Press Releases and Articles
10 tips for firearm handling safety while out hunting this fall
| idfg-cliess
Statistics from the National Shooting Sports Foundation show that hunting with firearms is actually one of the safest recreational activities in the country. That’s not to say that accidents can’t happen, and practicing safe firearm handling can greatly reduce the risk.
In recent years, about 280,000… more
F&G receives multiple reports of mountain lion in Boise
| idfg-bpearson
On Oct. 17, Idaho Fish and Game’s Southwest Region Office received multiple reports through Ada County Dispatch of a mountain lion moving along the Boise River corridor in the City of Boise, between the 800-block of East Park Blvd. and the Railroad Trestle Bridge near Rotary Park. Fish and Game has not yet confirmed… more
Elk hunters should find plenty of elk in most of the state
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho's general, any-weapon elk seasons are getting underway, and rifle hunters are following archers in pursuit of one of Idaho's most prized game, and they can look forward to healthy herds in most parts of the state.
To learn about general elk hunting seasons, see the 2022 Idaho Big Game Seasons and… more
Mule deer doe found shot and left to waste in southeast Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information regarding an adult mule deer doe that was shot and left to waste in southeast Idaho. The doe was discovered in a private field off of East Green Canyon Road near Inkom. The incident likely occurred sometime between the evening hours of Oct. 10 and the early… more
Everything you need to know to hunt for cow elk in the Panhandle during the general seasons
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game prioritizes the simplification of hunting, fishing and trapping seasons and rules whenever possible. However, due to variability in the status of fish and wildlife populations across the state, special rules and exceptions must sometimes be implemented to ensure future opportunity persists for… more
License fraud is far too common, and the public can help Fish and Game detect and reduce its occurrence
| idfg-jberl
A recent survey asked Idaho sportsmen and women what they viewed as the most severe and egregious wildlife violations - from fishing without a license, to spotlighting, to killing wildlife outside of legal seasons and more.
One of the top responses may come as a bit of a surprise to some: license fraud.… more
October’s Wildlife Express sheds some (black) light on Idaho’s scorpions
| idfg-cliess
If you thought rattlesnakes were the only antagonists of the Idaho desert, think again. The Gem State’s dry country is home to an arachnid that many folks don’t even think about: scorpions.
For some, scorpions are nightmare fuel when camping out under the stars in southern Idaho. Recall the famous Gary Larsen… more
Carcass of big game animal left to waste near Rockland
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information regarding a possible deer or elk left to waste near Rockland in Power County. The skinned and quartered remains of either a large deer or possibly a small elk were found west of Big Canyon Road next to a group of trees. No head was present to aid in the… more
Interested in winning prizes for fishing? The Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program might be for you!
| idfg-tjross
If you have spent much time fishing on Lake Pend Oreille, then maybe you’ve been lucky enough to catch a monster rainbow trout. If not, you’ve likely seen pictures of the truly impressive fish that reside there.
In recent years, Lake Pend Oreille has been producing more rainbow trout over 20… more
It’s mating season for some of Idaho’s large wildlife species which means males can become aggressive
| idfg-tthompson
It’s fall, which we associate with cooler temperatures and the start of hunting seasons across the state. To Idaho’s wildlife, fall is the time of year when many species of wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and mountain goats breed or go into rut. When in rut, they begin searching for a… more
Henrys Lake sets new state record hybrid trout
| idfg-mkoenig
Hailey Thomas of Rigby hoists a 36-inch rainbow/cutthroat hybrid trout from Henrys Lake before releasing the fish and taking home a catch-and-release state record.
Congratulations to Hailey Thomas of Rigby on landing a new catch-and-release state record from Henrys Lake. Hailey hooked… more
State of Deer and Elk: Movements and migrations help define wildlife populations around the state
| idfg-rphillips
Since prehistoric times, people have known that big game animals roam throughout Idaho. Deer and elk are typically seasonal migrants that inhabit mid and upper elevations spring through fall and then move onto winter range to escape deep snow and bitter cold.
But learning exactly where and when animals… more
Big Game hunters – know the rules for motorized travel in some big game hunting units
| idfg-tthompson
With increasing use of motorized vehicles such as side-by-sides and ATVs by big game hunters, everyone, especially those using motorized vehicles need to be aware of the motorized hunting rule. The rule applies when someone is actively hunting big game using a motorized vehicle. The rule is in effect from August 30… more
Waterfowl season opens Oct. 19 for most of Southwest Idaho
| idfg-bpearson
Duck hunters in Southwest Idaho are reminded that the 2022-2023 waterfowl season opens Wednesday, Oct. 19, excluding Valley County, where the season has been open since Oct. 1.
While some hunters may still be accustomed to the waterfowl season opener falling on a weekend, this is the second consecutive year in… more
Idaho's WMAs provide a bounty of waterfowl hunting opportunities
| idfg-bpearson
The Snake River has received much acclaim as the go-to public land duck hunting destination in Idaho, but it’s certainly not the only place where hunters have an accessible place to hunt waterfowl. About two-thirds of Fish and Game's Wildlife Management Areas are managed with waterfowl in mind, providing food… more
Oct. 11 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report
| idfg-bbeller
Idaho Fish and Game personnel began interviewing steelhead anglers on the upper Salmon River on Saturday, October 1. During the first weekend, angler effort was low, and no anglers reported catching a steelhead. Angler effort increased the following week with most anglers located downstream of North Fork in location… more
Pheasant season will be opening soon in the Magic Valley – here’s what you need to know
| idfg-tthompson
The pheasant season opener has long been a family tradition for many in the Magic Valley. While the opener may not have its past luster due to significant habitat loss resulting in a steep decline in wild bird numbers, there continues to be opportunities for bird hunters to take to the fields.
In the Magic… more
Fish and Game’s MK Nature Center welcomes its newest addition, a 7-foot sturgeon
| idfg-cliess
Everyone knows the excitement that comes along when a Fish and Game fish truck backs up to a local pond or lake. So imagine the excitement when a long-bed truck carrying a 7-foot-long fish pulled up at Fish and Game’s MK Nature Center on Oct. 11.
The 7-foot sturgeon was recently added to MK Nature… more