The Cost For Smuggling Kayaks Past Idaho Invasive Species Stops

For outdoor lovers, traveling to the surrounding states of Idaho on vacation usually means getting into rivers and lakes with our water toys. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding outside of the Gem State requires following strict invasive species rules upon returning, and many people attempt to dodge checkpoints or conceal kayaks to avoid the hastle of stopping. These actions will have serious consequences.

Having lived in Idaho for several years, one of the first things I learned is not to try to cheat the system when it comes to outdoor, aquatic recreation. There are 20 or so checkpoints statewide that watch for people hauling boats and kayaks, with Memorial Day through Labor Day being the busiest times a year, according to a government invasive species website for Idaho.

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The rule of thumb is, clean your water vessels after removing them from lakes outside the state before returning. Attempting to wash aquatic microbes, mussels, and other potential contaminants to Idaho waters off of boats and kayaks should be taking place prior to passing through Gem State checkpoints. To think that people aren't smuggling kayaks back into Idaho in travel trailers or under tarps would be naive, and those who man these stops along the highway are looking for such illegal activity.

I've read that aquatic vessels can be seized, fines of thousands of dollars can be handed down, and even imprisonment can be a result of being negligent when it comes to ignoring these laws. Make sure to always pull off the road at state invasive species stops during hours of operation.

The risks outweigh the rewards for attempting to outsmart those working the Idaho invasive species checkpoints. Don't forget to buy your 2025 Idaho Invasive Species Stickers.