Peer Review and Comments on Lolo Wolf Control Available

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

Peer reviews and public comments on Idaho Fish and Game's proposal to reduce the number of gray wolves in the Lolo Elk Management Zone in north-central Idaho are available on the Fish and Game Website. The proposal and comments are available at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/. The U.S. Fish and… more

Ask Fish and Game: Controlled Hunt Process

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

Q. How does the controlled draw hunt system work? A. Glad you asked. Here is a simplified version of how the controlled hunt drawing system works: The procedure has been computerized since 1973 and was certified random by Boise State University professors in 1977. Every applicant has the same chance of drawing.… more

Clarification: Elk population estimates

Tue, 02/08/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

The front page story in the February issue of Fish and Game News included elk population estimates that may be misleading. The estimated population in the mid-1990s of 125,000 elk is based on counts conducted in February 1997. The most recent estimate of 103,000 is based on elk counts conducted in March 2010. The… more

Apply Now for Spring Controlled Hunts

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

The application period for spring turkey and black bear controlled hunts ends Tuesday, February 15. Spring turkey and spring black bear seasons start April 15 - some controlled hunts open later. Leftover tags for spring turkey and bear controlled hunts go on sale April 1. Hunters may apply for controlled hunts at… more

Commission Conference Calls Cover Legislative Issues

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet via telephone conference call at 8 a.m., each Thursday until the end of the 2011 Legislative session. Commissioners will discuss legislation of interest to Fish and Game. The calls are open public meetings and will be available at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game… more

Hunter, Bowhunter Education Instructors Needed

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Idaho's hunter education program is looking for new instructors to help meet the growing demand for courses in all Lewiston area communities. Learn more about the program and how to become a hunter education or a bowhunter education instructor at one of several upcoming meetings hosted by the Idaho Department of Fish… more

Super Hunt Entries on Sale Now

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Either way, hunters win when they enter the Super Hunt drawings; they get a chance at winning the hunt of a lifetime, and their entry fee helps support hunter and angler access to and across private lands. Super Hunt is a fund-raising drawing for 40 big game tags. The tags are handed out to winners in two drawings.… more

Salmon Region Hosts Mentored Youth Deer Hunt

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

For the third consecutive year, Idaho Fish and Game joined forces with local landowners to host the annual mentored youth deer hunt. The area's first mentored hunt in 2008 was a way to get youths involved in the outdoors and help control deer numbers. Only two children participated that year, but those involved… more

Tax Check-off Supports Wildlife

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Tax time is approaching and folks have an opportunity to consider supporting Idaho's wildlife. Taxpayers may check the square on their Idaho tax forms to donate any amount of their refund to the Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund administered by Idaho Fish and Game. Other Fish and Game programs aimed at game animals… more

Idaho Fish and Game News is Now Available

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

The February issue of Idaho Fish and Game News is now available. This issue covers deer and elk status statewide and a summary of hunter success over the past decade. It includes brief overviews of whitetails, mule deer and elk population objectives across the state and a short section on possible changes for this… more

Ask Fish and Game: Planning a Hunt

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Q. I'm thinking about applying for a controlled hunt, but I'm not sure where I'd like to hunt. Can you help? A. Glad you asked. The best help other than talking to experienced hunters is at Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/. The site offers detailed… more

Fish and Game Sets Big Game Public Meetings for Southeast Region

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

With the official first day of spring still two months away, it is hard to imagine that it is already time to plan big game regulations for the 2011 hunting season. However, that is exactly what Fish and Game will be doing over the next few months, and we need your input. Please join Fish and Game at a series of… more

Moose, Sheep and Goat Seasons Set

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday, January 27, approved moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons for 2011 and 2012. The number of moose tags dropped, following declining hunt success in central Idaho. The new quota includes 761 tags for antlered bull moose, down by 7 percent from 2009-2010, and 163… more

Forecast Looks Good for Chinook Salmon Season

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

It's not expected to be as good as last year, but the 2011 Chinook salmon return is on track to be the sixth best year since 1980. The fish are still out in the Pacific Ocean, but the forecast for numbers of returning fish are similar to 2008 and 2009. Northwest fish managers estimate that about 198,400 Chinook… more

Winter Big Game Aerial Surveys Under Way

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Idaho Fish and Game is conducting aerial surveys of big game in the elk ecology research study area in Unit 10, the northern portion of the Lolo elk management zone, and in Unit 10A, the Dworshak zone. The helicopter surveys are scheduled during the winter months to cover areas at the same time of the year so that… more

Fish & Game Plans Upper Snake Virtual Public Meetings

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Hunters looking for the locations of public meetings on new ideas about the upcoming big game rules in the Upper Snake Region won't be able to find them. The good news is that they are actually available at anytime and from anywhere that has an Internet connection to YouTube. For decades, Idaho Fish and Game has… more

Should Motorized Hunting Be Regulated?

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

By Mark Gamblin - Idaho Department of Fish and Game The 2010 big game hunting season is now history, with stories of success, near misses, and golden memories for families and friends. Last hunting season was also the first year of implementation for the motorized vehicle hunting rule (MVR) in the Diamond Creek Zone (… more

Ask Fish and Game: Lifetime Licenses

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Q. If I buy a lifetime license and leave the state, do I have to pay nonresident tag fees? A. Yes. The lifetime license is valid regardless of where you live. Over years, you will save serious money on the license itself. But tag fees for nonresidents would apply if you become a resident of another state or country… more