The Idaho Legislature is preparing to consider sweeping restrictions on advanced technology used for big game hunting, marking one of the most significant regulatory changes to hit the state's hunting community in years. If approved during the 2026 legislative session starting January 12, hunters across Idaho will face new limitations on equipment that many have come to rely on in recent seasons.
The proposed rules stem from nearly a year of intensive work by a specially formed committee that brought together hunters from across the spectrum. After Idaho Fish and Game received applications from 750 volunteers in summer 2024, they assembled a 23-member "Hunting and Advanced Technology" working group that included everyone from traditional archers to competitive long-range shooters, houndsmen, trappers, and wolf hunters. The goal was to hash out what qualifies as fair chase in modern big game hunting as technology continues to advance.
The working group spent months meeting, gathering information, studying presentations, and reviewing feedback from both a statewide hunter survey and public comments. By spring 2025, they delivered their recommendations to the Fish and Game Commission. The commission then added three more technology restrictions that had support from 22 of the 23 working group members before moving everything into what's called "negotiated rulemaking."
This negotiated rulemaking process takes roughly a year and includes two more rounds of public comment before a final proposal lands on legislators' desks. Fish and Game staff have already incorporated feedback to revise the original recommendations.
What's Actually Being Restricted
The proposed regulations target four main categories of technology, all applying specifically to big game hunting during a defined period from August 30 through December 31.
First up are drones and other unmanned aircraft. Under the proposed rule, nobody could use any aircraft—manned or unmanned—for scouting or hunting big game during the restricted period. This builds on existing restrictions already in Idaho Code. However, the rule carves out an exception for aircraft flying direct routes between established airstrips or predetermined locations to pick up or drop off people and goods, as long as there's no detour for scouting or hunting purposes.
Night vision technology would also be off limits for big game hunting during the restricted months. The prohibition would cover scouting, actual hunting, and even retrieval of downed animals.
Thermal imaging optics face the same restrictions. These heat-sensing devices have become increasingly popular and affordable in recent years, but under the proposed rules, hunters couldn't use them for any aspect of big game hunting from late August through the end of the year.
Perhaps the most misunderstood restriction involves trail cameras. The confusion has led some folks to think all trail cameras would be banned, but that's not the case. The actual proposal only targets "transmitting" trail cameras on public land during the restricted period. These are cameras that connect via cell phone or internet, allowing hunters to view images in real time from wherever they happen to be. Traditional trail cameras that store photos and video on SD cards or similar storage devices wouldn't be affected at all and could be used year-round. Even transmitting cameras would still be legal outside the August 30 to December 31 window.
One detail worth noting—Oregon State Police seized both a thermal optic and rifle last fall after catching someone allegedly using the device for scouting, showing that enforcement of technology restrictions is already happening in neighboring states.
Beyond Big Game
These restrictions apply specifically to hunting big game only. People could still use drones, night vision, thermal imaging, and transmitting cameras for other purposes like monitoring private property, protecting livestock, or photographing wildlife. The rules don't restrict legitimate non-hunting uses of this technology.
The Wolf Hunting Exception
Wolf hunting presents a special case, and the proposed rules acknowledge that reality. Most areas where Fish and Game is working to reduce wolf numbers due to livestock conflicts or excessive predation operate under "expanded methods of take" seasons. In those designated units from November 15 through December 31, hunters targeting only wolves on public land could still use thermal optics, night vision, transmitting trail cameras, and drones—though existing restrictions in Idaho Code would still apply to drone use.
Even broader permissions would apply on private property. With landowner permission, wolf hunters could use all these technologies statewide year-round on private land. This carve-out recognizes the ongoing challenges ranchers face with wolf predation.
Protecting Livestock Operations
The proposed rules include several provisions ensuring livestock producers can continue protecting their animals and operations. Nothing in the pending regulations would limit producers' ability to use any of these technologies for monitoring or protecting livestock under existing Idaho Code.
If ranchers experience or expect depredation issues with wolves, black bears, mountain lions, or other big game, they could still obtain kill authorizations through regional Fish and Game offices that would allow use of these technologies. Fish and Game could continue issuing shooting hour exemptions or artificial light permits for wolves, letting people hunt outside regular hours. And producers could still work with Wildlife Services to address depredation problems using whatever methods are necessary.
What Happens Next
The negotiated rulemaking process means these proposals will go through additional review and revision before the 2026 legislative session. Hunters and other interested parties will have two more opportunities to submit public comments. Fish and Game staff will incorporate that feedback into a final proposal.
When the Idaho Legislature convenes on January 12, 2026, lawmakers will have the final say on whether these restrictions become law. The fact that 22 of 23 working group members supported the additional restrictions suggests broad consensus among Idaho's diverse hunting community, though that doesn't guarantee smooth sailing through the legislative process.
For hunters who've invested in high-tech gear, the proposed restrictions represent a significant shift in how big game hunting can be conducted. Traditional methods would regain prominence during the restricted period, while those who prefer using advanced technology would need to adjust their approach or focus their efforts outside the August 30 to December 31 window.
The debate reflects larger questions facing hunters nationwide about how technology intersects with fair chase ethics and wildlife management. Idaho's experience working through these issues with input from hundreds of stakeholders may provide a model for other states wrestling with similar questions. Whether legislators ultimately embrace or modify these recommendations will shape Idaho hunting for years to come.
