The way I understood the regulation was that no battery operated sights were allowed, but sights that use a natural light source to illuminate the retical or dot were allowed.
this changed last year to allow illuminated reticule optics such as red dot sights and scopes with illuminated reticules.
taken from the idaho fish and game website:
Weapon Restrictions
Rifle and Shotgun
In any hunt, including any-weapon seasons, it is unlawful to
pursue or kill big game animals:
• By any means other than approved firearms,
muzzleloaders and archery methods.
• With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated
on, the firearm or scope;
except scopes containing
battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed.
• With any firearm that, in combination with a scope, sling
and/or any attachments, weighs more than 16 pounds.
• With any fully automatic firearm.
• With any shotgun using shot smaller than #00 buck.
• With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun, or muzzleloading
handgun, except for mountain lion.
SM
