Press Releases and Articles
Individual sustains injuries from encounter with raccoon in a Pocatello neighborhood
| idfg-jjackson
On the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 22, Idaho Fish and Game responded to a Pocatello residence where an individual had received injuries from an encounter with a raccoon. According to information provided by those on scene, the raccoon was out during the day, wandering in the cul-de-sac, and “acting strangely.” … more
Youth pheasant hunting season kicks off Thursday, Oct. 8
| idfg-cliess
Youth pheasant hunting season kicks off Thursday, Oct. 8 and runs through Oct. 14. Youth ages 17 years and younger with an Idaho hunting license can participate in the youth pheasant hunt; anyone 18 years or older cannot hunt during the youth hunt.
For full rules on the hunt, see pages 11-13 of the 2026-2027… more
Important dates to help plan your October
| idfg-cliess
From tags sales to season openers, there’s a lot happening in Idaho during October that you should be aware of. Staying in the loop can be the difference between applying for that coveted controlled hunt tag and watching from the sidelines.
Be sure to stay up to date on all Fish and Game happenings. Here are… more
Citizens asked to provide information on wasted moose near Elk River
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are seeking information about a bull moose that was killed the evening of Sept. 14 or early morning of Sept. 15 near the Elmberry Creek/Gold Creek area east of Elk River in Unit 10A.
A small amount of meat and the head were removed from the moose, while the majority of… more
Salmon Region youth pheasant hunt scheduled for Saturday Oct. 10, 2026
| idfg-tschrempp
The Salmon Region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is hosting their annual youth pheasant hunt for hunters aged 10-17. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Participants will begin their day at the Salmon IDFG office learning about pheasant… more
Portion of Boise River WMA to close for invasive grass treatment
| idfg-scassinelli
Editor's Note: The invasive grass treatment has been delayed and is expected to take place Sept. 28 or 29.
Starting the week of Sept. 21, the Charcoal Segment of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area will close for about three days to ensure public safety while a helicopter applies… more
McCall Fish Hatchery closed to the public for construction through Nov. 29
| idfg-cliess
Idaho Fish and Game's McCall Fish Hatchery is closed to the public for construction and is expected to last through Nov. 29. Tours are still available by appointment only led by staff on site.
Once the work is completed, visitors will be able to once again walk around the hatchery and enjoy improved… more
Beyond Trout: Idaho anglers set three state records for fish you never heard of
| idfg-bbowersox
Idaho is famous for big trout, powerful bass, and trophy-sized sturgeon, but some of the state’s newest fishing records prove that memorable catches can come from fish that rarely make the cover of a fishing magazine.
In August, Idaho anglers set new catch-and-release state records for lesser-known species… more
Conservation officers seeking information about a bull elk harvested unlawfully in Unit 31
| idfg-bhurd
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are seeking information about a bull elk that was harvested unlawfully on the evening of Sept. 12 in Unit 31. Officers believe the elk was a 6x6 antlered bull, last seen being transported out of the Adams Creek drainage. Witnesses say the individual was driving an early-2000s… more
Idaho hunters: Know the new technology rules before heading into the field
| idfg-cliess
Hunters heading into this year’s batch of hunting seasons should be aware of technology rule changes after legislation was passed earlier this year.
The Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 939, addressing the use of advanced technology during big game and game bird hunting seasons. The legislation comes on the… more
Idaho Fish and Game investigating illegal killing and waste of bull elk in Bingham County
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the illegal killing and waste of a bull elk in southeast Idaho.
The dead bull was discovered by a member of the public on Sellars Creek Road between Blackfoot Reservoir Road and Long Valley Road in Bingham County. The elk was shot from the road multiple… more
IDFG modifies fall Chinook and steelhead bag limits
| idfg-cliess
Effective at the end of fishing hours on Sept. 17, Idaho Fish and Game will modify bag limits for both fall Chinook and steelhead fishing.
“The bag limit modification for fall Chinook is necessary because the return of natural-origin fish is lower than the preseason forecast, and the fishery is approaching the… more
Drought and natural food scarcity push bears into places they don’t normally go
| idfg-cliess
For most Idahoans, seeing a bear in the wild is an exciting reminder that we live in a state rich with wild charm. But seeing one up in a tree in a Nampa neighborhood, roaming a Pocatello backyard, or searching for food around homes in the Wood River Valley is a much different story.
Black bears are generally… more
2026 Idaho Steelhead Update
| idfg-jthiessen
If you’re a steelhead angler you’ve probably been hearing rumors or seen news articles stating that this year’s steelhead return is in rough shape. Unfortunately, those reports are correct. The 2026 steelhead return is shaping up to be one of the lowest on record. As a result, IDFG will be reducing steelhead bag limits… more
Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee seeks Clearwater Region representative
| idfg-scassinelli
Idaho Fish and Game's Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee is seeking a volunteer representative from the Clearwater Region to help guide shooting range decisions and provide input on annual public shooting range grant applications.
Eligible candidates should regularly use public… more
Hunters urged to be extra cautious this season as bear activity increases
| idfg-jbrower
Because of ongoing drought conditions that have reduced natural food supplies for bears, Idaho Fish and Game is urging hunters to be especially vigilant while hunting in bear country this season. Wildlife managers have documented increased bear activity across the state, and hunters may encounter bears more frequently… more
North Idaho Bear Fair returns Sept. 26 with free bear spray, electric fence demos and cider pressing
| idfg-tjross
If you live in north Idaho, you live in bear country. Plain and simple.
Black bears range across the entire Panhandle, and Bonner and Boundary counties sit squarely in grizzly country. Fall is the hardest season to share with them, as bears are packing on calories ahead of winter. Oftentimes, apple trees,… more
Waterfowl season for youth and veterans/active military personnel runs the weekend of Sept. 26-27
| idfg-cliess
Duck and goose hunting is among the coolest ways to introduce a youngster to the excitement of hunting. There's usually plenty of birds in the sky and the opportunity for a novice to experience the blinds, the decoys, and the dogs — all under the supervision and guidance of an adult.
But, you don’t just have to… more