Press Releases and Articles
Sage Grouse, Yes! Sharp-Tailed, No!
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IDAHO FALLS - As Eastern Idaho once again prepares for the annual sage grouse opener, it is critical that sportsmen are sure of their targets before they squeeze the trigger! Once again this year, the opening of sharp-tailed grouse is delayed until October first because of concern that the birds could be vulnerable to… moreIrrigation Canals Open for Fish Salvage
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De-watered Southwest Idaho irrigation ditches are now open to public fish salvage through December 31, 2001. Because most irrigation ditches are on private land, would-be salvagers must secure landowner permission prior to accessing these canals for fish salvage purposes. Fish that have entered the irrigation system… moreExpanding Turkey Population Means Expanded Fall Hunting
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Similar to the expanding wild turkey population, fall hunting for the large keen-eyed bird continues to expand, and from September 15 to September 30, hunters in the Clearwater, Southeast and Panhandle regions that purchase a general fall turkey tag can harvest either a gobbler or hen. Fall hunts… moreReduction of Fire Closure Aids Hunters
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Meeting in a telephone conference call September 7, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission reviewed the potential impact of the Snowshoe Fire on hunters in Unit 27. As the Forest Service has now reduced its closure to only the immediate fire area, no such action is warranted this year. Commissioners were pleased that… moreHunters Must Report on Deer, Elk and Antelope
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The "mandatory report" system for tracking hunter participation and harvest is back for 2001. Deer, elk and antelope hunters are issued a report form with each tag and must submit the completed form within 10 days of harvest, or of the end of the season for which their tag was valid. This year, hunters can report by… moreSage, Sharp-tailed Grouse Validation Required
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Hunters going out for sage and sharp-tailed grouse must add a $1.50 validation to their hunting licenses. Although sharp-tailed grouse are common in parts of eastern Idaho, they have declined over most of their range for years and have been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Sage grouse numbers… moreBig Lost Access Given to Fish and Game
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Access to the Big Lost River and a permanent piece of open space has come in the form of a gift to Fish and Game from Senator Clint Stennett. Senator Stennett, Ketchum, and the Wood River Land Trust transferred a 0.7-acre piece of Custer County located along the Big Lost River south of the Mackay dam on August 27.… moreBe Careful in the Turkey Woods
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Idaho's turkey hunters have an excellent safety record, but as fall turkey hunting grows, a few cautions are in order. The fall turkey seasons run from September 15-30. General hunts are offered in the Panhandle, Clearwater and four southeast hunting units while western Idaho has a controlled hunt. Unlike spring hunts… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. Are there feral pigs in Idaho? A. No. And if there were, they would not be regulated by Fish and Game, since feral livestock is not classified as game.Hunters Near Orofino Urged To Use Extra Caution
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With archery season in progress and several big game rifle depredation hunts underway near Orofino, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is encouraging hunters to use extra caution when in the field. The rifle depredation hunts for anterless elk and antlerless deer are being conducted in Unit 11A from September 6… moreCourtesy Goes A Long Way When Asking To Hunt On Private Land
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With dove, forest grouse and big game archery seasons underway, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is reminding hunters to get landowner permission before entering private property. Landowner-Sportsmen Relations Coordinator Adam Grove believes the key to gaining permission to hunt private land is common courtesy… moreReduction of Fire Closure Aids Hunters
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Meeting in a telephone conference call September 7, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission reviewed the potential impact of the Snowshoe Fire on hunters in Unit 27. As the Forest Service has now reduced its closure to only the immediate fire area, no such action is warranted this year. Commissioners were pleased that… moreAngler's Reminder: Upper Clearwater No-Motor Rule Goes Into Effect September 15
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Boat anglers who fish the Clearwater River above Orofino are reminded that the "No-motors" rule goes into effect September 15, 2001 through April 30, 2002 from the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino upstream to the mouth of Clear Creek at Kooskia. Anglers may not use motorized watercraft while fishing for steelhead… moreYoung Osprey Rescued In Its Own Nest
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Tuesday, Sept. 5, Utah Power and Idaho Fish and Game cooperatively released an osprey entangled in its own nest. The bird was a recent hatchling occupying a nesting platform erected by Utah Power on the River Road in Firth overlooking the Snake River. Fish and Game was contacted early Tuesday morning at the regional… moreFire Restrictions in Effect
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Because of extremely dry conditions in much of Idaho, several agencies have restricted fire use on public land. Friday, August 31 was the first day of Stage One fire restrictions for much of the public land in Idaho. The restrictions apply on lands of the Boise, Payette and north portion of the Sawtooth national… moreChukar Count Best Since 1987
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Chukar numbers in the Brownlee Reservoir area of the Snake River are the best since the banner year of 1987. The annual helicopter survey of a 12 square mile area along Brownlee Reservoir during the last week of August turned up 1,724 chukar in 127 groups for a 143.7 chukar per square mile average. That is 63 percent… moreDon't Forget Your HIP
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All migratory bird hunters are required to have the $1.50 federal Harvest Information Program validation on their Idaho licenses. Idaho has the dubious distinction of being among the four states with the lowest correlation between the Harvest Information Program survey and the duck stamp survey. About 15 percent of… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. I plan on hunting deer and elk in the archery season that opened August 30. Bear season will also be open. Can I pack a gun to shoot a bear, or am I restricted to using my bow? A. You can take a gun to shoot a bear. Just remember not to shoot your deer or elk with the gun. You would be wise to leave your bow in… more