Fawns, Calves and Chicks - Here, There and Everywhere

Mon, 05/25/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Last week I was in Boise where I had the opportunity to see my southwestern Idaho IDFG counterpart, Evin Oneale. He told me about a fawn he had come across in town the day prior, and the sad story that precipitated the event. A whitetail fawn, only a day or two old, was in the middle of a city street in Boise. Its… more

Treasure Valley Ground Squirrel Tests Positive for Plague

Fri, 05/22/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-estansbury

Ground squirrel deaths near Gowen Field prompt testing for plague bacteria. A ground squirrel (whistle pig) found south of Boise has tested positive for plague. Idaho public health officials and Idaho Fish and Game are asking people to take precautions as outdoor summer activities shift into high gear over the long… more

Chinook Salmon Seasons Set on Upper Salmon and South Fork

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The Fish and Game Commission has approved fisheries for 2015 on the Upper Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River. Seasons will open on June 13 on the Upper Salmon and June 19 on the South Fork Salmon. Once open, seasons will remain open until further notice. Limits on both rivers will be four fish per day,… more

New Rules In Effect

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently adopted rules that took effect May 20, clarifying the disabled hunter companion and purchase of leftover youth tags rules, as well as reducing the size of the goose hunting closure in the Hagerman Valley. Disabled Hunter Companion: This revision adds the nonresident… more

Little Salmon River Access Maps and Rules Available Online

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Thanks to a recent land purchase and an access agreement with private landowners along the Little Salmon River near Riggins, Chinook salmon anglers now have additional access to this popular fishery. Anglers are encouraged to view a new Little Salmon River access map and rules available on Fish and Game's website at… more

Please Do Not Pick Up Newborn Fawns

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

A population explosion takes place in the wild around this time every year. Some newborns are already present and visible. Goslings have been out and about growing rapidly for a month now. Other species of birds have hatched young or are incubating eggs. Some bird species have yet to begin nesting. Regardless of the… more

Controlled Hunt Deadline Approaching

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The application period for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, and turkey controlled hunts ends Friday, June 5 - about two weeks away. Hunters may apply for controlled hunts at any hunting and fishing license vendor, Fish and Game office; with a credit card by calling 1-800-55HUNT5; or online at http://… more

Ask Fish and Game: One-day Fishing License

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Q. I am an Idaho resident. Can I buy a one-day fishing license and salmon permit? A. No. Residents can buy a short-term (daily) fishing license but salmon and steelhead permits cannot be purchased on a short-term license. Residents must purchase an annual or 3-year fishing or combination license to purchase a salmon… more

Harvest of Chinook Salmon Ends on Section of Clearwater River

Wed, 05/20/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-estansbury

The Clearwater River will close to all Chinook salmon fishing from the Cherry Lane Bridge upstream to the Orofino Bridge at the end of fishing hours (9:00 p.m. PDT), Friday, May 22. Fishing for Jacks will not be allowed in this section due to the low return of these fish. This closure is being implemented because… more

Catch the Fun on Free Fishing Day June 13th

Wed, 05/20/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

If you have never "dunked a worm" or "wet a fly", you don't know what you are missing! And, here is your chance to find out. Saturday, June 13th, is Free Fishing Day in Idaho, which means anyone can fish without a license on any of Idaho's waters open to fishing. To help celebrate the day, there will be several free… more

Get Outside with the Take Me Fishing Trailer!

Wed, 05/20/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

You don't have to wait until Free Fishing Day to get a chance to fish for free! That's because the Take Me Fishing Trailer is back for its sixth year of spreading fishing fun around the region! The trailer has all the gear and bait you need for the event, and you don't even need a fishing license as long as you… more

Women's Outdoor Workshop Planned

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Women wanting to learn more about the outdoors are invited to attend this one night and one day workshop June 12 and 13, at the Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area, north of Buhl. The workshop, hosted by Women in Nature and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will include courses on Dutch oven cooking, outdoor… more

New Online Hunt Harvest and Drawing Odds Statistics Available

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Hunters can make informed decisions about what controlled hunts to apply for, thanks to a new feature on Fish and Game's website. The easy-to-use online tool lists the 2014 drawing odds and statistics for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats hunts all in one place. The feature makes… more

Commission to Meet In Lewiston This Week

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-estansbury

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider proposed seasons for Chinook salmon fishing on the upper Salmon and South Fork Salmon rivers during a meeting on Wednesday, May 20 in Lewiston. A public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Fish and Game's Clearwater Region office, 3316 16th Street. Persons… more

Free Fishing Day in Idaho is June 13

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Saturday, June 13 is Free Fishing Day in Idaho, and Idaho Fish and Game invites veteran and novice anglers of all ages, residents and nonresidents alike, to celebrate the day by fishing anywhere in Idaho without a license. Though fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other rules, such as… more

Still Time to Enter Super Hunt Drawing

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The deadline to enter the first Super Hunt drawing is Sunday, May 31. The Super Hunt is a fund-raising drawing for 34 big game tags handed out in two drawings. Entries are drawn for elk, deer, pronghorn, and moose tags. Winners can participate in any open hunt in Idaho including general hunts and controlled hunts.… more

Ask Fish and Game: Salmon Season Information

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

Q: It seems the salmon seasons can change quickly. Where can I find the most current season information? A: Anglers can stay up to date with in-season fish counts at Bonneville and Lower Granite Dams, harvest information, hatchery returns, and interactive season maps by checking Idaho Fish and Game's website at… more

Biologists to Present Results from Recent Priest Lake Fishery Studies

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 00:00 | idfg-mdemick

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has been conducting a comprehensive effort to learn more about the Priest Lake fishery. Work began about two years ago with the help of the University of Idaho and the Kalispel Tribe. Interested anglers will soon have an opportunity to learn more about the project in an… more