Press Releases and Articles
Commission Meets in Boise January 11-13
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet in Boise January 11-13 to adopt rules for big game, hear an update on a bonus point system for controlled hunt drawings and consider a proposed wolf management project in the Clearwater Region. The commissioners will begin the January 11 session with a wolf management… moreDon't Leave Home without Them
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Just because some hunting and fishing seasons are still open it doesn't mean you don't need a new license. Don't forget to pick up a 2006 hunting, fishing or combination license before heading out after the New Year. All licenses, permits, validations and tags expired December 31. New licenses, tags and permits are… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. I recently heard about something called Family Fishing Waters. What does that mean? How do I find out where they are? A. In response to anglers' requests for more family-oriented fishing opportunities and simplified rules, IDFG has developed the Family Fishing Waters program. The idea is to make it easy, simple… moreAgencies to Radio-Collar Bighorn Sheep in Hells Canyon
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LEWISTON - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife plan to capture 70 bighorn sheep in eight Hells Canyon herds beginning January 2, 2006, as part of the ongoing Hells Canyon Initiative to restore bighorn sheep populations to the area… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Question: I watched a group of mountain lion hunters last week keep a mountain lion in a tree for over four hours. It took that long for their friend who was called on a cellular phone to arrive and kill the mountain lion. Isn't… moreChanges Made in 2006-2007 Fish Rules
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A few significant changes were made as final 2006-2007 Idaho fishing rules were adopted. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved department recommendations when it met in Jerome November 16-18. The changes are reflected in the new fishing brochure. The new rules will be available online at www.fishandgame.idaho.… moreHunting Seasons
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Many big game hunting seasons have ended, but there's still plenty of hunting open through the end of the month and through the winter. Seasons are open for geese, ducks, coots and common snipe through January 20 in the northern and eastern parts of the state and through January 27 in the southwest. The season is… moreLake Pend Oreille Fishery Recovery Meeting
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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will host a public meeting from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, January 21, at the Sandpoint Community Center, 204 S. First Avenue, to discuss results from a deep-water trap net project, the status of the kokanee population and to gather comments on predator-prey management issues. Deep… moreNew Regional Supervisor Picked In Upper Snake
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Steve Schmidt, Upper Snake Region wildlife habitat manager, has been selected as the new regional supervisor, filling the position that has been empty since Robert J. Saban retired November 1 after 28 years with the agency. Schmidt will assume his new duties January 1.Ask Fish and Game
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Q. There is an elk depredation hunt in an area close to me, how can I get in on it? A. You had to apply for the depredation hunt list earlier in the year. If you are an Idaho resident with a valid hunting or combination license, you have to fill out the "Depredation Hunt Application" found in the Big Game Rules… moreIdaho Fish and Game Begins Big Game Aerial Surveys
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LEWISTON - As the harsh winter weather sets in, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) began aerial surveys of big game in management units 10, 12, 15 and 17 of the Clearwater Region in mid-December. Besides usually finding big game animals congregated on lower elevation winter ranges, the winter months also… moreSaving A Deer
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By Ed Bottum, Wildlife Biologist, IDFG - Southwest Region The scene is repeated hundreds of times each year in Idaho and more than a million times across the country, especially during winter. Skid marks (sometimes), blood spots streaked across the highway - and fragments: pieces of colored glass, shiny plastic, logos… moreEgin-Hamer Area Closure Effective Jan 1
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IDAHO FALLS - What started out as an idea by local county commissioners to reopen a popular farm-to-market road seven years ago has continued to be a success, not only for humans but also for wintering wildlife. The lack of human disturbance created by the closure has allowed herds of deer, elk, and moose to spend more… moreHunters Split On Bonus Points
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Hunters are divided on the random drawing process for controlled hunts- some like it, some don't. A survey conducted by Fish and Game this fall showed mixed results that were close to being evenly split on satisfaction with the drawing process, but most agree that future drawings should favor unsuccessful applicants… moreGame Counts Starting
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The first results of this winter's Fish and Game big game counts show an encouraging increase in mule deer in one unit. Aerial surveys of Unit 22 winter ranges flown in early December found 1,624 deer, the most animals seen in surveys of that unit in the past decade. The previous high in the unit was 1,558 deer in 1999… moreSpecial Delivery
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Computer technology meets Jack London in backcountry cyber space. Recently Greg Metz ran into a little trouble getting his trapping license. He lives at the James Ranch on the Salmon River, miles from a Fish and Game office, and the only way in or out is by jet boat. He couldn't get out because of the icy slush in the… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. When does the spring steelhead season open? What are the limits? A. The season opens on January 1, 2006 and spring season limits are 3 per day, 9 in possession and 20 per season. If you catch your limit you must stop fishing for steelhead that day, including catch-and-release fishing. Be sure to have your 2006… moreFish and Game Gears Up to Get out in the Cold
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By Clay Hickey - Idaho Department of Fish and Game As the harsh winter weather sets in, some Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) employees are gearing up to get out in the cold. Winter is the time of year when we conduct our annual big game aerial surveys. Besides finding big game animals congregated on… more