Killing Bills & Howling Wolves

Erik and Jack recap a memorable Salmon Chapter banquet, run through the final stretch of Idaho's legislative session — including a last-minute bill kill, a wild ride on hunting tech rules, and a public lands win — then sit down with researcher and guide Carly Knudsen to talk burnout, resilience, and health access in the guiding profession.Show Notes:Show NotesSalmon Chapter Meeting & Banquet Erik attended the Salmon Chapter's spring meeting, which covered river and hunt topics including allocation. Idaho Fish and Game presented on local wildlife biology, and America Outdoors gave an update on the EXPLORE Act and associated fees. The evening banquet was a highlight — scholarships were awarded, Brad Compton was recognized for his service on the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, and Jeff and Deb Bitten received a lifetime recognition award for their extraordinary contributions to the industry.Legislative UpdateSB 1326 – Open Fields Doctrine: HB 861 – Tourism Funding: HB 939 – Hunting Technology: SJM 111 – Public Lands Resolution: Forest Service Filming Permits New rules simplify the permit process for filming on Forest Service lands: fewer than 5 people filming requires no permit; 6–8 people can self-issue a de minimis authorization online; 9+ requires a formal permit and fee. BLM is expected to not require any paperwork for groups under 8. Wilderness areas may still require additional authorization — check with your local office.Idaho Fish and Game Commission At the quarterly commission meeting, Rick Ward and Brad Compton presented a robust history and context of allocation in Idaho. Several IOGA members spoke to the commission as well.Economic Report on Public Lands IOGA, BHA, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Business for the Outdoors released a new economic report by economist Steve Peterson on the value of public lands to Idaho's economy. A link will be included in the IOGA newsletter — at minimum, check out the executive summary.Licensing Board Update Brad Compton's tenure as board chairman came to a close, with Tammy Overacker stepping into the chair role. Brad will be greatly missed for his long service and deep understanding of the outfitting industry.Upcoming EventsApril 6 – North Idaho Chapter allocation meeting (afternoon) + social dinnerApril 7 – Nez Perce-Clearwater Outfitters Meeting in OrofinoApril 9 – Salmon Select Sale & international wolf howling championship (Salmon Chapter fundraiser)April 9–10 – IOGA Spring Board Meeting at Wilderness River Outfitters in Salmon (open to members; Zoom available)April 16 – Lower Salmon Outfitters Meeting (moved from April 13)May 15–17 – Red Side River Rendezvous, Salmon (IOGA is a sponsor)Guest Interview: Carly Knudsen Carly grew up in Salmon, has been guiding for over a decade (mostly on the Main and Middle Fork of the Salmon), and is now a PhD candidate in Parks, Recreation & Tourism at the University of Utah. She discusses her research on guide health and resilience — conducted in partnership with the Redside Foundation — including findings on well-being, burnout signals, the importance of organizational culture, and the significant gap in health insurance access among Idaho guides. She also talks about what outfitters and guide companies can do at the organizational level to better support their crews.Learn more about the Redside Foundation at redsideoutdoors.org