Press Releases and Articles
Controlled hunt applications period for deer, elk, pronghorn and fall bear opens May 1 with new rule for elk hunters
| idfg-rphillips
Applications for controlled deer, elk, pronghorn and fall bear hunts run May 1 through June 5. Elk hunters are reminded that new for 2020, there is a five-day waiting period to buy capped elk zone tags for any resident who applies for a controlled elk hunt regardless of whether the person draws the… more
Reminder to elk hunters: there's a new 5-day wait for capped elk zones if you apply for a controlled elk hunt
| idfg-rphillips
There is a five-day waiting period to purchase capped elk zone tags for any resident who applies for a controlled elk hunt regardless of whether the person draws the controlled hunt tag. Capped elk zone tags go on sale in July.
You can learn more about the new rule here.
Application period for deer… more
The many fish of Hagerman Hatchery
| idfg-vosborn
Raising rainbow trout for Idaho's waters is job number one at the Hagerman Hatchery, but they aren't the only fish in the hatchery's raceways. Hatchery Manager Joe Chapman shares information about some of the other fish found here.
Hagerman Hatchery is one of 19 fish hatcheries operated by Idaho Fish and… more
Improved Clark Fork River access sites are ready for hunters and anglers
| idfg-adux
The Clark Fork River and the adjacent portion of Lake Pend Oreille have become increasingly popular with anglers and hunters in recent years. A tremendous fishery exists for a diversity of species in both the river and the lake. In addition, the area offers excellent waterfowl… more
F&G commission will take emailed public comments prior to May meeting
| idfg-bpearson
Editor's Note: The agenda for the May 14 meeting has been posted, and here is more information about how to comment.
To allow continued public involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lieu of a public hearing, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will take public comments via email for a seven-day period… more
Mountain lion euthanized to protect public safety near Kimberly in southern Idaho
| idfg-tthompson
Fish and Game Conservation Officers received a report early Friday morning, April 24, of a mountain lion on a homeowner’s porch east of Kimberly. This was the second report of a mountain lion in the Kimberly area in two days. Before the officers’ arrival, the homeowner made repeated unsuccessful attempts to haze the… more
Birds of the Payette National Forest Presentation Available for Viewing
| idfg-sfocht
Dan Richards, a seasoned Wildlife Technician for the Payette National Forest recorded and entertaining and informative presentation on birds and birding in the Payette National Forest. Even if you do not reside in central Idaho, this presentation would be applicable and interesting to you. Thank you to the McCall… more
Upper Snake Fisheries Newsletter April 2020
| idfg-jbrower
Henrys Lake Spawn 2020 By Jenn Vincent - Regional Fisheries Biologist
Each year, hundreds of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (YCT) are spawned at the Henrys Lake. We collect eggs from female YCT and milt from males YCT to create our YCT brood-stock. Sterile Hybrid Trout (HYB) are… more
Rapid River Hatchery Chinook and Natural Origin Chinook: The Same but Different
| idfg-sputnam
The Salmon River fish trap, located near Twin Bridges north of Riggins, has been providing valuable salmon data for more than three decades. Specifically, the trap captures juvenile Chinook salmon (known as smolts) as they migrate to the ocean in the spring. A subset of the fishes is PIT-tagged. The small glass-… more
F&G officer spots grizzly bear tracks about 7 miles south of Grangeville in April
| idfg-rphillips
Fresh grizzly bear tracks were confirmed by a Fish and Game conservation officer in the Fish Creek Meadows winter recreation area about 7 miles south of Grangeville on April 18, 2020. Fish and Game officials warn hunters and recreationists to be Bear Aware because it is uncertain if the grizzly is still in the… more
Hunters and hikers urged to be 'Bear Aware' as they head into the field this spring
| idfg-jbrower
As the days get longer and the snow begins to subside, both hunters and bears are becoming more active across Idaho. Hunters and hikers need to take a few extra precautions when recreating in bear country. "We are definitely seeing both grizzlies and black bears coming out of their dens and becoming active across… more
How to exchange an elk tag online
| idfg-imalepeai
Every year hunters return over-the-counter elk tags, including the highly sought after capped zone tags. Fish and Game staff have created a transparent process to provide these returned tags on a first come, first serve basis. Returned tags are sold the second and fourth Thursday of each month… more
Sagebrush-steppe Chapter Webinars Available for Viewing
| idfg-sfocht
The following links will take you to the Sagebrush-steppe Chapter webinars presented in 2020. These videos had previously been posted separately and have been consolodated here for your convenience.
Reptiles https://www.dropbox.com/s/r4hb23luf6mne1d/GMT20200331-151130_Reptiles-a_1920x1080.mp4?dl=0
… more
Cow elk and white-tailed doe shot near Blanchard-Elk Road on state border
| idfg-ksiitari
Blanchard, Idaho- A cow elk and white-tailed doe were illegally shot near the Idaho, Washington border the night of April 17. Officials are asking anyone with information to call the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1-800-632-5999. A reward of up to $2,500 is available for information that leads to a citation.… more
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 4/20/2020
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody. The spring Chinook Salmon season in Idaho opens this weekend! I have remained silent on the details of this fishery because there has been a lot of uncertainty with the outbreak of COVID-19. However, with the season opening on April 25, I figured I couldn’t wait any longer before… more
Chinook fishing season opens April 25, but few fish are in Idaho yet
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho’s spring Chinook salmon fishing season opens April 25, but early indications show the fish appear to be social distancing on their own. As of April 19, only six fish had crossed Lower Granite Dam, which is about 25 miles downstream of Lewiston, and the last dam the fish cross before reaching Idaho.… more
Idaho’s black bears will soon be emerging from their winter dens
| idfg-tthompson
It appears that we are well on our way towards spring. With plants starting to break their long winter dormancy, wildlife will soon be doing the same. Black bears that live in south-central Idaho and other parts of the state are waking up, and they will be very hungry.
After spending… more
First field season wrapping up on Steelhead Study
| idfg-bbowersox
Written by Will Lubenau, University of Idaho
As steelhead fishing begins to wrap up for this spring, we wanted to provide an update on the University of Idaho steelhead catch-and-release study. Like many things, the study has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tagging that was occurring at Lower Granite… more