Speak Out for Idaho’s Birds

For Idaho’s Wildlife Legacy to Endure, Management Must Adapt. Here’s How Wildlife Enthusiasts Can Help.

Once in a Decade Chance for Birder Influence

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is updating its Strategic Plan, and asking for Idahoans to weigh in. This only happens once every decade—providing birders with a huge opportunity to speak up for Idaho’s birds and other wildlife.

Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society is urging its community members to submit comments to IDFG advocating for a more balanced approach to managing Idaho’s wildlife—particularly, how the agency manages game vs. nongame species. Game species—those that are hunted, trapped, or fished—represent less than 5 percent of species in Idaho. Yet, they receive over 95% of IDFG’s funding. The vast majority of that funding comes from hunters and fishermen through license and permit fees and from the Federal Government through taxes on sporting goods and ammunition.  Idaho’s nongame species—and the people who love them (like birders!)—are being left out. We need a more holistic conservation approach that represents the wildlife values of all Idahoans. We also need to find ways to ensure IDFG has the funding they need to manage ALL of Idaho’s wildlife.  Redistribution of existing funds seems inequitable as hunters and fishermen have born the burden of funding IDFG for so many years.  New funding sources need to be found and dare we suggest maybe the State should step up to its responsibilities through general fund support to IDFG for non-game management.

Your Experience Matters

As passionate stewards of Idaho’s birds and habitat, Coeur d’Alene Audubon members and supporters have a unique perspective to share. It is crucial that our voices are heard. Please submit your personalized comments to IDFG by the comment deadline of Tuesday, April 15, 2025.