Press Releases and Articles
Sage Grouse Trend Upward
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Sage grouse have recently shown a slight increase in numbers across Idaho after years of decline. Sage grouse program manager Tom Hemker told the Idaho Fish and Game Commission at its March meeting in Boise that statewide chick production had been good in three of the last six years, poor in the other three since 1996… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. I heard nonresident hunters could buy a mountain lion or bear tag for $31.50 this year even if they don't buy elk or deer tags. Is that true? A. True, but only in the Lolo, Selway and Middle Fork elk hunting zones. These tags will be available beginning July 1.Information Sought On Tundra Swans Shot Near Whitebird
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LEWISTON - During the weekend of March 24, two Tundra swans resting on Swartz Pond, a small wetland on the Whitebird Battlefield adjacent to Highway 95 near Whitebird, were illegally killed, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information about the crime. Anyone with information regarding this… morePanhandle Region Fishing Outlook
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Higher than normal snowpack in the Panhandle Region will probably result in tougher fishing conditions during the stream and river opener on May 25. Water will be high, cloudy, and cold. Early season anglers would be wise to wear a life jacket when walking stream banks or wading. The positive side is that fishing… moreIDFG Schedules April Breakfast Meeting
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LEWISTON -- Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to the monthly Idaho Fish and Game breakfast meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 6:30 a.m., at the Helm Restaurant in Lewiston. IDFG personnel will provide information on big game survey results, upcoming salmon and turkey season prospects, significant enforcement… moreApply for Moose, Goat, Sheep Hunts
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Moose, mountain goat and bighorn sheep hunters can submit their applications beginning April 1. Applications for these controlled hunts will be accepted through April 30. Hunters may apply at Fish and Game offices or license vendors and can apply using a credit card by telephone or over the Internet. Telephone… moreParagliders Grounded
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Paragliders or other powered vehicles capable of flight have joined traditional aircraft banned in the harvest of game in Idaho's hunting rules. Gliders that have been modified to accept motors but are not listed as aircraft by federal aviation authorities could have slipped through a loophole in the Idaho law.… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. You said recently that electronic communication between hunters was not restricted by the Fish and Game Commission after it was discussed with the public. Seems I remember there is a restriction on communication between aircraft and hunters. A. Good catch. That's true: it is illegal in Idaho for people in aircraft… moreNational Wild Turkey Federation To Start Coeur d'Alene Chapter
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The Idaho State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is looking to start a chapter in the Coeur d'Alene area. A public information meeting to discuss the formation of a local chapter has been scheduled for April 9 at 7 pm at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Panhandle Region Office. The office is… moreBluebirds Arriving In Idaho, Nest Boxes Available
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Two species of bluebirds live in Idaho: the western bluebird and the mountain bluebird, our state bird. The mountain bluebird is larger than the western and both are slightly smaller than robins. The male mountain bluebird has a very bright back and is pale blue below. The female is mostly gray with a trace of blue… morePrepare Your Boat Trailer For The Boating Season
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I understand it is 71 degrees in Boise as I write this. Hopefully the folks in Southern Idaho already have their boats ready for the boating season. Judging by the view outside, Panhandle boaters have some time yet to get prepared for the upcoming boating season. At the same time, it is not too early to be preparing… moreHunter Education Class Spaces Still Available
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Official registration for spring rifle hunter education classes ended on March 1. Some of these classes will be offered until the end of May. There are spaces still open in many classes, and individuals may continue to register for them through the Magic Valley Region's Fish and Game Jerome office. Basic rifle… moreDaily Steelhead Limit Hits Five
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Idaho steelhead anglers now have a chance at something they have never seenãoa five-fish daily limit. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the new limits at its Boise meeting March 13-15. The new limits apply through the end of this spring steelhead fishing season, April 30, only in the Salmon and Little Salmon… moreFawn Mortality Normal Except in Southeast
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Mule deer fawns appear to be surviving the winter in normal numbers across southern Idaho except in southeast Idaho. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission heard a report on winter fawn mortality when it met in Boise March 13-15. Fawn mortality trends and causes are sampled in a large study involving the capture and radio… moreAverage Year for Firearms Incidents
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Firearms incidents associated with hunting showed about the same pattern in 2001 as in recent years. In Idaho last year, 13 firearms incidents involving hunting were reported; one was fatal. Statistics have varied only slightly over recent years and continue to indicate a great improvement in safety over hunting… moreCommission Tweaks Big Game Seasons
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission made final changes in this fall's big game seasons but stayed close to the recommendations the department presented to the public prior to the meeting in Boise March 13-15. The timing of seasons in the Boise River Zone, Unit 39, will be changed this fall but the number of rifle hunt… moreSupertags Awarded
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Ten hunters who filed their mandatory hunter harvest reports in a timely fashion can hunt anywhere in Idaho they want to hunt this fall. "Supertags" were drawn by computerized lottery from the 93,620 hunters who filed their harvest reports on time. The timely filers made up 39 percent of all tagholders. Nine of the… more