and safety of the public.
- Participating in Third-Party Agreement.
May 23–25, 2026: OGLB Enforcement staff conducted comprehensive independent patrols across all three sections of the Clearwater River, as well as the Lochsa River and Dworshak Reservoir. The multi-day operation focused on promoting safety and regulatory compliance through shoreline inspections, direct observation of active outfitted trips, and thorough verification of required licensing and documentation. Throughout the weekend, officers made personal contact with 9 outfitters, 35 guides, and 99 clients, reinforcing standards and fostering positive engagement within the local community.
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