In 1938 the voters of Idaho used the Initiative process to create the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. This effort was born out of frustration with political interference in the management of Idaho's wildlife. The vote wasn't even close: 118,000 to 37,000, 76% in favor.

There are currently seven commissioners, each representing a different region of the state. They are responsible for administering the fish and game policy of the state, as described in state code section 36-103:

WILDLIFE PROPERTY OF STATE -- PRESERVATION.
(a) Wildlife Policy. All wildlife, including all wild animals, wild birds, and fish, within the state of Idaho, is hereby declared to be the property of the state of Idaho. It shall be preserved, protected, perpetuated, and managed. It shall be only captured or taken at such times or places, under such conditions, or by such means, or in such manner, as will preserve, protect, and perpetuate such wildlife, and provide for the citizens of this state and, as by law permitted to others, continued supplies of such wildlife for hunting, fishing and trapping.

The job of the Commissioners is to supervise the Department of Fish and Game; establish regulations and other needed controls on fishing, hunting, trapping and management of nongame wildlife that are in line with the state's wildlife policy; approve department budgets for submission to the legislature; hold public hearings and make decisions on the management of the state's wildlife.