This access program is a revolving collection of properties where Fish and Game leases land from private owners to provide public access. Each property may be managed differently, so it’s important for the user to do a little homework and know the rules for each property. Hunters should be aware some properties require landowner notification, and others have restrictions on how many people can use the property at once, so some advanced notice may be required to hunt on these parcels. You can see the full list of properties and details on the Access Yes! webpage.
Through this program, Fish and Game typically provides about 350,000 acres annually, as well as a legal means to cross private property to reach hundreds of thousands of acres of public land that might be otherwise difficult to access.
Access Yes! properties are unique because they’re selected annually by panels of sportsmen throughout the state, who sift through applications submitted by landowners and select the leases that give sportsmen and women the best value for their money.
Because these properties may change annually, hunters should beware that properties they used in the past may no longer be enrolled. People can see the maps of Access Yes! properties on Fish and Game's website, and also pick up printed booklets at regional offices that show Access Yes! locations and guidelines to use the property.
Idaho Endowment Lands
In 2018, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and Idaho State Board of Land Commissioner approved an agreement to continue public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other wildlife-based recreation on about 2.3 million acres of state endowment lands.
More than 96 percent of endowment lands are accessible by foot, watercraft or vehicle. You can view accessible endowment lands on Fish and Game's Hunt Planner Map Center.
While most Idaho endowment lands have traditionally been open to the public, endowment lands are managed to provide revenue, typically from timber sales and grazing leases, to fund for public schools, universities and state hospitals.
Fish and Game’s payments to the Department of Lands ensure those lands remain open to public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other recreation. In other states, state-owned lands have been closed or leased to private parties for hunting access. Fish and Game renews the lease annually and gets credit for in-kind, law-enforcement services provided by Fish and Game conservation officers on endowment lands.
Endowment lands are working lands that provide vital revenue, and hunters are reminded that fire season typically lasts into fall, so some fire restrictions may occur during hunting season. If campfires are allowed where you plan to hunt, make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before leaving so you do not start a wildfire. Also, protect state lands from damage by keeping off-highway vehicles on established roads and designated trails.
Hunters are also reminded free camping is allowed on state endowment lands for no more than 14 consecutive days. If you would like to camp longer than 14 consecutive days, contact a Department of Lands office to find out if a permit can be obtained.
Large tracts corporate timberland leases