Press Releases and Articles
Why you should buy your 2026 hunting/fishing license now, not later
| idfg-cliess
A lot of sportsmen see the cold, bitter months of January and February as the so-called “off-season.” It’s easy to see why — you step foot outside and instantly need a defroster for your lungs.
But with a little bit of mental preparation, the right gear, and (most importantly) an up-to-date hunting and/or… more
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for January 2026 in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 900 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in January, all in Filer Kid’s Pond and Filer Pond. The stocking date and numbers of fish are approximate.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond… more
Chronic wasting disease detected for the first time in Unit 15 south of Grangeville
| idfg-rphillips
A white-tailed buck harvested in Unit 15 south of Grangeville has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. It is the first detection in this hunting unit, but near CWD detections in Unit 14.
The location where the animal was killed is about 20 miles from Slate Creek where CWD was first… more
How white-tailed deer, beavers and loggers share a fascinating chapter in Idaho's natural history
| idfg-rphillips
Beavers and loggers have some obvious things in common, but beavers, loggers and white-tailed deer are linked in Idaho’s natural history in significant ways you might not expect.
Beavers were among the main reasons for early explorers to travel into Idaho, and when early fur trappers arrived, they found… more
The Birds and The Seeds: Let’s talk about winter bird feeding
| idfg-cliess
We all know that neighbor that takes bird feeding to Olympic games-level extremes. With tree limbs sagging under the weight of countless feeders and a back lawn that looks like it was ripped straight from Augusta Country Club, they stand out on their back porch with arms outstretched as a myriad of birds swoop in to… more
Important dates to help plan your January
| idfg-cliess
From tags sales to season closures, there’s a lot happening in Idaho during January that you should be aware of. Staying in the loop can be the difference between applying for that coveted controlled hunt tag and watching from the sidelines.
Be sure to stay up to date on all Fish and Game happenings. Here are… more
(VIDEO & PODCAST): Good Neighbors in the Clearwater Region
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game is tasked with managing all of Idaho’s wildlife. However, Fish and Game owns less than 1% of available habitat across the state of Idaho. To do good things for wildlife and make large scale habitat improvements, it’s necessary to work collaboratively with other landowners in Idaho. The Nez Perce… more
Pneumonia outbreak detected in Reynolds Creek bighorn sheep in Southwest Idaho
| idfg-bpearson
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M.ovi) was detected in the small herd of approximately 30 California bighorn sheep in Reynolds Creek, Unit 40, during routine disease surveillance in mid-December.
The bighorns in Reynolds Creek are one of several herds of California… more
Wolf trapper certification courses slated throughout the state for 2026
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game is offering wolf trapper certification courses in 2026 throughout the state starting in January.
January and February courses include: Jan. 24: Lewiston, Fish and Game Clearwater Regional Office Feb. 7: Idaho Falls, Fish and Game Upper Snake Regional Office Feb. 7: Sandpoint, Bonner County… more
Idaho Fish and Game to provide trapper, wolf trapper, and hunter education classes in Glenns Ferry
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Whether you’re new to trapping, interested in wolf trapping, or preparing to hunt for the first time, Idaho Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will offer three education opportunities in Glenns Ferry over the coming months.
Trapper, wolf trapper, and hunter education classes are designed to give students… more
Four moose relocated from University of Idaho arboretum
| idfg-jbruns
On Dec. 18, Fish and Game successfully relocated a cow moose, bull and two calves from the University of Idaho arboretum to a more suitable habitat several miles outside of town. While the public enjoys the presence of these amazing animals, their prolonged stay in populated areas can pose safety concerns for both… more
Idaho Fish and Game has entered into a new Good Neighbor agreement with the Forest Service under the EXPLORE Act
| idfg-jbruns
This marks the third GNA agreement in the Clearwater region, strengthening partnerships to restore wildlife habitat, improve forest management, and enhance recreation opportunities. Approximately $1.4 million in funding is tied to projects under this agreement, supporting initiatives that will benefit Idaho’s wildlife… more
Fish and Game completes fish survey in the Snake River below American Falls Dam in southeast Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
Using electrofishing equipment and a drift boat, Idaho Fish and Game staff and volunteers completed a fish survey on a section of the Snake River below American Falls Dam in November. Photo courtesy IDFG.
Bridge replacement to temporarily close the boardwalk and kayak launch at Billingsley Creek (South) in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Idaho Fish and Game's Billingsley Creek South boardwalk and kayak launch will soon undergo a Monday-Friday closure beginning January 26, through approximately November 13, 2026. The closure is necessary for public safety while the local highway department removes and replaces the bridge over Billingsley Creek. … more
F&G's Frank C. Jones boating access site near King Hill reopened Dec. 13
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Idaho Fish and Game’s Frank C. Jones King Hill fishing and boating access site has been closed since Oct. 20 while crews have been completing necessary upgrades to the parking area. The closure has been part of an ongoing effort to enhance fishing and boating access for anglers and other recreational users.
… more
Two Washington residents charged with alleged unlawful take and waste of a bull moose in North Idaho
| idfg-tjross
Two Washington men were charged on Dec. 11 with various wildlife violations in connection with the alleged unlawful take of a trophy bull moose in Idaho. The moose was killed along the Idaho–Washington border near the town of Twin Lakes.
The investigation, conducted by Idaho Fish and Game conservation… more
Watch for wildlife on highways and avoid costly collisions
| idfg-cliess
Winter is already tough for deer, elk, and other big game animals, and being near busy roads and highways can be deadly, so drivers are asked to keep a sharp eye out and avoid costly and potentially dangerous collisions.
Hitting a deer or an elk is hazardous to drivers and passengers, and often results in… more
Help Fish and Game study burbot in the Kootenai River—and earn rewards in the process
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game is once again inviting burbot anglers to take part in the Kootenai River Angler Science Program—an effort that helps biologists gather valuable information to make burbot fishing even better. The best part? Simply participating earns you free swag and an entry into a raffle for great prizes.
… more