Managing chinook seasons is a constant work in progress

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-rphillips

Spring Chinook fishing opens April 23, and anglers often wonder how many salmon there will be and how long the season will last. It's a challenging question to answer because unlike most Idaho fisheries, salmon seasons are dependent on how many fish return from the ocean each year.

That number varies wildly… more

Fur auction set for Saturday in Coeur d' Alene

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

This year's auction of furs, hides, antlers, and other items is set for Saturday, April 9 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d' Alene. Items may be viewed beginning at 7:30 a.m., with the live auction running from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The sale will be conducted at 4056 N. Government Way between the 4-H and… more

Turkey and black bear general seasons begin April 15

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Idaho's spring turkey and black bear general seasons open April 15, with turkey seasons running through May 25 and spring black bear seasons closing dates vary. Youth who are 10 to 17 years old on or before April 8 may participate in the general season youth turkey hunt that runs from Wednesday, April 8 through… more

Idaho conservation officers to host youth camp

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Imagine your child on a week-long adventure where they learn to hunt, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors. If you have a child 10 to 12 years old who wants to learn outdoor skills, become certified in hunter and bowhunter education, and experience a wide variety of other fun outdoor activities, register them for the… more

Take Me Fishing events starting soon

Mon, 04/04/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

To help get kids excited about fishing, Idaho Fish and Game's "Take Me Fishing" trailers will soon be making appearances at fishing holes across the state. Wrapped with vibrant fish illustrations, the trailers are stocked with fishing information and basic fishing equipment that can be checked out for free on a first-… more

Annual Wolf Report Available Online

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The 2015 annual summary of wolf monitoring in Idaho is now available, and shows wolf numbers remain well above the 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs required to keep gray wolves off the endangered species list under the 2009 de-listing rule. The 2015 Idaho Wolf Monitoring Progress Report includes the current status of… more

Comments sought on migratory game bird seasons

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the upcoming migratory game bird seasons. To view and comment on the season proposals, visit Fish and Game's public involvement page at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/public-involvement. Beginning this year, a new process… more

No Water Means No Chance For Special Season On Dry Bed

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

For decades, April 1st has marked the opening of a unique fishery in the Upper Snake Region on the Dry Bed of the South Fork of the Snake River. Traditionally, each April the headgates that were installed in 1895 by the Great Feeder Canal Company to convert the old south channel into what was then hailed as the World's… more

Public comment period on Fish and Game pelican management plan ending soon

Wed, 03/30/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking for public input on Idaho's management plan for the conservation of American white pelicans. The ten-year plan (2016-2025) is to conserve American white pelican populations and to manage impacts to Idaho's fisheries. This is the last week for public to submit comments… more

Wolf Trapper Certification Classes Scheduled In Coeur d' Alene

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Idaho rules require a person complete and pass a Wolf Trapper Certification class to be eligible to purchase wolf trapping tags. The course includes 6.5 hours of instruction including both classroom and field experience followed by a written exam. Courses are offered periodically throughout the year, but few are… more

2016 turkey outlook: more of the same, which is good

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game public information specialist On the heels of the best big-game hunting season in decades, Idaho turkey hunters will likely benefit from similar conditions that benefited big game. Turkey populations are stable or growing in most parts of the state thanks to several… more

Apply soon for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunts

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The application period for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts is fast approaching. Hunters have from April 1 through April 30 to apply for these hunts. Applications can be completed at Fish and Game offices or license vendors with a credit card by telephone or over the Internet. Telephone… more

Youth turkey hunt begins April 8

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Youth turkey hunters get an early shot as Idaho's general season youth turkey hunt runs Friday, April 8 through Thursday, April 14. Licensed youth who are 10 to 17 years old on April 8 may participate in the general season youth hunt. Resident hunters under 12 and nonresident hunters under 18 must be accompanied by a… more

Clarification on "Extra" turkey tag rules

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Turkey hunters are encouraged to review the rules concerning "Extra" tags in the current seasons and rules booklet before planning their hunts this spring or fall. There are three types of tags that may be used for turkey: - General - Can be used in general season or in a controlled hunt with the appropriate… more

Rattlesnake and trap avoidance training for dogs scheduled

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Hunters and other dog enthusiasts now have another reason to attend the 21th annual Premier Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs event. Idaho Fish and Game officers will be holding a trap awareness seminar as part of the day's events. To register or to learn more about the training day, visit www.snakeavoidance.org… more

Southern Portion of Egin-Hamer Closure Opens on April 1

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

That portion of the Egin-Hamer Closure Area that is south of the Egin-Hamer Road is scheduled to open at sunrise on April 1st. The area north of the road surrounding the dunes remains closed until sunrise on May 1st. The active portions of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes are open, but the remainder are closed until the… more

Southeast Idaho Mountain Lions Get New Home in North Carolina

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Two mountain lion kittens found orphaned in January in southeast Idaho were moved earlier this month to a zoo in the mountains of North Carolina. After a private jet ride across the country paid for by a private donor, the young mountain lions arrived at their new home, Grandfather Mountain, a small zoo with a focus on… more

Clarification on Turkey Tag Regulations for 2016 and 2017

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Attention, turkey hunters! Don't plan your turkey hunts for this spring or fall without reading the following important information. Idaho Fish and Game discovered during this last season setting process for the 2016… more