Press Releases and Articles
North Idaho Timber Group reopens lands closed due to wildfire risks
| idfg-rphillips
The North Idaho Timber Group, comprised of Hancock Forest Management, Molpus Woodlands Group, and Stimson Lumber Company, is opening access to private timberlands offered through Idaho Fish and Games’ private land access Large Tracts Program.
Forest conditions are improving with recent rain and cooler… more
Mild winter and hot summer likely to create a mixed bag for upland bird hunters
| idfg-rphillips
Upland bird hunters will likely see average to below-average numbers of upland game birds this fall in most parts of the state with the mild winter benefiting many species, but the hot, dry summer likely hurting survival of young birds that can boost populations when conditions are better.
… more
Returned big game and sage grouse tags go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT on Thursday, Sept. 16
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game will sell returned big game tags and sage grouse tags starting at 10 a.m. MDT on Sept. 16. Tags can be purchased on a first-come, first served basis at Fish and Game offices during normal business hours, at license vendors, online at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, or by calling (800) 554-8685. A list of… more
Ring-necked pheasants were transplanted into Idaho over 100 years ago and are a prized game bird
| idfg-aevans
If you would like to try pheasant hunting, youth seasons for licensed hunters 17 years or younger run Oct. 2-8. Youth must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Adult seasons vary across the state depending on area and whether the hunter is a resident or nonresident. Check the Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer… more
Conditions report for waterfowl hunting on Market Lake WMA during the 2021 season
| idfg-jbrower
Drought conditions have resulted in lower than expected water levels in the marshes at Market Lake. Waterfowl hunters will find conditions to be similar to the 2020 season with limited boat access but an abundance of ducks and geese.
While not great news for boaters, shallow water… more
Video: Biologists snorkel headwaters streams to seek and count young salmon and steelhead
| idfg-sputnam
By Colette Crawford, 2021 Lewiston Wild Salmon and Steelhead Snorkel Crew Member
Chinook salmon and steelhead trout populations have been returning to Idaho to spawn for thousands of years. Recently, their numbers have been adversely affected by many factors and we have a neat way to track these trends.… more
Fish salvage order issued for the Big Wood River from Diversion 45 (in Bellevue) to Glendale Road Bridge
| idfg-jthiessen
The Big Wood Canal Company and Wood River Land Trust recently notified Fish and Game of critically low water conditions in the Big Wood River, below Diversion 45 near the town of Bellevue, ID. Due to low flow conditions in the river below Diversion 45, which is already partially dry, Fish and Game has… more
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease detected in white-tailed deer in the Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
Multiple samples collected from dead deer in the Panhandle have tested positive for epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
The diseased deer were recently discovered in big game units 2 and 5 in the Plummer, Coeur d’Alene and Rathdrum areas. Fish and Game has also received reports of dead deer in locations ranging… more
F&G will survey sections of the Big Wood River in September
| idfg-dmccarrick
Every three years, Idaho Fish and Game staff conduct a population survey on the Big Wood River. Three sections of the river will be surveyed: north of Ketchum, near Gimlet, and near Hailey. Monitoring population trends allow fisheries biologists to assess the overall health of the population and evaluate the… more
Fish and Game is seeking information on illegal poaching of a black bear sow in Hills Resort area of N. Idaho
| idfg-tjross
What happened
On Sep. 9 Fish and Game staff located a female black bear that had been shot and left to waste near Hills Resort on Priest Lake in North Idaho.
As any local will attest to, Priest Lake is not only known for its beauty, but also for its high densities of both black and grizzly bears.… more
Hunting season is here! Call 800-632-5999 if you see a violation of wildlife law
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho’s wildlife need your help. Idaho Conservation Officers cannot possibly cover the large areas they are assigned. Citizens can call the hotline any time of day or night and report information to an actual person.
"We simply cannot provide the expected level wildlife protection without help from citizens,"… more
Wildlife Express: Moose are magnificent!
| idfg-scassinelli
Moose may look big and awkward, but they really are powerful and graceful creatures. Usually found near wet meadows, streams, lakes, and ponds, you might also see moose in Idaho’s towns and cities during winter or early spring. It’s important to remember moose are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Moose… more
Remember to allow up to 10 days delivery time when ordering tags online or by phone
| idfg-rphillips
Ordering online or by phone is a convenient way to buy your hunting/fishing licenses and permits, but sportsmen and women are reminded to allow enough time for their products to be mailed before their outings. Fish and Game recommends allowing 10 days for hunting tags to arrive. (Note: the items are processed and… more
F&G reminds upland bird hunters of new sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse requirements
| idfg-bpearson
With the sage-grouse season in Idaho just around the corner, Fish and Game reminds upland bird hunters of new sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse requirements for the 2021 hunting season. Hunters are now required to purchase a zone-specific tag for sage-grouse hunting, in addition to a hunting license. A separate… more
Boundary Fire emergency closure expanded
| idfg-bpearson
Editor's Note: The Boundary Fire Area Closure was expanded again on Sept. 9, and the attached map has been updated accordingly. For the most current information, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/On Friday, Sept. 3, the Salmon-Challis National Forest expanded the Boundary Fire Emergency Area, Road, and… more
Fish salvage order issued for Johnson Reservoir near Preston
| idfg-jjackson
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for Johnson Reservoir near Preston in Franklin County, effective September 8, 2021 through October 31, 2021.
During the salvage order timeline at Johnson Reservoir:
● Fish may be taken by any method except use of… more
IDL and Potlatch close Bingo Creek Road in the Clearwater Region for logging project
| idfg-rphillips
PotlatchDeltic and Idaho Department of Lands jointly announced the temporary closure of Bingo Creek Road and all its tributaries. Until Dec. 31, this narrow one-lane road will remain closed to all recreational activities and public entry.
Due to recent wildfires, both… more
Winter flows to be reduced in the lower Boise River
| idfg-bpearson
The United States Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will reduce winter streamflow maintenance flows in the lower Boise River from the traditional 240 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 210 cfs during the upcoming winter of 2021/2022. The reduction is necessary due to the… more