Press Releases and Articles
Ask Fish and Game
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Q. What license or permit do I need to fish for steelhead? I don't think my fishing rules book has the price right. A. You are correct, the prices in the book are wrong. It was printed late last year, prior to the fee increases approved by the Legislature in the spring. It was reprinted in July, and the prices in the… moreParty Hunting - Common Form of Poaching
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Poaching is defined several ways. Most of the public would agree that shooting an animal and leaving all or some of the meat to rot is poaching. However, too many people sit idly by for a more common form of poaching - party hunting. The unlawful practice of hunters shooting another hunter's game to fill tags can land… moreElk Poacher's Bribe Falls on Deaf Ears
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A poacher's offer of half an elk did little to dissuade two hunters from turning in the culprit. In turn, the poacher, Robert Dechanne of Boise was handed the maximum sentence for the offense by Boise County Magistrate Patricia Young. On October 5, ten days prior to the area's elk season opener, two deer hunters… moreDomestic Animals - Stay Home!
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The MK Nature Center offers an urban haven to many different types of wild animals. Mule deer, raccoons, mink, and great blue herons are just some of the species that find food and shelter at the site. Recently, however, some not so wild animals have been making an appearance. Turtles, cats, kittens, and even dogs… moreDon't Shoot Swans
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With flights of waterfowl from the north country due any time now, hunters are reminded to be careful about swans. If it's bigger than a snow goose, has no black wingtips like a snow goose does, it's a swan. Shooting swans is illegal in Idaho and the result can be a sizeable fine and possible loss of hunting… moreSteelhead Run up 55 Percent
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Recent angler catch rates reflect what fish biologists expected-the best steelhead numbers Idahoans have seen since 1992-93. Through the end of October, biologists counted 104,087 steelhead coming over Lower Granite Dam, the last lower Snake River dam before the run reaches the Idaho border. That is 55 percent higher… moreUnit 28 Forage Recovering
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Fish and Game has received many inquiries regarding the impacts of the Clear Creek Fire on wildlife, particularly big game animals. The Clear Creek fire was one of the nation's largest and most intense wildfires that burned over millions of acres last summer. At more than 200,000 acres, it affected a major portion of… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. Can I trade my deer tag for a Clearwater Region deer tag? A. No. There is no provision in state code or Fish and Game rules for exchange of deer tags after the beginning of the season. However, you can buy a nonresident deer tag for the Clearwater area for $235. Seasons run until mid-late November, or use your… moreIn The Field
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Deer season opened this week in much of the Panhandle Region. A few calls have come in from landowners, upset with hunters on cultivated private property without permission. In the interest of 'cultivating' good relationships between hunters and landowners, this is a good time for all hunters to review Idaho's trespass… moreVegetation Recovering from Fire
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Since the end of summer, Fish and Game has received many inquiries regarding the impacts of the Clear Creek Fire on wildlife, particularly big game animals. The public is not alone in their concerns. Because Unit 28 contains some critical winter range for elk, Fish and Game biologists have been touring the area to record… moreSteelhead Come to the Boise
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Get the big gear ready; steelhead will be released into the Boise River November 3. Anglers have been waiting all this fall in the hope there would be enough hatchery steelhead returning to Idaho to allow releasing some into the Boise River. Fish and Game has to wait until it is evident that hatchery needs will be met… morePheasant Stocking Program Continues
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Legislators indicated satisfaction with current Fish and Game's pheasant stocking program when this year's results were presented to them in a meeting October 24. The bulk of the $200,000 spent on the program goes to stocking more than 14,000 roosters on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across southern Idaho during… moreNew Southwest Supervisor Takes Over
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Don Wright is on the job as Supervisor of the Southwest Region, the largest and by far most populous of Fish and Game's seven regions. Wright has been with the department for almost 30 years, previously serving eight years as Supervisor of the Upper Snake Region. Before that, Wright worked mostly in enforcement in the… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. When do next year's licenses become available? A. December 1, resident and nonresident licenses will be available, as well as nonresident general-season tags.In The Field
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An illegal act in Hayden caused quite a stir this week. A poacher launched an arrow at a doe whitetail deer. Unfortunately, the arrow hit the deer. Fortunately, the arrow struck the scapula and only slightly penetrated the animal's shoulder. Time will tell, but the animal stands a good chance of recovery on its own.… morePheasant Stocking Increases
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Fish and Game will plant about twice as many birds on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) this fall compared to past years. Planting operations will begin this week. Schedules for planting birds are not publicized by the department. The pheasant planting program was increased to more than 14,000 birds on WMAs this fall… moreElk in the Clear Creek Burn: To Feed or Not to Feed?
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The Clear Creek Fire in game management unit 28 has left many people wondering what big game animals, especially elk, will be feeding on this winter. Impressions of a completely charred landscape have led to rumors that Fish and Game will feed wintering elk to make up for a lack of natural food. While a significant loss… moreAll Stop At Check Stations
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Idaho sportsmen take pride in their knowledge of hunting and fishing techniques and safety practices, but there is one basic rule that is sometimes overlooked. According to Idaho Code, "all sportsmen must stop at Fish… more