Press Releases and Articles
Fires Close Backcountry Trails, Roads
| idfg-mcoleman
Several large fires burning in Idaho's backcountry have raised concerns about public safety and hunter access. In the interest of public safety, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have closed some areas. Other areas may be closed as fires grow or new fires start. But closures may affect access to… moreSuper Hunt Drawing This Week
| idfg-mcoleman
On Wednesday, August 15, entries for Super Hunt tags will be drawn for two elk, two deer and two antelope hunts as well as one moose hunt, plus one tag for all four. The winners will be drawn at 10 a.m. in the Trophy Room at Idaho Fish and Game headquarters at 600 S. Walnut in Boise. The public is welcome to attend… moreArchery Season Opens
| idfg-mcoleman
Time to string up that bow. Archery pronghorn season opens August 15, and continues through September 15. In addition, in many units, archery seasons on mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk open August 30 and run through September. In the warm weather of summer, hunter should consider hunting in the higher country… moreSteelhead Season Opens
| idfg-mcoleman
The Idaho fall steelhead fishing season has started on the Clearwater River and opens September 1 on most other steelhead waters. The fall steelhead season runs through December 31. Steelhead numbers are expected to be slightly less than last year's return. The fall steelhead catch-and-release season opened July… moreAsk Fish and Game: Dove Hunting
| idfg-mcoleman
Q. With dove hunting season approaching, and doves listed as a migratory bird, do I have to worry about nontoxic shot? A. The simple answer is no. Nontoxic shot rules apply primarily to migratory waterfowl, not doves or other upland game birds, except in some restricted areas, such as islands in the Snake River that… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
| idfg-staff
by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I've seen a tuck and trailer containing a display with lots of big game heads at several fairs and parades. The logos on the side of the trailer said 'C.A.P.' as well as 'Idaho Department of Fish and Game.' Tell me what this display is about." Answer:… moreVisitors Advised to be Bear Aware
| idfg-nnokkentved
During dry summers such as this, the bears' natural food supplies may be scarce, forcing them on a desperate search to find food. Improperly stored food in campgrounds or backcountry camps become all too tempting for the hungry bruins. Black bears are common in most parts of Idaho. Bears possess an extremely keen… morePelican Round-up Nets Hundreds of Birds
| idfg-nnokkentved
By Martha Wackenhut and Jennifer Jackson, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Cattle round-ups are a part of life here in southeast Idaho. But who ever heard of a pelican round-up? In the early morning hours of July 19, 20 biologists and volunteers descended on Gull Island in the Blackfoot Reservoir and encircled… moreExtra Turkey Tags Available in Panhandle
| idfg-nnokkentved
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission earlier this year, approved a new "special unit" tag for some turkey hunts in the Panhandle Region. For the fall 2007 wild turkey season, which opens September 15, Idaho resident hunters will be able to buy up to three "special unit" turkey tags for units 1, 2, 3 and 5, in addition… moreAsk Fish and Game: Elk A and B Tags
| idfg-nnokkentved
Q. Why are there A and B tags for general elk hunts, and what's the difference? A. The simple answer is that generally A tags favor archery and muzzleloader hunts, and B tags favor centerfire rifle hunts. The A-B zone tag system was established as an effort to offer elk hunters the most general season choices. An… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
| idfg-staff
by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "With all the fires lately what is the Department doing to offset losses in habitat, and will it affect the upcoming hunting season?" Answer: The short answer to both your questions is we don't really know yet how significant the fires have been. I'll try… moreWildlife Workshop for Youth Educators Planned
| idfg-nnokkentved
Teachers, don't let your summer pass you by, get WILD. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will host a WILD about Early Learners Workshop in Lewiston designed for teachers of pre-Kindergarten to second-grade to help them learn fun and exciting ways to teach wildlife conservation in the classroom. The workshop… moreSalvage Order on Little Camas, Mountain Home Reservoirs
| idfg-nnokkentved
Because of low water, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has removed the bag, possession, and size limits on Little Camas and Mountain Home reservoirs. Drought and high irrigation demands, will drain the two Elmore County reservoirs by mid to late summer. Fish in these reservoirs will be killed as water levels… morePromoting Bear Awareness in Eastern Idaho
| idfg-nnokkentved
Bears that learn to associate people with food often become aggressive and dangerous. Keeping bears out of our garbage is one of the best ways of keeping bears out of the places where we work, play and live. Local business owners and community leaders are invited to learn more: What: Garbage can and dumpster… moreRedfish Sockeye Return
| idfg-nnokkentved
The first two Redfish Lake sockeye salmon of 2007 have returned to the Sawtooth Valley. Two adults, one male and one female, were trapped in late July at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Sawtooth Fish Hatchery adult trap on the Salmon River in Stanley and taken to the Eagle Fish Hatchery. The Redfish Lake… moreSalvage Order Issued for Winder Reservoir
| idfg-nnokkentved
The southeast regional office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has been notified by the Twin Lakes Canal Company that Winder Reservoir in Franklin County will be drained this summer because of drought. Therefore, Fish and Game is issuing a salvage order for Winder Reservoir, effective through October 31. All… moreSalmon Harvest Up Slightly from Last Year
| idfg-mcoleman
The Chinook salmon fishing season in Idaho is over for 2007, with results similar to last year. Anglers caught and kept 2,412 adult and jack Chinook this year; they caught 2,167 fish last year. Spring and summer Chinook salmon counted at Lower Granite Dam in southeastern Washington through July 15 totaled: - 28,… moreTwo New Record Fish
| idfg-mcoleman
Two record fish have been caught in Idaho this summer. Cliff Watts of Weiser caught a white crappie on July 9 in the Crane Creek Reservoir. The fish was 3 pounds, 8 3/4 ounces, 18 1/4 inches long with a 15 inch girth. He caught the record breaker with a one-eight-ounce red and white squid-tail tail jig on a six pound… more