ATV Bill Advances To Idaho Senate Floor

(AP)  A bill that w

ould curtail the Idaho Fish and Game department's authority to regulate all-terrain vehicle hunting privileges on Idaho trails is advancing to the Senate floor. The Senate Resources Committee voted 5-4 Wednesday to pass the measure, despite agency objections. Fish and Game rules require ATV-mounted hunters in a third of Idaho's hunting units to avoid off-road vehicle trails. The agency claims regulating ATVs is a crucial game-management tool. New Plymouth Sen. Monty Pearce is a supporter of lifting restrictions. Pearce doubts the need to limit ATVs and says wolves pose a greater threat to big game populations than hunters. Republican Sens. Jeff Siddoway and Steve Bair joined two Democrats in voting against the bill. Siddoway said he was worried more about biological impacts and potential hunting reductions.