GOVERNOR RISCH APPOINTS NEW
FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER

POCATELLO – Governor Jim Risch today announced his selection of Randall C. Budge as a Fish and Game Commissioner for the Southeast Region. Budge, a partner in the law firm of Racine, Olson, Nye, Budge & Bailey Chartered in Pocatello, replaces Commissioner Marcus Gibbs who has served the maximum number of terms on the commission.

“I am very pleased with Randy’s willingness to serve on the Fish and Game Commission. With his deep roots in southeastern Idaho and as a lifelong hunter and fisherman, he brings a great respect for our wildlife and a thorough understanding of hunting and fishing that will serve the commission and the sporting public well,” said Risch.

Budge was raised on a cattle ranch near Soda Springs in Caribou County. He graduated from Utah State University in 1973 with degrees in Business Finance and Economics. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1976. Budge began practicing law in Soda Springs and moved to Pocatello in 1980.

Budge is active in numerous sportsman organizations and was one of the founding members of the Southeast Idaho Chapter of Pheasants Forever. He currently serves as their Habitat Coordinator, installing habitat projects for upland game birds in four counties. He is also a member of Trout Unlimited and a past member of Ducks Unlimited.

A lifelong hunter and fisherman, Budge said he is excited about serving on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. “I have a passion for wildlife and continuing our great hunting heritage that we have in Idaho. I want to be sure that our future generations can enjoy this privilege as well. I look forward to serving the citizens of this state on the commission,” said Budge.

Budge and his wife Becky have three grown children and four grandchildren.

The major duties of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission are to supervise the Department of Fish and Game; establish regulations and other controls on fishing, hunting, trapping and management of wildlife in line with the state’s wildlife policies; approve department budgets for submission to the legislature; hold public hearings and make decisions on the management of the state’s wildlife.

The Governor appoints the commissioners and no more than four may be from the same political party. Budge, the son of former State Senator Reed Budge, is a Republican. He replaces Gibbs who is an Independent.

The seven Commissioners serve four-year terms.

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