Press Releases and Articles
F&G collaring mule deer bucks to get a better look at long-term survival
| idfg-bpearson
Fish and Game researchers want to learn more about mule deer buck survival during hunting seasons, including how the season structure, and hunter access and habitat types affect buck survival. Biologists are using specially designed GPS collars and ear tags to help answer those questions, and collars are being placed… more
Living near wildlife has its rewards, challenges
| idfg-scassinelli
Urban wildlife is all around us in Idaho, and seeing a deer in a local park, raccoon tracks in the snow, or a hawk in the backyard can be fascinating and educational. Learn how to be a responsible wildlife watcher and neighbor in this month’s Wildlife Express.
Urban Wildlife - January 2020 – [… more
Hunter and trapper education instructors needed in the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
Are you a safe and responsible hunter or trapper? Are you passionate about hunting and trapping ethics? Do you want to share your passion, knowledge and skills with youth and adults new to Idaho’s hunting and trapping traditions? If so, consider yourself invited to become a volunteer hunter or trapper education… more
Lake Cascade/Horsethief Ice and Access Conditions Update - January 16, 2020
| idfg-pjanssen
Lake Cascade Update
As of today (Jan 16) ice thickness is around 6.5 inches in front of Van Wyck (ID Parks and Rec.) boat ramp in Cascade, with about a foot of snow and/or snow and slush on top . A couple hundred yards from the shoreline, slush conditions improve, but travel is still difficult.
In… more
Panhandle instructor-led hunter education classes scheduled for early 2020
| idfg-ksiitari
Prospective hunters looking to get certified in hunter/bowhunter education have several options around the Panhandle Region Jan. through May 2020. Visit Fish & Game's hunter education website at idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/education to browse classes and get registered.
Courses cost $9.75 to register online or $8… more
Winter weather so far has not prompted the need for emergency big game feeding
| idfg-rphillips
When big snowstorms roll through Idaho, people often wonder if Idaho Fish and Game will start feeding deer, elk, pronghorn and other animals. The short answer is that this is a normal winter so far, and the department usually only feeds big game during extreme winter conditions, or when other factors prompt it. … more
Opportunity for public comment on Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest plan
| idfg-jbruns
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest with the assistance of Idaho Fish and Game and various agency staff have been working on updating the future forest management direction. The draft revised forest plan and environmental impact statement (DEIS) is now available for public comment.
We… more
Windows to Wildlife: Bees to Bears, Idaho Birding Trail, and more
| idfg-scassinelli
As winters get shorter and summers are hotter and drier, it's getting tougher for wildlife to find suitable habitat during different stages of the year. The Idaho Panhandle Bees to Bears Climate Adaptation Project aims to restore 250 acres of forested habitat to help certain species adapt to climate change. Learn… more
Fish and Game Commission to meet Jan. 22-23 in Boise
| idfg-bpearson
The Fish and Game Commission will hold its annual meeting Jan. 22-23 with the public hearing starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 in the main auditorium at St. Luke's Plaza, 720 E. Park Blvd. in Boise. People can address the commission on any matters related to Fish and Game at that time.
The meeting will… more
Water Levels Restored at Birding Island Ponds
| idfg-eoneale
Water is once again flowing to the pond complex at the Birding Island segment of Payette River WMA, thanks to some ingenuity by WMA manager Steve Dempsey.
The control structure and motor are in place, but additional parts to operate the motor remotely remain on order. While the wait continues, Dempsey "… more
F&G again uses non-lethal means to force mountain lion to leave Ketchum backyard
| idfg-tthompson
On Friday January 10, officers were once again notified by a Ketchum homeowner that a mountain lion that had been hazed the day before, had returned. Responding officers found the large male lion bedded in the same location as found on January 9. After assessing the situation, the officers again fired several shotgun… more
See proposed changes for the 2020-21 Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer seasons and rules
| idfg-rphillips
Fish and Game Commissioners are scheduled to set the 2020-21 Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer seasons and rules Jan. 23 during the commission's regular meeting in Boise. Hunters and other interested parties can also address the commission about these proposals, along with any other matters pertaining to Fish and Game… more
Protect wintering wildlife by avoiding areas where they congregate
| idfg-rphillips
When it’s the “dead of winter,” it’s important that we consider our effects on wildlife so the term doesn’t apply too literally, which means people should avoid disturbing wintering animals. When animals are forced to burn extra calories to avoid people, it can make a life-or-death difference, especially for… more
Kid’s ice fishing derbies at Hyde Pond and Jimmy Smith Lake set for Feb. 8
| idfg-mdemick
Bundle up the kids, grab the fishing gear and head to Hyde Pond or Jimmy Smith Lake Saturday, Feb. 8 for some ice fishing fun.
The 29th Annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Derby at Hyde Pond will be held from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The free event is for youth age 16 years and under. There will be big fish prizes… more
Feeding deer and elk in town does more harm than good
| idfg-mdemick
Feeding that cute deer fawn in your yard may seem helpful, but Idaho Fish and Game says that well-intentioned people often feed deer, elk and other wildlife without realizing the problems it can create.
“Although people have good intentions and only want to help, feeding can lead to unforeseen problems and can… more
Fish and Game uses non-lethal hazing to move a mountain lion in Ketchum
| idfg-tthompson
Fish and Game received reports on Wednesday January 8 of a mountain lion laying near the backyard of a home in south Ketchum. After monitoring the situation, the lion continued to remain near the home in the backyard, prompting officers on January 9 to make the decision to use non-lethal means to force the lion to… more
Female mountain lion harvest season closed in Unit 36B
| idfg-mdemick
Mountain lion hunters should note that the harvest season for female mountain lion has closed in Unit 36B, as the harvest quota of two females was reached January 9, 2020.
Hunters will be allowed to keep female mountain lions taken prior to this closure but must report them within five days of… more
Farragut Range closed Jan. 11 & 12
| idfg-ksiitari
The Farragut Public Shooting Range will be closed Jan. 11 and 12 due to expected inclement weather and travel conditions.
During the winter, the range is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infrequently, the facility or a portion thereof is closed due to severe weather or private events. Before… more