Bill would keep hunters’ names confidential

The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved a bill sponsored by Representative Judy Boyle that would keep hunter licensing and tag information confidential unless otherwise specified.

Rep. Boyle says that Idaho legal wolf hunters have received threatening emails this season . Rep. Hagerdorn noted he has had similar experiences after he engaged in a wolf hunt and had a story printed about him in a national paper.

Representatives of the Idaho Press Club and Idaho Allied Dailies testified that such records must remain public to allow reporters to verify when political candidates claim to be hunters and fisherman. In addition, outdoor reporters use such records to verify that their story subjects hold the appropriate licenses and tags.

Opponents to the bill also note that hunters and fishermen often refer to public records to report on others who are engaging in unlawful hunting. They prefer instead that the issue of harassment be dealt with from the standpoint of penalties for the person or persons engaged in harassment.