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Idaho Fish and Game

Press Releases and Articles

Five Conservation Officers Join Fish and Game

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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game welcomes five new conservation officers: - James Pagel is from Wisconsin, but he has spent the past 20 years in the Alaskan bush as an Alaskan Game Trooper and pilot. Pagel will become the Cottonwood conservation officer. - Paul Christensen is a recent graduate of the… more

Deer Poacher Busted

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In early November 2005, Idaho residents lost a special part of their hunting heritage. A trophy seven-by-seven mule deer buck had been poached. Only the head and antlers were taken with the body left to waste. Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers heard about it from a concerned individual. On November 5, 2005… more

Fish and Game Launches Aerial Surveys

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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Magic Valley Region has started surveys to estimate the number of elk on the west side of the Wood River Valley and in the Smoky Mountains. The surveys likely will continue through the end of February. Residents may see a helicopter flying low for short periods of time near… more

Sign up Now for Magic Valley Access Yes! Pilot Program

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Landowners in the Magic Valley Region who are interested in letting hunters or anglers on their private land can get more than money this year. New for 2007, landowners interested in sharing access can get help with repairing a section of fence, a special habitat project or get big game controlled hunt tags, or they… more

Upper Snake Fishing Report Available

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The Upper Snake Region has released its second fisheries report summarizing the past year. The report includes stories about fishing and fishery management in Henrys Lake and the South Fork of the Snake River and other parts of the Upper Snake Regions. It includes updates on mountain whitefish in the Big Lost River… more

Ask Fish and Game - Fiber Optic Sights

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Q. With the new muzzleloader rules, are fiber optic sights legal? A. In short, yes. Fiber optic sights are legal as long as they are not electronic or battery powered. They are permissible if they use only natural light. They gather and amplify natural light to make otherwise open front and rear sights more visible… more

Great Backyard Bird Count Set for February 16-19

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Need a cure for the midwinter doldrums that is fun, easy and free and helps bird conservation? From February 16 through 19, the 10th annual Great Backyard Bird Count will give people of all ages and all levels of experience a chance to discover birds in their neighborhood and "Count for the Record." The four-day… more

Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I understand there are several new commission rules that have changed allowable equipment for big game hunting. Can you explain some of the new rules?" Answer: The commission did change several of the rules allowing some hunters more liberalized opportunity… more

Fish and Game Surveys Mule Deer Hunters

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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has begun work on a new statewide Mule Deer Management Plan, and officials want to hear from mule deer hunters across the state. The department, with the help of the University of Idaho, has sent surveys to a random sample of Idaho mule deer hunters, but game managers also want to… more

Spring Turkey and Black Bear Hunts

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The application period for spring turkey and spring black bear controlled hunts runs out Thursday, February 15. Spring turkey and spring black bear seasons start April 15-some controlled hunts open later. Leftover tags for spring turkey and bear go on sale April 1. A valid 2007 Idaho hunting license is required to… more

Wolf Delisting Rule Available

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to designate and remove northern Rocky Mountain gray wolves from the endangered species list was 1 in the Federal Register Thursday, February 8, and is available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/. Publication of the proposed rule started a 60-day comment… more

Wolf Report: Wolves Unintentionally Killed by Poison

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Federal wildlife agents reported on January 31 that two wolves were killed inadvertently by poison devices placed for coyote control on private land near Riggins. No wolf sign had been seen previously in the area. These are the first wolves in Idaho killed by M-44 devices, which shoot sodium cyanide powder into the… more

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Plan Available for Review

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Anyone interested in the management of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Idaho has 30 days to review and comment on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's management plan. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout management plan is available for review and comment at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/. Public meetings or open… more

Ask Fish and Game - Spring Turkey Controlled Hunt

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Q. I applied for a spring turkey controlled hunt. When will I know if I draw? A. Successful applicants for spring turkey and bear hunts will be notified by postcard by March 10. You can also check your status through the Idaho Fish and Game Website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/.

Hunter Education Class Alternatives Available

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Prospective hunter and bowhunter education students in Long Valley, Round Valley, Council country and elsewhere in the state, have the options of home study or online courses. "We wanted folks to know that these options were available," Fish and Game wildlife educator Dan Papp said. "Public demand for classes… more

Hunter Education Classes Plentiful

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Now is the time to register and complete an Idaho Department of Fish and Game hunter education class. Registration is easy and convenient, and this time of year, there are a number of classes to choose from. "We have several options available for both hunter education and bowhunter education," Fish and Game… more

Critters for Sale, Traps and Fishing Poles Too

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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game plans its annual auction of seized items in Idaho Falls on Saturday, April 7. The auction of found, forfeited, and seized items by Fish and Game is an annual happening - known to many as The Fur Sale. Most of the auction items are furs and hides found, confiscated or seized by… more

Register February 14 for Lewiston-area Hunter Ed

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Though the Idaho spring turkey hunting season is a few months away, now is the time for future hunters to register for a hunter education course. On Wednesday, February 14, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will begin student registration for courses being offered March through April in the Lewiston area.… more