IOGA Lobby Day a big success ... and the Dutch Oven food was tasty too!

The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association has a long tradition of bird-dogging legislation that comes up each year at the Idaho Statehouse during the legislative session to ensure that IOGA's interests are heard. And then in the evening, IOGA serves up a delicious dinner called, "A Taste of Idaho Outfitting," featuring scrumptious Dutch oven meals prepared by outfitters and guides from throughout the state of Idaho. Hunting outfitter businesses, river businesses, backcountry summer tour businesses, among others, are all represented. This year, IOGA talked to lawmakers about supporting the effort to beef up the Idaho Department of Agriculture's Invasive Species programs, including boat check stations throughout the state so there is full coverage 24/7 365 days a year. So far that legislation is moving ahead. Those efforts will attempt to keep invasive quagga and zebra mussels from entering the state of Idaho to protect the state's many pristine rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, municipal water supplies, Idaho Power facilities and irrigation pipes. The program may also receive a $1 million general fund increase, some of which would be used to conduct boat checks at border stations around the clock. Outfitters with motorized and non-motorized boats have been paying into the state invasive species fund annually since 2008. [caption id="attachment_336" align="aligncenter" width="640"] IOGA members meet with Lt. Gov. Brad Little in the Statehouse ... Pictured from L-R, Chris Korell, Darl Allred, Daniel Butler, Travis Bullock, George McQuiston, Ken Helfrich, Lt. Gov. Little, Steve Burson, Bryant Dunn and Grant Simonds[/caption] [caption id="attachment_337" align="aligncenter" width="4885"] Mike Demerse, Kevin Juengel and Andy Chroninger keep watch over the Dutch ovens outside the Basque Center in downtown Boise[/caption] IOGA members also talked to legislators about a proposed resident fee increase for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and increased funding for big game depredation, and a "clean up" bill regarding the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. [caption id="attachment_338" align="aligncenter" width="1632"] IOGA members meet with Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett on the Senate floor. L-R, Grant Simonds, George McQuiston, Darl Allred, Steve Burson, Rep. Stennett, Travis Bullock, Chris Korell, Daniel Butler and Ken Helfrich.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_339" align="aligncenter" width="640"] IOGA members meet with Rep. Marc Gibbs of Grace, a former IDFG Commissioner. L-R, Grant Simonds, Chris Korell, Ken Helfrich, Rep. Gibbs, Darl Allred, Travis Bullock, Steve Burson and George McQuiston.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_340" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Amanda Harper and Lori Thomason from the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board are pictured with Rep. Mat Erpelding of Boise during the Dutch oven feed at the Basque Center. Mat is a professional rock climbing outfitter and guide, the only licensed outfitter serving in the Idaho Legislature at this time. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_348" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Lynn Demerse chats with State Senator Carl Crabtree at the event.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_341" align="aligncenter" width="531"] Janey Bruesch of IOGA, right, with LeaAnne Beyer underscore the fabulous "A Taste of Idaho Outfitting" menu for the evening at the Basque Center.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="2016"] IOGA members work hard in the kitchen ... L-R, Syndee Korell, Cody Korell, Kelli Lippert, Zack Mason, and Kasey Hochmuht.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_349" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Grant Simonds and Lynn Demerse having fun in the kitchen. We all know who's in charge![/caption] [caption id="attachment_351" align="aligncenter" width="1020"] Look at these yummy hors' douvres![/caption] For more information about IOGA, go to https://ioga.org