In this "long-haul" episode of the IOGA Podcast, Executive Director Erik Weiseth and Policy Director Jack Hurty are joined by a familiar face: Aaron Lieberman, Executive Director of America Outdoors.

The crew dives deep into the technicalities that affect your bottom line—from "ghost" executive orders appearing in BLM permits to the high-stakes battle over water flows in Hells Canyon. Whether you are curious about the upcoming IOGA Thaw, the latest on the EXPLORE Act, or just want to hear the team debate whether hunting should officially be named Idaho’s "state sport," this episode covers the full spectrum of the outfitting and guiding industry.

• The Federal Wage Confusion: Why rescinded $15 minimum wage language is still showing up in BLM permits and what you should do before signing.
• Hells Canyon Flows: A breakdown of the FERC Supplemental EIS and why Idaho Power’s 6,500 CFS proposal is a major safety concern for jet boaters.
• The Idaho Land Board & HJM 009: How proposed changes to Idaho Department of Lands mandates could finally recognize outfitters as key revenue generators.
• Tax Wins for Guides: Breaking down the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and what the state tax conformity means for reported tips and overtime.
• The National View: Aaron Lieberman gives a "Camp Washington" preview and discusses the EXPLORE Actimplementation and the National Forest Trail Stewardship Act.
• Outfitters & Technology: A look at the upcoming town halls regarding technology’s impact on the wilderness experience.

• IOGA Thaw: February 26th at JUMP in Boise. Get your tickets now!
• Hells Canyon Comment Deadline: March 2nd.
• BLM National Webinar: February 25th (11:00 AM MT).

Are you a member? Support the industry that supports you. Join IOGA and America Outdoors today!

In this episode, IOGA Executive Director Erik Weiseth and Policy Director Jack Hurty recap a busy week at the Idaho State House, including the annual "Lobby Day" and Wild Game Dinner. They provide critical updates on legislation affecting public lands, working animals, and wildlife crossings.

The second half of the episode features a deep-dive interview with outfitter legend Steve Zettel of Idaho Wilderness Company. Steve discusses the "Not In Wilderness" Coalition, a movement dedicated to preserving the philosophical and spiritual heart of the wilderness experience from the intrusion of modern technology and constant connectivity.

• [00:00] Recap of IOGA Lobby Day: Feeding over 200 people at the Basque Center and meeting with over 40 legislators, including the Governor and Lt. Governor.
• [03:00] Legislative Wins & Watches: * SB 1238: The withdrawal of the 30-day notice bill for season setting.
  • SB 1241: Protecting the right to use working animals (dogs, horses, mules).
  • HCR 26: The push for wildlife crossings to reduce big game mortality and improve public safety.
• [06:40] Dueling Constitutional Amendments: Breaking down HJR 8 (Raybold) and SJR 103 (Adams) regarding the future of public land management in Idaho.
• [09:15] The Economic Impact of Public Lands: Previewing a major report on the $838 million annual federal spend on Idaho lands and the 244,000 jobs they support.
• [14:40] Upcoming Events: Information on the THAW Annual Gala (Feb 26) and the Salmon Chapter meeting (March 17).
• [16:52] Interview with Steve Zettel: * Defining the "Wilderness Experience" in the digital age.
  • The mission of the Not In Wilderness Coalition.
  • Why keeping technology out of the backcountry is a moral obligation to future generations.
  • The future of wilderness management and the 1964 Wilderness Act.

• Legislation: HJR 008, SJR 103, SB 1241, HCR 26.
• Guest: Steve Zettel, Idaho Wilderness Company
• The Not In Wilderness Coalition: notinwilderness.com | Instagram: @notinwildernesscoalition
• The THAW Gala: Join us February 26th at JUMP in Boise! Get your early bird tickets before February 15th at idahooutfitters.org.

In this week’s episode of the IOGA podcast, hosts Erik Weiseth and Jack Hurty break down the high-stakes legislative and federal issues currently facing Idaho’s outfitting and guiding industry. From "dueling" constitutional amendments at the State House to the potential "Pandora's Box" of Resource Management Plan (RMP) challenges, this episode covers the critical updates every member needs to know.

The highlight of this week’s episode is a deep-dive interview with Roy Akins, a living legend in the Idaho guiding community. Roy is the owner of Rapid River Outfitters in Riggins and a tireless advocate for the recovery of salmon and steelhead.

• Advocacy in Washington D.C.: Roy and Jack share behind-the-scenes insights from their recent trip to the nation's capital. They discuss the critical mission of educating lawmakers on the economic necessity of anadromous fish and the direct impact of declining runs on rural Idaho "river towns".
• The "Salmon Survival Swim": Beyond policy, the conversation takes a legendary turn as Roy details his "Salmon Survival Swim"—an incredible feat where he swam the entire length of the Salmon River.
• A Call for Future Legends: In a moment of classic river-runner wit, Roy mentions he is looking for a partner to join him in doing the swim again. Host Erik Weiseth’s immediate response? "Sign me up!".

• Legislative Watch: Updates on Representative Raybould’s and Senator Adams’ competing public land amendments.
• Federal Concerns: Analysis of Steve Pierce’s nomination for BLM Director and why his past statements on land sales have IOGA on high alert.
• Community Events:
  • Lobby Day (Feb 4-5): Why your RSVP is essential for our planning at the State House and the kitchen.
  • The Thaw (Feb 26): Join us at JUMP in Boise for our annual gala featuring a live auction with world-class trips on the Main Salmon, Selway, and more.
• New Reading: We celebrate the release of Doug Timms’ new book, Selway, the Original Wild and Scenic River, which explores the history and management of this iconic wilderness waterway.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and State House Updates
• 05:02 Promoting Outdoor Adventures in Idaho
• 12:23 Idaho Association of Counties Midwinter Conference
• 17:35 Advocacy and Platform Use
• 35:34 Advocacy and Long-Term Commitment

Episode one of IOGA's new podcast - Hopefully this helps you stay in touch with what is going on in the industry.

This Episode Jack and Erik discuss:

• IOGA's recent trip to D.C.
• The start of the Idaho legislative session
• The hunt allocation working group and meetings with IDFG
• IDFG Commission Meeting
• Hells Canyon SEIS
• Upcoming event - Lobby Day - https://ioga.org/events/ioga-lobby-days
• Upcoming Event - Thaw - https://ioga.org/events/thaw
• Upcoming event - Lower Salmon Meeting
• Upcoming Event - SNRA outfitter meeting