Lobby Days

Lobby Day and the Taste of Idaho Outfitting Dinner Reception is a premier event during legislative session. A group of IOGA volunteers meet and greet elected leaders while sharing information on industry related concerns. After a day of informal and formal meetings at the Statehouse, approximately 150 persons enjoy the wild game dishes, breads, dutch oven desserts and assorted beverages at the Basque Center. IOGA's reception is one of the most popular events during the legislative session. Leftovers are donated to local charities.


Lobby Day is also an important event, helping IOGA bolster its presence at the Statehouse and deepen connections with our elected leaders and partners. A consistent membership presence at the Statehouse each winter is invaluable. Legislators are more likely to call a local outfitter to seek information on an issue or contact IOGA staff and or our professional lobbyist before casting a vote because of IOGA's consistent involvement at the Statehouse each winter that builds and maintains relationships, trust and communication.


We urge members to participate in Lobby Days, an uplifting, fun and signature IOGA event!

Lobby Day 2026 - February 5, 2026

Event Timing: February 4-5, 2026 (Lobby Day Dinner and Capitol Visits on 2/5)

Event Address: Basque Center (601 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702)

Contact us at- Office: (208) 342-1438 or [email protected] | Hardy: (251)459-3662 or [email protected]

Brief Event Description- Lobby Day is an important event for IOGA members to connect with elected leaders, share and gather information on industry related issues, and have a continued presence at the Statehouse. A group heads to the statehouse to lobby, while a crew prepares wild game and dutch oven meals at the Basque Center for our "Taste of Idaho Outfitting" event. Join us in Boise! 

Volunteering-

February 4- Prep.

  • Kitchen and Venue prep, 1-5pm, Basque Center
  • Lobby Day orientation (for the volunteers headed to the state house to lobby), 4pm-7:30pm, Basque Center Bar 
February 5- Day at the statehouse, 8am-5pm, formal and informal meetings with state representatives at the statehouse. Led by IOGA Executive Director, Erik Weiseth, and Lobbyist Jeremy Pisca. *Please plan to attend the prior evening orientation*

  • Kitchen / Event Prep, 11am-5pm, Basque Center.
  • Dutch Oven cooks, 11am-5pm, Basque Center.
  • Serving / Clean up, 4pm-9pm, Basque Center. 

Register here to volunteer or donate

Lodging:

IOGA has secured a room block at the Home2Suites in downtown Boise, across from the Basque Center.  CLICK HERE TO BOOK.

History of Lobby Day

The purpose of the mid-February IOGA Lobby Day is to make contact with elected leaders, share and gather information related to industry issues. Lobby Days begins with afternoon food preparation and an evening member orientation on current issues. The following day a crew of IOGA volunteers continue food preparation while other members join the IOGA Executive Director and its lobbyist in making both formal and informal contact with elected leaders at the Idaho Statehouse. The "Taste of Idaho Outfitting" reception at the Basque Center in downtown Boise features wild game and fish recipes, breads, salads, desserts and assorted beverages. 100-200 people enjoy this reception, which is one of the most popular events during the legislative session. Leftovers are donated to appropriate organizations.

A consistent membership presence at the Statehouse each winter is invaluable. Legislators are more likely to call a local outfitter to seek information on a specific issue, contact IOGA staff and our professional lobbyist before casting a vote because of IOGA's consistent presence at the Statehouse each winter that builds and maintains relationships, trust, and communication.