Press Releases and Articles
Fish and Game announces upcoming instructor-led hunter education classes in the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
Do you have someone in your family that needs to take a hunter education or a combo hunter and bow hunter education course? The Magic Valley Region has scheduled several instructor-led classes over the coming weeks across the Magic Valley.
Hunter education classes are required for anyone born after January 1… more
Dead jackrabbit found southwest of the Boise Airport confirmed to have rabbit hemorrhagic disease
| idfg-rphillips
On March 24, Idaho Fish and Game and Idaho State Department of Agriculture confirmed that a black-tailed jackrabbit tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD), a fatal and highly contagious disease that affects animals in the rabbit family, which includes domestic and wild rabbits, hares and pikas. RHD does… more
Interested in helping wildlife? Check out the volunteer opportunities with Fish and Game
| idfg-tthompson
Across the state many people have a strong desire to help others by generously volunteering their time. If you have a passion for wildlife and a desire to help with projects that benefit wildlife, have we got a deal for you!
Fish and Game has a strong volunteer program in each of our seven regions where… more
April 4 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report
| idfg-bbeller
Steelhead angler effort on the upper Salmon River was concentrated near the Pahsimeroi River confluence and upstream of the East Fork in location code 19 during the past week. Angler effort in other areas of the river continued to decrease. Similarly, catch rates improved upstream of the East Fork and declined in the… more
Using GPS technology to understand wildlife migration, habitat use and survival
| idfg-tthompson
Every winter, Fish and Game wildlife biologists across Idaho spend a considerable amount of time capturing and collaring deer, elk and pronghorn that have congregated on winter range. These capture projects provide crucial information that gives wildlife managers a better understanding of where these animals spend… more
Hunter harvest stats show slight drop in elk and mule deer harvested in 2021, significant drop in white-tailed deer due to disease outbreak
| idfg-cliess
Despite deer and elk harvest numbers dropping across the board, numbers have shown to be relatively on track with historic 10-year averages for mule deer and elk. White-tailed deer, however, didn’t fare as well in 2021. As anticipated, the number of white-tailed deer dropped significantly, a decline attributed to a… more
Two mature turkeys shot and left to waste near Upper Fords Creek Rd. outside of Weippe, ID
| idfg-jbruns
On Thursday March 31, IDFG officers discovered two mature tom turkeys that had been shot and left to waste on Winter Creek about 1 mile south of Upper Fords Creek Rd. The birds were likely illegally killed on March 28 or 29. Evidence at the scene indicates the poacher was traveling in the area on a 4-wheeler or side-… more
Tune in for the 2022 Lake Pend Oreille "State of the Lake" meeting April 5 at 6 p.m. PT; view pre-meeting video, submit questions
| idfg-tjross
The pre-recorded video presentation is now available on the State of the Lake" virtual meeting page. Also on this page, you can submit questions about the presentation prior to the virtual meeting, and you can register for the virtual meeting.
Registration is required to participate in the virtual… more
Moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunt application period is now open
| idfg-cliess
The application period for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts is now open and runs through April 30. Hunters can apply online or at any Fish and Game office, license vendor or by telephone by calling (800) 554-8685.
Hunters are reminded that Fish and Game no longer accepts mail-in… more
Kokanee fishing workshops coming to Southwest Idaho on April 2 and April 23
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game and local tackle manufacturer Kokabow Fishing Tackle LLC are partnering to provide a one-stop shop for all things kokanee during two workshops in April.
Idaho Fish and Game staff will be on hand to discuss kokanee biology and management, and talk about the status of our region's most… more
The opportunity to fish for some of the state’s biggest bass is now (and you don’t need to be a seasoned tournament pro to have a successful outing)
| idfg-cliess
During spring, the local weatherman stands before a green screen, strategically circling portions of the state with high and low pressure systems. Predicting spring weather in Idaho can be all over the map. While it might be weeks before most anglers wait for those warm, sunny days to pack coolers and slather on… more
Southwest Region rainbow trout stocking schedule - April
| idfg-bpearson
Fish and Game staff will be stocking more than 41,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout at the following locations across the Southwest Region in April. In addition to the typical catchable-sized fish, Southwest Region hatchery staff will be stocking around 1,500 larger fish in… more
Fish and Game seeks volunteers to plant sagebrush to rehabilitate fire damaged winter range in the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
The Badger Fire in 2020 burned thousands of acres of critical big game winter range and sage grouse habitat in the front country and mountains south of Twin Falls. The intensity of the fire that burned on both BLM and Sawtooth National Forest land destroyed not only mature sagebrush plants but also burned so hot that… more
Young hunters get early shot at a gobbler beginning April 8 near Salmon and Challis
| idfg-mdemick
Fifty young turkey hunters get an early shot during Idaho's Youth-Only controlled turkey hunt that runs April 8 through May 25 in the Salmon and Challis areas.
“These youth-only hunts were created to increase opportunities and promote hunting as a safe, enjoyable and family-oriented activity,” said Dennis… more
'Take Me Fishing Trailer' is returning to Southwest Idaho this spring
| idfg-bpearson
Looking for a fun family friendly activity to enjoy this spring? Look no further than the Fish and Game Take Me Fishing trailer as it travels around the state loaning out all the gear needed to catch fish.
During the events, staff and volunteers will be on-hand to help both kids and adults… more
Helping remove dead wildlife is part of living in a rural town
| idfg-bpearson
As the local deer herd has grown, so has the number of dead and injured deer in town. The McCall Idaho Department of Fish and Game office has received over 50 calls reporting dead or injured deer this winter.
“We are a small office, and have staff in the field during much of the winter conducting wildlife… more
Hunter Education course in Lewiston April 21-23
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game will be hosting a hunter education course in Lewiston April 21-23, 2022. The cost of the class is $9.75. Hunter education is required for all hunters born after January 1st, 1975. If you are interested in attending this course, please register at Event - Hunter Ed Certification:… more
March 28 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report
| idfg-bbeller
Steelhead angler effort on the upper Salmon River began to shift upstream during the past week. The highest amount of angler effort was observed near the Pahsimeroi River confluence in location code 17. Angler effort downstream of North Fork decreased compared to last week's report, and angler effort upstream of… more