Idaho Bill Raising Hunting and Fishing Fees Stalls

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill to raise hunting and fishing fees for Idaho residents for the first time since 2005 has stalled.

The House Resources and Conservation Committee on Thursday voted to hold the bill in committee until additional information could be gathered.

That often means a bill has died but Idaho Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore says he's optimistic he can provide the information lawmakers seek.

The agency's money comes from hunting and fishing licenses. Agency officials say costs have increased in the last 10 years while resident fees have stayed the same.

A moment of levity occurred when Republican Rep. Linden Bateman of Idaho Falls complained about not being able to catch fish in a favorite stream.

Moore told him the agency couldn't afford to stock that area with trout.