Press Releases and Articles
Do Something Wild: Support a Sportsmen's Group
| idfg-mdemick
Looking for something wild to do during the next couple of months? How about attending one of the upcoming sportsmen's banquets? Sportsmen organizations from around the region typically schedule their banquets and fundraisers this time of year. It is the perfect time to get together as fellow outdoors and wildlife… moreFurbearer Trapping Course Scheduled in Coeur d'Alene for March 4-5
| idfg-mdemick
Many of the first Europeans to settle in northern Idaho came to the area to trap furbearing animals. Fur was traded for supplies and used to make coats, hats, gloves and other articles of clothing. In 1809, the first European structure constructed in Idaho was built near Lake Pend Oreille for the Northwest Fur… moreFish and Game to Begin Big Game Aerial Surveys in Clearwater
| idfg-mdemick
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will begin big game aerial surveys in Big Game Management Units 8, 8A, and 11A starting the week of February 1st. Flights are estimated to take approximately 4 weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions. The overall goal is to assess big game population trends, and age… moreIdaho wolf management a success
| idfg-mdemick
By Virgil Moore, director, Idaho Fish and Game When Idaho Fish and Game took over wolf management in 2011, the wolf population had grown unchecked for more than a decade after reaching federal recovery levels of 10 breeding pairs and 100 wolves eleven years earlier. This was due to repeated lawsuits that stalled… moreRadio collars are vital tool for game management
| idfg-mdemick
By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game public information specialist Idaho Fish and Game biologist Craig White recently got a message telling him two elk died, but it didn't come from a colleague or a citizen, it was from a satellite. White is Idaho Fish and Game's Southwest Region Wildlife Manager, and he got an… moreGrangeville angler nets first Idaho catch-and-release record fish
| idfg-mdemick
By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game public information specialist Thomas McLeod set two records with a yellow perch he caught at Lake Cascade in January. His 14.75-inch perch is the new state record for fish caught and released, and he gets an unofficial record as the first person to have a fish recorded in Fish… morePhone scam reported in Magic Valley
| idfg-mdemick
By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game public information specialist A Wendell couple was involved in an attempted scam where a caller claimed to be from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and demanded payment for their failure to report harvest information on time, and threatened them with fines and penalties… moreSpring turkey controlled hunt information available online by Feb 1
| idfg-mdemick
Idaho's 2016 spring turkey information, including controlled hunts, will be available at Fish and Game offices and online by February 1 at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=67. Idaho's spring turkey controlled hunt application period runs February 1- March 1. The new upland game, turkey and… moreCommission to meet in Boise this week
| idfg-mdemick
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will hold their next meeting January 27-28 at Fish and Game Headquarters in Boise. The public hearing will begin at 7 pm, January 27 in the Headquarters trophy room. Citizens are invited to address the commission regarding agenda and non-agenda items at the hearing. All testimony… moreUpland, turkey, furbearer seasons set
| idfg-mdemick
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission set the 2016 and 2017 upland game, turkey and furbearer seasons and rules on Thursday, January 21. Season changes for the next two years include: Panhandle Region: - Extended the fall general turkey season 16 days to December 31 in Units 1, 2 (except Farragut State Park and… moreFish and Game Sets Big Game Scoring Day for February 18 in Idaho Falls
| idfg-mdemick
A Big Game scoring day has been scheduled for Thursday, February 18 at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game office in Idaho Falls. Measuring will be done according to Boone and Crockett standards. Interested sportsmen must bring their antlers, horns or skulls to the Fish and Game office located at 4279 Commerce… moreFish and Game's elk study efforts continue in the Panhandle
| idfg-mdemick
Idaho Fish and Game wildlife biologists have started the third year of a comprehensive elk mortality study. Working with a private helicopter contractor, they have been in the field capturing and collaring elk in the Panhandle region. Cow and calf elk have been fitted with radio collars to monitor their survival… moreWinter tests big game animals, but they’ve adapted to harsh conditions
| idfg-bstuder
After several mild winters in a row, this winter is starting to look a little more "old fashioned" with ample snow in the mountains and frosty temperatures in the valleys, but most big game animals around the state are doing fine so far.
"Contrary to the warmer, wetter conditions predicted during an El… more
Mistake Made During Idaho Fish And Game's Elk-Collaring Project In Wilderness
| idfg-bstuder
During the recent elk capture operation in the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness, an Idaho Fish and Game crew captured and placed tracking collars on four wolves. Fish and Game had told the Forest Service it would not collar wolves during the project. The wolves were released unharmed.
Fish and… more
Winter tests big game animals, but they've adapted to harsh conditions
| idfg-mdemick
By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game, Public Information Specialist After several mild winters in a row, this winter is starting to look a little more "old fashioned" with ample snow in the mountains and frosty temperatures in the valleys, but most big game animals around the state are doing fine so far. "… moreClarification of auction tag survey results
| idfg-mdemick
By Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game, Public Information Specialist In a Jan. 4 news release about results of a survey pertaining to controlled hunts and big game auction tags, there were slight discrepancies caused by rounding errors. Correct survey results are as follows: Asked if it was acceptable for… moreNew bighorn video explains disease research
| idfg-mdemick
At one time, bighorn sheep were widespread throughout the West. But, during westward expansion in the 1800's, populations underwent huge declines due to a number of factors including unregulated hunting, competition with livestock for forage, and diseases transmitted from domestic sheep. By the early 1900s, bighorn… moreApply soon for spring bear and turkey controlled hunts
| idfg-mdemick
The application period for spring turkey controlled hunts opens February 1 and runs to March 1. The spring black bear controlled hunt application period opened January 15 and continues through February 15. Spring turkey and spring black bear seasons start April 15 - some controlled hunts open later. Turkey youth… more