Press Releases and Articles
Grow Your Own Birds
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By Tiege Ulschmid - Idaho Department of Fish and Game Whether it is a rooster pheasant perched atop a weathered fence post or covey of quail chasing insects, many Idahoans have discovered the pleasure of observing upland game birds, even from their own windows. Through proper planning and a little work,… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I recently noticed ground squirrels and rock chucks out and about. What are the rules about shooting ground squirrels?" Answer: The sage brush flats north of Mountain Home are a popular shooting destination for hunters in search of ground squirrels.… moreTake a Kid Fishing
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By Lance Hebdon, Fisheries Biologist, Southwest Region Taken as a whole, last year wasn't the best fishing year of my fishing career spanning some 30 years. I managed to catch a chinook salmon on the South Fork of the Salmon River and a couple steelhead in the shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains, and my first smallmouth… moreBackcountry Officers
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By Jon Hunter, Conservation Officer, Southwest Region Since 1899 when Idaho's state legislature appointed Charles Arbuckle as the first State Game Warden, the guardians of Idaho's wildlife have spent at least part of their time on horseback. Even today, horses remain a mainstay for the backcountry Conservation Officer… moreBig Game Trophy Measuring Day Set
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Many hunters have reported great success this past hunting season with numerous reports of big trophies being harvested. Hunters who took trophy animals last season or any past season have a golden opportunity to have them measured by certified measurers. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled a trophy… moreCommissioners to Set Big Game Rules
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Idaho Fish and Game commissioners will meet in Boise March 1-3 to tackle big game seasons and limits, hear updates on wolf management, the 2008 budget and the prospects for a spring Chinook salmon season. The special meeting will kick off with a public hearing at 7 p.m. March 1 in the Trophy Room at Fish and Game… moreLegislature Weighs in on Wolf Management
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The Idaho Legislature is considering a joint resolution urging the U.S. Forest Service to issue a permit to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to land helicopters in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness to help monitor wolves. Fish and Game biologists have asked the U.S. Forest Service for permission to… moreComment Period on Yellowstone Grizzly Delisting Extended
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has extended the public comment period on its proposal to remove the Yellowstone population of grizzly bears from the endangered species list. Robust population growth, coupled with state and federal efforts widespread public support and development of adequate regulatory mechanisms… moreFish Advisory Issued for Priest Lake
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The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has issued a fish consumption advisory for Priest Lake for pregnant women and children because of mercury levels found in lake trout. The mercury levels in lake trout do not pose a health threat for the general public, but could affect unborn or small children. Priest Lake is… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. If the deer or elk I shot in Wyoming this past season checked positive for chronic wasting disease, can I get sick from eating the meat now stored in my freezer? A. No evidence exists that anyone has yet. But public health officials caution hunters to avoid handling brains, spinal columns and lymph nodes when field… moreBig Game Season Open Houses Slated
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Though months away, the 2006 hunting season is up for discussion at a series of open houses hosted by Fish and Game. Plan now to attend and provide input that will help shape this fall's hunting seasons in Idaho's Southwest region. To learn more about the meetings, contact Fish and Game's Nampa office at 465-8465 or the… morePublic Comments Sought on Big Game Season Proposals
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Although we are in late February, Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Managers are already thinking about the fall hunting seasons, and they want your input. Big game scoping meetings are coming up throughout Idaho. Fish and Game uses the meetings to share data on big game populations and harvest goals with hunters. At the… moreMule Deer Committee Meets
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Recent concerns about an apparently expanding mule deer population in Salmon has prompted the formation of a "Mule Deer Committee." Made up of representatives from the Police Department, Fish and Game, City Council, as well as the City of Salmon, the committee hopes to address concerns of residents. One of the… morePublic Comments on Wolf Proposal
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They came early and stayed for most of the four-hour hearing. A standing-room-only crowd of more than 140 filled the meeting room of the Idaho Fish and Game Department's Lewiston office. They listened intently to the 33 who spoke on a state proposal to remove up to 43 wolves in two game management units in the Clearwater… moreDuck Hunter Survey Released
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The biggest survey of duck hunters ever done shows majorities fairly satisfied with the existing seasons and bag limits. Results of the survey were released February 9. The survey was conducted for the National Flyway Council and the Wildlife Management Institute. The study of more than 10,000 duck hunters… moreCommission to Consider Big Game Seasons
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Most hunters' freezers may be packed with wild game from last season, but they may want to set aside some time in the first week of March, when the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is expected to set the seasons for big game hunts. The meeting was moved up to March 1-3 because of a scheduling conflict. The earlier date… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. How are the views of Idaho residents who oppose hunting, except for people who hunt to survive, represented on the Fish and Game Commission and in policies of the department? A. Under state law, the Fish and Game Commission is charged with responsibility to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage "(a)ll wildlife,… moreBobcat Pelt Checkpoint to be Held at IDFG Public Meeting
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GRANGEVILLE - With the bobcat season closing February 16, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) reminds bobcat hunters and trappers that they have until Monday, February 27th to present their pelts to any IDFG regional office, the McCall office or an official check-point to obtain the appropriate tags and complete… more