What’s Wrong With Idaho—Update

Well, we finally were able gather a bit more information regarding the proposal to extend the time period by which any person must visit every snare placed for gray wolves to eight days in portions of GMU 7 and GMU 9 from January 1st through February 15th.

As we mentioned in our Facebook post, we received an email from Brad Corkill, the commissioner representing the Panhandle Region (GMU 7 and GMU 9 are within this area), stating that no decision was made on the proposed rule. The proposal was “directed to the negotiated rule-making process.” At this point we requested more information as to how the proposal would, or would not, proceed; we also requested access to the minutes of the meeting.

I cannot begin to tell you how rude Brad Corkills’ emails were, as well as elusive. The responses to my polite inquiries came in the form of one short sentence per email, each of which had nothing to do with my requests.

Brad Corkill is not fond of wolves, not one bit. At his confirmation hearing in January, 2014 the delightful Mr. Corkill said, “If every wolf in Idaho disappeared, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.” A very unpleasant person to say the least.

As far as the other commissioners— well, all of the commission members enjoy killing wildlife, four are members of the NRA, two are members of the Safari Club of killers— so perhaps this is why they didnt bother responding to my inquires.

The appointment for two of the commission members expires in June of 2019, and if I lived in Idaho, I would work very hard at getting someone, anyone, appointed to this position that doesn’t partake in the slaughter of wildlife.

As I mentioned earlier, the proposed rule was “directed to the negotiated rule-making process.” In other words, rulemaking to give the Commission authority to extend lethal (supposed) trapping equipment check times in specific units via proclamation, and the agenda will be added to the Administrative Rules Request Form (ARFF) for negotiated rulemaking with the governor’s office on November 12th, 2018. The commissioners have requested temporary/proposed rulemaking authority:

If Temporary/Proposed rulemaking is approved, a temporary
rule would be effective for the 2019-2020 trapping season, requiring
the 2020 Legislature approval for a final rule.
If only Proposed rulemaking is approved, the 2020 Legislature
would need to approve the rule to become effective for the 2020-2021
trapping season.

A Notice of Intent for negotiated rulemaking (NOI) will appear in the
administrative bulletin on November 30th, 2018, and is published between January 2-23, 2019. At this point the proposal, once again, will be open for public input via the IDFG website.

The commission will act on the rule proposal in May of 2019.

Needless to say, none of this information was obtained from Brad Corkill. We gathered this information from Sharon Kiefer, Deputy Director-Programs and Policy, IDFG.

We have no information in regards to what transpired at the commissioners meeting as the minutes have yet to be published.

Of course, we will be sure to let you know when the proposed rule reopens for public input.

Due to the fact that a temporary
rule would be effective for the 2019-2020 trapping season, we call on every wolf advocate to contact Governor Butch Otter just prior to the commission meeting at the governor’s office. We will provide a sample email in October.

Stay tuned.

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