Press Releases and Articles
2019 Upland Forecast: Here's what hunting looks like across the state
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho is a big state with a diverse mix of habitats, elevations and climates, and the state contains a variety of upland game birds. Upland bird populations can vary tremendously on an annual basis, and their health and numbers typically depend on favorable weather conditions, which are often very… more
Panhandle Region seeking help monitoring for Chronic Wasting Disease
| idfg-mellstrom
The Panhandle Region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is asking hunters to help with a surveillance program looking for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is part of a general surveillance, rotational sampling strategy that IDFG initiated in 2017 to monitor for CWD.
Fish and Game staff are… more
Update Sept. 13: All nonresident elk and deer tags sold out
| idfg-rphillips
Fish and Game licensing section reported all regular nonresident deer and elk tags have sold out.
Limits apply only to nonresident deer tags. There is no limit on the number of resident deer tags available.
F&G stocks tiger muskies in two Southwest Region waters
| idfg-bpearson
A new, unique and toothy fishing opportunity awaits anglers in Southwest Idaho. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has stocked sterile tiger muskies in Lake Lowell and Black Canyon Reservoir for the first time ever. Tiger muskies are a sterile hybrid of true muskellunge (muskies) and northern pike.… more
Here are 14 reasons why you should fish during fall
| idfg-rphillips
For many Idahoans, feeling cool morning air and seeing hints of red and gold in the forest means it’s time to lace up the boots and grab a gun or bow for hunting season, but don’t overlook fall fishing. That cool weather means many fish are re-energized after their summer slumbers and ready to eat… more
F&G monitoring low steelhead return and commission may alter season
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game's fisheries staff continue to monitor steelhead returns over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, and the run appears to be smaller than earlier forecasted, which could prompt the Fish and Game Commission to alter the already-restricted season.
Through Sept. 12, biologists estimate about … more
Fish and Game recognizes volunteers in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-tthompson
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region recently held a volunteer recognition dinner to honor and thank our Hunter Education instructors and Reservist volunteers. In 2018 these dedicated volunteers taught 43 hunter and bowhunter classes, and 16 field day classes to our next generation of hunters.… more
Spring Chinook Spawning Season is in Full Swing
| idfg-sputnam
There are some people who get the unique opportunity to watch salmon spawn in the wild. But even those of us that have a chance to see it as part of our job rarely get the view from underwater. This video provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into that world. (note: the hatchery fish in the video were filmed… more
Hunters: Buy deer tags early to avoid the last minute rush
| idfg-bpearson
Deer hunters have a lot to look forward to this season, but standing in a long line waiting to buy a tag should not be one of them. Fish and Game is anticipating high volumes of sales immediately before the opening day on Oct. 10. By buying tags early, hunters can avoid the last-minute rush.
Hunters have… more
F&G Commission seeks to intervene in federal lawsuit about black bear baiting
| idfg-rphillips
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Sept. 4 asked a federal court to let it join a federal lawsuit regarding black bear baiting on national forest lands in Idaho and Wyoming to defend its authority to regulate hunting activities without additional federal regulations. Filings were submitted in the United States… more
Make the call to catch poachers, (800) 632-5999
| idfg-bpearson
With some hunting seasons underway and more opening soon, Idaho Fish and Game asks the public to call the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline if they witness a violation of wildlife laws, and program the number into the contacts in your smart phone.
“The public plays a critical role in catching poachers… more
Open house regarding potential airboat closures on Coeur d'Alene River WMA
| idfg-kcampbell
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is considering airboat closures on a limited portion of the Coeur d’Alene River Wildlife Management Area.
IDFG strives to provide a variety of hunter experiences on our Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). In most of the Coeur d’Alene WMA, airboat use is possible for those… more
Steelhead Catch and Release Graduate Study Update
| idfg-bbowersox
Written by Will Lubenau (University of Idaho)
Work on the University of Idaho and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game catch-and-release steelhead angling study continued over the past month. We have included a brief update below with some recent information. Remember, the most important data for the study… more
Upcoming Farragut range closure dates
| idfg-kcampbell
The Farragut Shooting Range Center will be closed for reserved events at the times listed below.
Sunday, September 22nd- 100 yard range closed to general public from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm.
Friday, September 27th- Entire range closed to general public from 1:30 pm- 4:00 pm.
Saturday, September 28th… more
New Fall River fish numbers available
| idfg-jbrower
The rainbow trout population in the Fall River has not been surveyed in over a decade. Idaho Fish and Game biologist John Heckel wants to change that. Heckel recently conducted population estimates on rainbow trout in two different sections of the river.
"Our intentions are to develop long term… more
Road Closure Could Impact Some Sawtooth Zone Archery Hunters
| idfg-eoneale
The Boise National Forest is temporarily closing Forest road 579 from Sept. 16 – Sept. 29 to replace a culvert with an Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) structure. The AOP will accommodate post fire flows or runoff as a result of the Bearskin Fire.
“We want to give the public, particularly archery hunters, enough… more
'Tis the Season for Seeds
| KristinaBoyd
Fall can be a full-time pursuit up here in north Idaho. There's hunting and meat processing, crop harvesting and putting up, wood cutting and splitting, soccer and football practice, and of course... seed saving.
The glory of spring and summer flowers is fading in the valleys, but the bounty that they bring… more
Comment period open for proposed rules that will go before the 2020 Legislature
| idfg-rphillips
Hunters, anglers, trappers and other interested people can comment on proposed Fish and Game rules published in the Idaho Administrative Rules September Bulletin.
Anyone may submit written comments regarding this proposed rulemaking. All written or emailed comments must be delivered on or before Sept. 25 to… more