Press Releases and Articles
Apply for spring bear controlled hunts soon
| idfg-bpearson
Hunters wanting to participate in this spring's controlled hunts for black bear can apply from January 15 through February 15.
Spring 2020 bear controlled hunt information is in the 2019… more
Now is the Time to Take Hunter Education
| idfg-jcreson
Life will soon be hectic with spring sports and summer vacations making winter a perfect time to take Hunter Education!
Don't miss out on the Boise course starting January 14th.
https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/151880
We also have our first instructor-led course scheduled… more
Elk calf freed from a discarded tomato cage and bucket near Hailey
| idfg-tthompson
On Saturday morning, December 28, Fish and Game officers received reports from Blaine County residents about an elk calf that had become entangled in a discarded tomato cage and bucket just north of Hailey. By mid-day, officers were able to locate the calf on the west side of Highway 75 in a grove of trees.
… more
Water Levels May be Dropping at Some Birding Island WMA Ponds
| idfg-eoneale
Work continues on the main weir at Birding Island WMA. Due to this ongoing construction, water cannot be diverted into some of the more popular waterfowl hunting ponds on the WMA, including 9th, Island, Muskrat, Swan and New.
Pond depths will be restored as soon as construction efforts are complete which… more
Safe Boating Reminders for Waterfowl Hunters
| idfg-bflatter
The onset of winter can only mean one thing; the waterfowl season is in full swing across Idaho! While many waterfowl hunters walk to their favorite hunting spot, numerous others utilize boats with motors to reach their chosen hideaway.
As a conservation officer and an avid waterfowler myself, I frequently see… more
Please watch for wildlife on highways and avoid costly collisions
| idfg-mdemick
Winter is already tough for deer, elk and other big game animals, and being near busy roads and highways can be deadly, so drivers are asked to keep a sharp eye out and avoid costly and potentially dangerous collisions.
With more snow in the higher elevations, big game herds throughout the… more
Lake Cascade ice conditions update: December 30, 2019
| idfg-pjanssen
Lake Cascade has now frozen over entirely! As of today (Dec 30) there is 4-5 inches of good clear ice in the Sugarloaf boat ramp and island areas. This does not mean that the ice is this thick over the entire lake. ATV and snowmobile use is not recommended on the lake except north of Poison Creek boat ramp… more
Why aerial surveys are important to managing big game in Idaho
| idfg-jbruns
Aerial inventories occur in most areas of Idaho annually to obtain some of the information needed for science based big game management. Specifically, aerial inventories obtain data on sex and age composition of herds. In addition, they provide information on distribution, animal condition, concentration areas, and… more
Mountain lion season closed in units 66A and 76 in southeastern Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
The take season for both female and male mountain lions is closed in Game Management Units 66A and 76 in southeastern Idaho. The harvest limit for males in these units as established in the 2019-2020 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules was reached earlier in December, and the take season for males was consequently… more
Big game aerial surveys begin mid-January in Unit 10A
| idfg-jbruns
Biologists will conduct aerial elk surveys and wildlife capture work in big game management unit 10A beginning early to mid-January (dependent on weather and helicopter availability).
The flights are scheduled to cover the same units at the same time every year to make the information gathered comparable from… more
Bird feeding is a way to see birds up close and help them get through winter
| idfg-rphillips
Feeding birds is enjoyable and mutually beneficial because you can watch nature from the warmth of your home, and birds get much-needed nutrients.
Idaho Fish and Game discourages people from feeding most wildlife because they can become habituated to hand outs, but birds are an exception. They… more
Portions of Unit 50 and all of Unit 51 are open year-round for wolf hunting on private land
| idfg-rphillips
The 2020-21 wolf hunting seasons in Unit 50 (excluding the portion in Blaine County) and Unit 51, are open year-round to wolf hunting on private land. The 2019-20 (first edition) incorrectly shows an April 30 closing date.
Four mule deer shot and left to waste at Teton Dam site
| idfg-jbrower
Four mule deer does were shot and left to waste at the Teton Dam site between Dec. 24 and 28. "These deer had no fear of humans," says Conservation Officer Charlie Anderson. "You could drive right past them, within yards, and not even spook them."
Conservation Officers are seeking help from the public to… more
Five reasons to enroll your student in hunter education today
| idfg-ksiitari
If hunting is on your child’s horizon, now is a great time to get them certified in hunter education. Hunter ed classes are open to students age nine or older and junior hunting licenses are available starting at age 10.
Courses provide instruction beyond just firearm handling and… more
Safety tips when living in close proximity to mountain lions
| idfg-tthompson
Reports of mountain lions in the Wood River Valley continue to come in, almost daily, to Fish and Game. Most reports are about lions moving through neighborhoods or sightings of lions in yards. We also receive reports of cats recorded on security cameras. Since December 14, these reports have also included reports of… more
Magic Valley Region rainbow trout stocking schedule for January 2020
| idfg-tthompson
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking nearly 700 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in January. All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate and may change without notice due to water or weather conditions.
Body of Water… more
Renew your hunting/fishing licenses, and here's how to use them now
| idfg-rphillips
You may be tempted to put off buying your 2020 licenses, but you'd be missing out on some cool hunting and fishing opportunities that can cure cabin fever and get your year started off the right way.
Go ice fishing
Ice fishing is fun, and a great way to get out of the house and catch some fish… more
Four reasons why proper game carcass disposal is important
| idfg-jbruns
Whether it is an animal salvaged from the roadway or harvested during hunting season, it is important to dispose of the carcass properly after processing is complete. Hunters are required to remove and care for all edible portions of meat. This includes the meat from hind quarters as far down as the hock, meat of the… more