Press Releases and Articles
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for February 2025 in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-tthompson
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 6,850 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in February. The stocking date and numbers of fish are approximate.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates… more
Fish and Game to offer instructor-led hunter education classes in the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
Are you or someone in your family in need of a hunter education class? Anyone born after January 1, 1975, is required to successfully pass a hunter education class before they can purchase a hunting license and hunt in Idaho.
The Magic Valley Region will be offering at least two instructor-led hunter… more
Yes, you can actually tie flies using leftover wild game materials. Here’s how
| idfg-cliess
Already, you might be thinking: Why on Earth would I want to try tying my own flies when I can go down to my local fly shop and pick up a dozen for pennies on the dollar? Hey, you’re not wrong. Afterall, pretty much any sporting goods store or mom-and-pop tackle shop are going to have more flies than a county landfill… more
Idaho Fish and Game euthanizes mountain lion which killed pet goats at Pocatello residence
| idfg-jjackson
On the morning of Feb. 4, Idaho Department of Fish and Game personnel lethally removed an adult female mountain lion from a Pocatello residential area.
A homeowner in the Johnny Creek area in south Pocatello reported that the mountain lion had killed two pet goats in proximity to his home, prompting Fish… more
Fish and Game to hold big game season setting open houses in the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
Wildlife biologists from the Magic Valley Region will be hosting a series of big game seasons setting public open houses in February across the region. The purpose of these open houses is to provide information about proposed changes to big game seasons for the 2025 and 2026 hunting seasons, and to accept public… more
The State of Deer and Elk: Antlerless Management (VIDEO)
| idfg-cliess
In the twelfth episode of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game Southwest Region Wildlife Manager Ryan Walrath discusses the importance of antlerless management and the role it plays in herd productivity and achieving deer and elk management objectives.
After March 5, 3-year licenses will be ineligible for Price Lock
| idfg-cliess
During its Jan. 29 meeting (rewatch here), the Idaho Fish and Game Commission amended the Price Lock Discount Order.
After March 5, customers will no longer be able to opt into Idaho Fish and Game's Price Lock program by purchasing a 3-year license or by purchasing a lifetime certificate. There will be no change… more
The State of Deer and Elk: Trophy Management (VIDEO)
| idfg-cliess
In the eleventh episode of Fish and Game’s ‘State of Deer and Elk’ series, Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Biologist Eric Freeman discusses the different aspects of deer management, including more opportunity vs. more mature bucks.
32nd Annual Hyde Pond Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby a Success
| idfg-mdemick
By Brett Kelly, IDFG Fisheries Biologist, Salmon Region
Over 70 young anglers braved the winter weather at the 32nd Annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby held at Hyde Pond on Saturday, February 1.
While most participants were from Lemhi and Custer counties, kids from all across southeastern Idaho… more
F&G Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee to meet Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. MST in Boise and virtually
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee will hold its second meeting on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. MST at Fish and Game's headquarters building at 600 S. Walnut Street in Boise. The meeting will be streamed live via Zoom. However, members of the public in attendance or online can observe the meeting,… more
ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting Jan. 29, 2025
| idfg-cliess
Watch the full recap of the Jan. 29, 2025 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Boise.
Topics covered include: 2025-2030 Idaho Black Bear Management Plan, Non-Resident Tag Issuance Advisory Group Recommendations, and the 2025-2026 Season Setting for Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat.
Southeast Region Winter Feeding Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 4
| idfg-jjackson
Members of the Southeast Region Winter Feeding Advisory Committee (WFAC) will meet on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. to assist Idaho Fish and Game with the assessment of winter conditions and observations related to big game animals (movements, depredations, activity on roadways, body conditions, mortalities) in the Southeast Region… more
Application deadline extended for Idaho Master Naturalist 2025 registration
| idfg-jjackson
The High Desert Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists in southeast Idaho has extended its application deadline to Feb. 6 for those interested in becoming a certified master naturalist in 2025. Those who love the outdoors and learning more about southeast Idaho’s wildlife, habitats, and other natural resources… more
F&G surveying mule deer across southern Idaho units, here's what they're looking for
| idfg-bpearson
Beginning at the end of January and for the few weeks, wildlife biologists from several regions in southern Idaho will be flying a mule deer abundance survey on winter range in the Smoky-Boise DAU, which includes portions of Units 39, 45, 48, 49, 50, 52, 52A, and 53.
Two to three helicopters will be used because… more
Bureau of Reclamation enforcing vehicle restrictions on Hot Springs Wildlife Management Area of Lake Cascade
| idfg-jmessner
January has been very cold and has brought virtually no snow to Valley County, which has been great for ice conditions on Lake Cascade but has created issues for unauthorized use of Bureau of Reclamation land surrounding the reservoir. Anglers have begun creating a parking area on the Hot Springs Wildlife… more
Nonresidents need a valid Idaho big game hunting license to gather antlers in Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
This time of year, shed hunters get excited about hitting the hills looking for antlers dropped by Idaho’s big game animals. However, it is important to remember that those who are not legal Idaho residents are now required to purchase a nonresident Idaho license for hunting big game in order to legally pick-up… more
Aerial seeding in Valley Fire burn area will take place on Jan. 30
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game will be using a helicopter to aerially seed sagebrush on the Boise River Wildlife Management Area on Thursday, Jan. 30 – part of the ongoing habitat rehabilitation efforts following the 2024 Valley Fire.
The area being seeded is within the portion of the WMA that is closed to the public… more
River otter trapping closed for the season in the Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
The river otter trapping season in the Panhandle Region closed on Jan. 27 after the harvest quota was met on Jan. 24.
River otters must be presented at the Panhandle Region office in Coeur d'Alene to obtain the appropriate pelt tag within 72 hours of harvest. Any trapper who has already reached their… more