Massive, Overlooked Segment of Idaho’s Population

Guest Editorial by Steven L. Taggart

Idaho’s Legislature this year was on a lawmaking tear.

790 measures were introduced. And the topics ranged all over the map from high profile issues like tax cuts, school choice, funding fights to what flags local governments could fly.

What was lacking was any concentrated focus on the vast number of Idahoans who enjoy Idaho’s great outdoors.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, massive numbers of Idahoans in 2023 took advantage of our state’s outdoor opportunities:

• 305,490 used a recreational vehicle

• 266,486 went hunting and shooting

• 217,336 boated and fished

• 150,479 did activities in the snow

• Thousands biked, camped and used ATVs

As substantially more than 60% of our state is owned by the federal and state government, much of Idahoans’ outdoor time is on public lands.

Yet, it is difficult to find any major actions in the 2025 Idaho Legislature that directly appealed to Idaho’s outdoor enthusiasts.

That creates an opening. Ambitious and smart Idaho politicians should look at becoming advocates for those who use Idaho’s outdoors, a group that far outnumbers most of the special interest groups that draw so much attention.

And, there are plenty of policies that both those on the left and right could push.

For instance, Idahoans are strongly supportive of public lands. A January survey showed that 59% of Idahoans oppose transferring Idaho federal lands to the state. They are even more hostile to turning over public lands to private parties.

Understanding this point, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is pushing a bipartisan bill at the federal level to require congressional approval of most such land sales. It is designed to protect public lands from being sold without extremely close scrutiny.

On another front, Idaho campgrounds are often full. The huge numbers of Idaho campers and recreational vehicles users would likely reward clever politicians dedicated to expanding the number of camping spaces available on both state and/or federal lands.

Another angle would be protecting Idahoans from a concerted effort in other parts of the west (most prominently in Utah) to deny boaters, floaters and fishermen access to rivers by allowing private parties to own the river bottom, restricting passage. Idaho currently holds that land below the high-water mark is public. Legislation strengthening that principle might appeal to the hundreds of thousands of Idahoans that wet a fly, enjoy a warm day on the water, or cast a worm.

Recreational paths are another potentially fruitful focus. Northern Idaho has some tremendous bike and walking paths such as the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene. Imagine a statewide nework of ATV, hiking, walking and biking paths criss-crossing the state. Such could be pushed by both local and state officials, in concert with our congressional delegation.

Idaho is a special place. Our plentiful outdoor recreation is a key reason that draws people here and to stay. Any political figure who champions Idaho’s outdoors with a laser-like focus should reap a significant dividend at the ballot box.

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About the Author

Steve Taggart is an attorney in Idaho Falls and has worked in Republican politics since his teens, both in campaigns and for elected officials, including running a congressional office.

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