Press Releases and Articles
Pick up controlled hunt tag now
| idfg-staff
JEROME - With controlled hunt results out for deer, elk, pronghorn, and fall bear, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is urging sportsmen to pick up their permits and tags now to avoid the last minute rush of the August 1 deadline. "Every year we have people call or drop by the office after the deadline and try to… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "What are the rules for proper disposal of fish entrails? Can I dispose of them back into the water?" Answer: By the letter of the law (Idaho Code 18-7031), throwing fish entrails back into the water is "littering." This law in part says, "It shall… moreClosing An Idaho Salmon Season
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By Paul Janssen, Regional Fisheries Biologist "Say what! The salmon season is closing already? The river is full of salmon and fishing is just getting really good. How can that be?" Does this comment sound familiar? It is one that Fish and Game staff hear often, generally on the heels of an announcement closing a… moreNampa Man Loses Hunting Privilege for Life
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Teamwork resulted in a Nampa man losing his hunting privileges for life. Concerned hunters, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the department's Wildlife Health Laboratory and the Idaho County Sheriff's Office all worked together to bring a moose poacher to justice. On June 5 in Idaho County Court, Farrell E.… moreFish and Game Commission to Meet in Idaho Falls
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will start their quarterly meeting in the Upper Snake Region with a first-hand view of fishery management on a trip down the South Fork of the Snake on Wednesday, July 12. After preliminary business, starting at 8 a.m. Thursday July 13, the commission will get down to business by… moreIdaho Authorizes Wolves Killed
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In response to several livestock depredation incidents in June in Idaho, four wolves have been killed, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has authorized three more to be removed. Under federal rules that changed in 2005 and an agreement between Idaho and the federal government signed in January, Idaho took over… moreThe Rainbows Are Biting In C.J.
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By Joe Kozfkay, Fisheries Biologist, IDFG, Southwest Region Mention the possibility of fishing at C.J. Strike Reservoir to any of Idaho's multi-species anglers, and their heads may explode. Too many possibilities and just too little time. Should you cast small jigs in the tules for crappie and bluegill, or… moreNoxious Weeds are a Growing Problem
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Whether it's wading through yellow starthistle while hunting upland game or finding only knapweed when looking for grass for a pack string on an elk hunt, most outdoor enthusiasts know the annoyance of noxious weeds. While annoying to humans, weeds can be lethal to wildlife. Weeds can degrade plant composition and… moreBrook Trout: Idaho's Most Popular Non-native Trout
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By Kevin Meyer, Fisheries Research Biologist, IDFG, Southwest Region Many anglers love to fish small creeks, brushy beaver ponds, or even high mountain lakes to catch a mess of fish for the frying pan back at camp. One fish in Idaho that is well adapted to all of these environments is the brook trout. But brook… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. With spring salmon season closed, can I still fish catch-and-release for salmon? A. You can't fish for salmon in areas closed to salmon fishing-not even catch and release. You can fish for other species that are open for fishing in waters that have salmon. But if you unintentionally hook a salmon it must be… moreSpring Chinook Fishing Closed Statewide
| idfg-nnokkentved
Tuesday morning, June 27, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game closed spring Chinook salmon fishing statewide. The department director's office signed a closure notice for the Little Salmon River effective Tuesday. The harvest target for spring hatchery Chinook in the Little Salmon has been reached. The Idaho Fish… moreNew Disabled License Rule Adopted
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Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday morning, June 22, adopted amended rules for disabled hunting and fishing licenses. Commissioners adopted rules that would grant reduced cost licenses to hunters and anglers with "permanent disabilities," as directed by new state legislation that takes effect July 1. The law… moreDeadline to Buy Controlled Hunt Permits
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Big game hunters must buy controlled hunt permits and tags by August 1. Any permits and tags not purchased by that date will be forfeit. After a second drawing, any left over permits and tags are sold over the counter. Results of deer, elk, antelope and fall black bear controlled hunt drawings are available on the… moreControlled Hunt Draw Results Online
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Hunters who applied for elk, deer, antelope and bear controlled hunts can learn online whether or not they were successful in the recent computerized drawing. Applicants can enter their hunting license numbers to find out instantly how they did in the drawing. Results are featured in the hunting section of the Idaho… moreElmore County Horse Shows West Nile Virus
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A horse in Elmore County has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Idaho Department of Agriculture announced Friday, June 23. Magpies in Gem and Gooding counties also have tested positive for West Nile virus. In 2005, West Nile virus turned up in 15 of Idaho's 44 counties, infecting 13 humans, 114 horses,… moreUtah Angler Loses Hunting, Fishing Privileges
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A Utah man will have three years to ponder the bargain that is an Idaho fishing license. Christopher Berry, 31, of Hill Air Force Base, won't be able to fish or hunt in Idaho for the next three years and must pay $894 in fines, court costs and civil penalties, as well as forfeit two sturgeon rods, following a Memorial… moreAsk Fish and Game:
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Q. Can I shoot carp with my cross-bow? A. Yes, but only in waters that are open for taking game fish. According to the Fish and Game rule book, fishing with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or mechanical device, excluding firearms, is permitted only for taking bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish - such as carp -… moreSouth Fork Salmon Season May be Short
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The preseason expectation was for a return of hatchery summer Chinook to the South Fork of the Salmon River similar to the return in 2005, but the fish are not cooperating. The recommendation to open the South Fork to salmon fishing was based on a forecast that 2,500 to 3,100 summer Chinook raised at the McCall Fish… more