Press Releases and Articles
Many upland game bird seasons open soon
| idfg-mdemick
September is here which means many Idaho upland game bird hunting seasons are about to begin. Here’s a brief summary of the upcoming seasons.
Forest Grouse
Wednesday, August 30 marked the start of the forest grouse season, which includes ruffed, spruce and dusky grouse. The season in northern… more
Check out regulations before heading out
| idfg-khatch
TWIN FALLS – Sportsmen are reminded to check out the regulations before heading out in the field.
This year some of the biggest changes were to the regular deer youth hunts. Many of the hunts in the past for youth were either sex, but with last year’s hard winter many of the hunts for youth have been changed… more
Bird hunters encouraged to donate their wings
| idfg-mdemick
With many upland game bird seasons opening soon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking hunters to donate a fully feathered wing for each bird they harvest.
Because juvenile and adult birds molt their wing feathers differently, biologists can use this information to estimate chick production that year… more
What to Expect During Your First Visit to Black's Creek Public Shooting Range
| idfg-eoneale
Visiting a shooting range for the first time can be intimidating. But it doesn't have to be.
A new video produced by Idaho Fish and Game walks first-time visitors to Black's Creek Public Shooting Range through every step of the process, from locating the range to checking in at the range office to loading and… more
Sept. 8: Updates on fires that may affect early season hunts
| idfg-rphillips
Here's an overview of wildfires that may affect hunters. This post will be periodically updated, but wildfires are dynamic and situations can constantly change. We will do our best to keep hunters informed about what fires are affecting early season hunts. This is for general information on a large-… more
Seats available for wolf trapping certification classes in Idaho Falls, McCall and Coeur d’Alene
| idfg-glosinski
Seats available for wolf trapping certification classes in Idaho Falls, McCall and Coeur d’Alene
IDAHO FALLS - Those interested in trapping wolves in Idaho are reminded that Idaho law requires you pass a mandatory wolf trapping certification class before purchasing wolf trapping tags.
… more
Where can I hunt antlerless elk in the Panhandle?
| idfg-lwolf
The A-tag archery elk season is currently open in the Panhandle region. Right now the season is open to antlered elk only, but we’ve had many phone calls and questions regarding where hunters are allowed to harvest an antlerless elk later in the season. We want to clarify this hunting… more
Craig Mountain Wing Barrels help monitor upland bird harvest
| idfg-jbruns
Forest grouse season has opened and soon to follow are many other favorites including quail, chukar, gray partridge, pheasant, and turkey.
Wing barrels have made a comeback on Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and Fish and Game is seeking your help to learn more about the area… more
Wolf trapper education courses scheduled in Lewiston
| idfg-jbruns
Wolf trapper education is required for anyone wanting to trap wolves in Idaho.
A wolf trapper education course will be held Friday, Sept. 8, followed by another course on Saturday, Sept. 9. Both courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fish and Game's Clearwater Regional Office, 3316 16th Street in … more
Video: Mink chases Chinook at MK Nature Center
| idfg-sfocht
While trying to video a female Chinook salmon digging her nest for spawning, I was surprised to see this intruder! Mink are playful and cute, but fearless. They will go after prey much larger than themselves. Watch until the end to see if the mink was successful at hunting or not.
… more
Grizzly Bear Study Trapping Completed in Upper Snake Region
| idfg-glosinski
Grizzly Bear Study Trapping Completed in Upper Snake Region
ISLAND PARK – Each summer as part of the joint scientific efforts of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST), biologists from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) set traps to catch grizzly bears. Once caught the… more
Large Portions of Units 20A and 26 now Closed due to Fire
| idfg-eoneale
More than half of hunt units 20A and 26 are now closed as the Highline Fire continues to burn within the Payette National Forest near Big Creek. For updates on this fire, including future changes to the closure area, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5500/ or https://idfg.idaho.gov/fire.
With… more
Connecting Kids and Salmon at the MK Nature Center
| idfg-snass
Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days takes over the MK Nature Center for three days early each fall. It is an opportunity for some Idaho classrooms to learn about aquatic ecosystems - the fish, bugs and other creatures that call our rivers home. Join one class of kids as they learn about Idaho's treasured salmon and… more
Fires can affect early season hunts, so plan ahead
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho’s early hunting seasons often coincide with fire season, and hunters should consider that when planning trips. If they’re traveling to their favorite hunting spots, it’s important to stay informed about current fire conditions, fire restrictions and rehab work on recent or past fires that can affect their hunts… more
Visit your local shooting range before seasons begin
| idfg-mdemick
With summer winding down and the fall hunting seasons just getting started, now’s a great time for hunters to visit their local shooting range for some pre-season practice.
“Whether you hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader or shotgun, the more you practice, the better you’ll shoot when it really counts,” said James… more
Recent cases of rabid bats mean people should take precautions
| idfg-rdixon
News of recent cases of rabid bats in various parts of Idaho have left residents nervous about encountering bats inside or outside their homes. It is important that people understand how to best handle a bat that is found in their home, including what precautions to take to prevent exposure to rabies.
… more
Shout Out to Landowners!
| idfg-snass
Landowners offer a service for all of us who love to hunt, fish and watch wildlife by providing habitat on their properties. Many go the extra mile, enrolling their land into special programs that develop fields specifically to create cover and forage for wildlife.
“By doing these types of… more
Governor Recognizes Historic Role of Hunting and Fishing in Wildlife Conservation
| idfg-mkeckler
Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter this week recognized the 80th Anniversary of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act signed into law in 1937.
The act was the first of three laws establishing federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment that are used to fund wildlife conservation throughout the… more