Idaho Designates Hunting as Official State Sport

9-year-old Betty Grandy's campaign leads to new state law

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented elements of a hunting scene, with overlapping planes of forest greens, earth tones, and gunmetal grays, conceptually representing the cultural significance of this outdoor activity in Idaho.A new state law designating hunting as Idaho's official sport reflects the state's deep cultural ties to the outdoors and wildlife conservation.Twin Falls Today

In a ceremony at the Idaho governor's office, 9-year-old Betty Grandy of Twin Falls was joined by state lawmakers and the governor to officially designate hunting as Idaho's new state sport. Grandy, who polled readers of her family newsletter 'The Grandy Gazette', said hunting received the most votes as the sport most representative of Idaho's history and culture.

Why it matters

The new law recognizes hunting as a protected activity in Idaho's constitution and an integral part of the state's identity and heritage. This designation could boost hunting tourism and outdoor recreation, while also sparking debate around the role of hunting in modern society.

The details

The bill sponsored by Twin Falls Reps. Don Hall and Grayson Stone states the legislature's findings that hunting, fishing and trapping are highly valued in Idaho and 'historically and culturally representative' of the state. Grandy said she was inspired to take action after learning Idaho had not yet designated an official state sport.

  • On April 8, 2026, the new law designating hunting as Idaho's official state sport was signed into law.

The players

Betty Grandy

A 9-year-old fourth-grader from Twin Falls who campaigned to make hunting Idaho's official state sport.

Gov. Brad Little

The governor of Idaho who presided over the ceremonial bill signing.

Rep. Don Hall

A state representative from Twin Falls who sponsored the bill.

Rep. Grayson Stone

An alternate state representative from Twin Falls who co-sponsored the bill.

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What they’re saying

“'I went to the governor's office and did … everything that I needed to do to get my bill passed. And now here we are.'”

— Betty Grandy, Fourth-grader

What’s next

The new law designating hunting as Idaho's official state sport will take effect immediately.

The takeaway

This grassroots campaign by a young student demonstrates the power of civic engagement and the ability for individuals to influence state policy, even at a young age. The designation of hunting as Idaho's official sport reflects the state's deep cultural ties to outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation.