Press Releases and Articles
Fish and Game conducts big game surveys across the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
Over the next several weeks wildlife biologists from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be flying surveys for mule deer and elk across many of the region’s game management units. The purpose of these surveys is gather abundance and herd composition information that help game managers understand population… more
Banding data crucial to studying returning waterfowl
| idfg-bpearson
Waterfowl bands have a special place in waterfowl hunting, and they are part of a long-running program where wildlife managers trap waterfowl, usually during late summer, and place small metal bands on the legs of ducks and geese to track migrations and populations.
As those banded birds migrate, they are… more
Do your part to protect wintering wildlife by leaving animals undisturbed
| idfg-rphillips
Winter is a challenging season for Idaho’s wildlife, especially for big game animals that migrate to lower elevations and spend winter closer to people than during other seasons. People can help animals by leaving them undisturbed so they have a better chance to survive winter.
What do we know about… more
Watch for wildlife on the roads during your holiday travels
| idfg-jjackson
As winter weather brings on a winter wonderland, it also increases the movement of big game, namely mule deer, elk, and moose. Animals will migrate to lower elevations where there is usually less snow, warmer temperatures, and available vegetation for browsing and thermal cover. To get to their winter ranges, animals… more
Cow and calf moose relocated from Kendrick city limits
| idfg-jbruns
During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for moose to roam through towns as they move to lower elevations to avoid deep winter snow, take advantage of milder weather and gorge on tasty snacks in the form of expensive landscaping, fruit trees or agricultural feed.
Idaho Fish and Game received reports of a… more
F&G Commission approves agreement with Wyoming and Montana to manage grizzly bears
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Dec. 16 approved an updated “Memorandum of Agreement” between Idaho, Wyoming and Montana regarding state grizzly bear management commitments in support of delisting the bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Wyoming and Montana’s commission have also approved the MOA.
… more
Hunters and anglers using boats urged to use caution this winter
| idfg-cliess
Temperatures (and snow) are falling across much of the state. With the onset of cold air and water temperatures, anglers and waterfowl hunters are encouraged to take precautions and practice boating safety this winter.
Nearly every year, there is a boating accident in Idaho involving… more
Twin Bridges boat ramp construction begins Dec 16
| idfg-jbruns
Access to Twin Bridges boat ramp along the Salmon River will be closed due to construction. If all goes smoothly, ramps should be reopened by the end of January, 2022. The purpose of the construction is to extend and reinforce the boat ramp for a safer launch of boats. Contact the Lewiston regional office for more… more
F&G partners with landowners in the Teton Canyon area to protect wintering big game
| idfg-jlocke
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has partnered with multiple private landowners in the Hog Hollow area on the north side of Teton Canyon to limit winter disturbance to wildlife by reducing unauthorized snowmobile traffic on private lands. Approximately 17,000 acres of private land will be signed closed to… more
Pheasant stocking is nearly done in the Panhandle and elsewhere in the state as Christmas approaches
| idfg-tjross
It’s not too late to try your hand at pheasant hunting this year!
In the Panhandle Region, pheasant will be stocked at the Boundary-Smith Creek WMA and the Lane Marsh parcel on the CDA River WMA through the week of Dec. 19; the season ends on… more
The 'biggest fish' stories of 2021
| idfg-cliess
You might be thinking, “It’s pretty hard to top 2020’s string of record-setting fish,” but then in walks 2021 like the ’27 New York Yankees. This year, anglers from all across the country flocked to Idaho’s numerous fisheries and amounted some incredible new state records, from carp to cutthroat trout.
In… more
Caribou-Targhee National Forest announces their annual winter travel restrictions
| idfg-jbrower
The following is a press release from the United States Forest Service (USFS):
Annual winter restrictions on the Targhee ForestKnow the Rules Before You Head Out
EASTERN IDAHO, Dec. 7, 2021-- Days are becoming shorter, and we are trading in our tennis shoes for snow boots as we make way for winter… more
The Great Migration: Where Idaho’s ducks come from
| idfg-cliess
When temperatures fall in December and January, duck hunting across much of Idaho often heats up with the arrival of “northern birds.” But exactly where in the north are these birds coming from? Generally speaking, the likeliest answer for Idaho hunters is north of the border.
In a 2017 study, researchers at… more
Wildlife Express: learn about a secretive forest dweller, the American marten
| idfg-cliess
You may hear people call American martens pine martens because they live in dense forests. These pointy-faced members of the weasel family are as crafty as they are cute. American martens can grow between 18 and 26 inches long, and spend their days poking around coniferous forests in search of voles, their favorite… more
Wolf trapper education classes coming to many regions in Idaho this winter
| idfg-tjross
Wolf trapper education classes are being offered by Idaho Fish and Game in the Panhandle, Clearwater, Southwest (Nampa and McCall) and Southeast regions in Dec. and Jan. Online registration is now open!
Here’s what you need to know if you wish to take a… more
Heavy construction underway on the Clark Fork Delta Restoration Project
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game has started Phase 3 of the Clark Fork Delta Restoration Project.
Although construction activities continue to require closure of the Clark Fork Driftyard access site, which is located within the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area, sportsmen can… more
North Idaho man's close call with a bull moose is a reminder of the dangers of wild animals
| idfg-tjross
Staff with Idaho Fish and Game received a phone call from a man in North Idaho on Dec. 8 reporting that he had been attacked by a bull moose. The encounter occurred at his property just outside of Coeur d’Alene.
The man’s step-daughter went into their barn to gather hay for their horse. Upon entering… more
BLM announces annual winter closure of Stinking Springs and Egin-Hamer areas to protect wildlife
| idfg-jbrower
The following is a press release from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
STINKING SPRINGS, EGIN AREA TEMPORARILY CLOSED OVER WINTER TO PROTECT WILDLIFEIDAHO FALLS, Idaho – In collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), the Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office… more