Press Releases and Articles
F&G officers investigating 43 ducks shot and left to waste on Pine Creek Pass
| idfg-jbrower
On Nov. 12, Fish and Game conservation officers were made aware of 43 ducks that had been dumped just off the Upper Rainey Creek Road, approximately one-half mile from State Hwy 31, at the top of Pine Creek Pass in unit 67. Most of the ducks were still whole and unfrozen leading officers to believe they were… more
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Update - 11/19/2024
| idfg-bbeller
Steelhead angler effort along the Upper Salmon River was noticeably lower last week as colder temperatures settled into the area. Most of the angler effort remained downstream of Salmon, ID, with boat anglers primarily observed upstream of North Fork.
Anglers that were able to get out on the river last… more
A portion of Boise River WMA will remain closed through March 31
| idfg-bpearson
Boise River WMA Closure Update
Food conditioned black bear euthanized after repeatedly getting into residential garbage near Hailey
| idfg-tthompson
After repeated incidents of accessing unsecured residential garbage, a yearling black bear was euthanized north of Hailey on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The young male that weighed approximately 100 pounds had twice broken into a garage to find food and there were signs of the bear attempting to get into a house.… more
Urban wildlife: When large wildlife and communities mix, it often ends poorly for the animals
| idfg-rphillips
A bull moose takes up residence in an upscale, suburban neighborhood, and Idaho Fish and Game staff gets multiple reports from homeowners.
What should Fish and Game do?
A. Watch to see if the moose stays, how it reacts to residents, and vice versa?
B. Educate residents on… more
Redband trout and nonnative trout in the Wood River Basin
| idfg-jvincent
Cutthroat trout may be the state fish, but the redband trout is itself a state gem. Redband trout are a subspecies of rainbow trout that are native to the interior portion of western North America. In the U.S., this includes Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Montana, and Nevada.
Redband trout are… more
These instructor-led hunter education courses are coming up in Southwest Idaho
| idfg-bpearson
With holiday breaks on the horizon, hunter education instructors have ramped up the number of courses being offered in Southwest Idaho. For parents who are aiming to get their soon-to-be hunter certified for next fall, there is no better time than the present to put your child through hunter education (or a… more
MK Nature Center's Bird Seed Sale
| idfg-sfocht
Friday & Saturday, December 6 and 7, 2024 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The MK Nature Center will host its 18th annual bird seed sale on December 6 and 7. Come and stock up on food for your favorite backyard birds. Proceeds from this event benefit educational programs and day-to-day operations at the nature… more
ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting Nov. 7
| idfg-cliess
Watch the full recap of the Nov. 7, 2024 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Salmon, Idaho. Topics covered include: 2025-2030 Fisheries Management Plan; Panhandle CWD Management Zone and Deer Harvest Sampling; and an update from the Hunting and Technology Working Group.
Upper Snake Region check station report
| idfg-jbrower
The Upper Snake Region conducted two hunter check stations during the weekends of October 12-13 and October 19-20, 2024. Hunter check stations provide the Department with an opportunity to collect harvest information, collect Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples, and directly interact with the hunters. Over these two… more
Steelhead are coming to the Boise River on Nov. 22
| idfg-bpearson
Great news for Treasure Valley steelhead anglers — approximately 250 steelhead will be released into the Boise River on Friday, Nov. 22. The Fish and Game fish stocking trucks will be releasing fish at the usual locations:
Glenwood Bridge Americana Bridge Below the Broadway Avenue Bridge behind Boise State… more
Numerous dead pigeons discovered in American Falls likely died from emaciation
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Fish and Game’s Wildlife Health and Forensic Laboratory has completed its tests on some of the dead pigeons found in and near an unoccupied building in American Falls last month.
Samples taken from the birds were negative for pigeon paramyxovirus and Avian influenza, two diseases of concern. The necropsy… more
Important reminders about chronic wasting disease rules in a portion of Unit 1 in the Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
After chronic wasting disease was detected in three white-tailed deer near Bonners Ferry, a portion of Unit 1 was designated as a CWD Management Zone effective Oct. 1.
Fish and Game offers mentored duck hunt to recent hunter education graduates
| idfg-tthompson
Each year, as bird seasons open, Idaho Fish and Game staff from the Magic Valley Region organize a mentored pheasant and duck hunt for a small number of recent graduates of in-person hunter education classes. These hunts provide opportunities for youth to experience a day in the field hunting upland birds or waterfowl… more
Magic Valley Winter Feeding Advisory Committee to meet November 19
| idfg-tthompson
Magic Valley Winter Feeding Advisory Meeting
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, 6 p.m. MST
Address: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Magic Valley Regional Office, 324 S 417 E Jerome, ID 83338
Winter Feeding Advisory Committees assist the Department with assessing winter conditions and make… more
F&G Commission approves discounted fishing licenses for foster families
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently approved a program that will give youth in foster care and one foster parent within each household free fishing licenses in 2025.
The program is a cooperative effort between Idaho Fish and Game, Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), and Idaho Sportsmen, Access… more
Upper Salmon River Fall 2024 Steelhead Fishing Update (11-12-2024)
| idfg-bbeller
Steelhead angler effort on the Upper Salmon River remained high last week and peaked on Saturday as many anglers took advantage of the nice weather that day. The majority of angler effort was found downstream of Salmon, ID, but we also continued to observe increased effort in the upstream areas of the river as well.… more
Comment period is open for the 2025-2030 draft Idaho Black Bear Management Plan; deadline is Dec. 3
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking comments on its draft Idaho Black Bear Management Plan for 2025-2030. The plan will provide guidance for staff to implement management actions that will aid in the protection and management of black bear populations and guide harvest recommendations.
People should review the draft… more