Share your hunting and fishing photos with Fish and Game

By Roger Phillips, IDFG public information specialist They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, and sometimes the best way to share your hunting and fishing experience is withÉpictures! Idaho Fish and Game features a photo gallery on its website and invites you to share your hunting and fishing photos with other wildlife enthusiasts. To view what others have shared or to submit your own, go to https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/gallery. The process is easy. Have your digital photo handy and click on the "Share Your Photo" button. You will be asked several questions, such as name and email address. You can also share your story that goes with the photo. Photos will be part of a user-created photo gallery on the website, and you will be asked to agree to a Creative Commons license so that Fish and Game can use the photos in any form. All photos must be taken in Idaho and should be less than 8 megabytes in JPG, PNG, or JPEG formats. Photos should portray hunting and fishing respectfully, and Fish and Game has the right to accept or reject the photos. Photos taken in the field are preferred. Here are some tips for taking good hunting and fishing shots:

• Keep the fish or animal clean. Both should look as lifelike as possible. Take photos before you start processing the animal, and preferably, while the fish is still alive.
• Do not hold fish out of the water for prolonged periods if they're going to be (or must be) released.
• Get in close. Avoid having a lot of vacant space or a distracting background around the subject.
• Pay close attention to the light. It's usually best to have the sun illuminate the subject, but not so intense it makes the person squint or casts strong shadows.
• Beware of hats: They often create a shadow that covers the subject's eyes.
• If you're using a cell phone make sure it records a large enough image to be useful. If you're sending photos to others, use email rather than text because you typically have the option of sending a larger file.
• Safety first: Check the position of your firearm or bow before taking your photo. Photos that show poor or improper safety will not be accepted.