Press Releases and Articles
Ask Fish and Game
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Q. I plan on hunting deer and elk in the archery season that opened August 30. Bear season will also be open. Can I pack a gun to shoot a bear, or am I restricted to using my bow? A. You can take a gun to shoot a bear. Just remember not to shoot your deer or elk with the gun. You would be wise to leave your bow in… moreChukar Surveys Indicate Numbers Up This Year
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A survey of chukar partridge conducted by Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists along the Snake and Salmon rivers indicates the region's hunters may find more of the popular gamebirds this fall. The mid-August helicopter survey of portions of the lower Salmon River and lower Snake River recorded a 58 percent… moreFire Restrictions In Effect On Craig Mountain
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Because of the extremely dry forest conditions, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will restrict fire use on the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area near Lewiston from Monday, September 3 until further notice. The fire restrictions are temporary and do not apply to Federal or other State agency managed land at… moreNez Perce County Early Goose Hunt to Begin September 8
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Waterfowl hunters will get an early shot at the local goose population during the Nez Perce County early goose hunt scheduled for September 8 through September 14, 2001 Hunters can harvest four birds daily with a possession limit of eight birds. Hunters must hold a valid 2001 hunting license, a federal migratory game… moreAttention: Archery Hunters And Landowners
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The Idaho Fish and Game Department will be conducting a rifle depredation hunt for anterless white-tailed deer in Unit 8A, in the vicinity of Southwick and Cavendish through September 16, 2001. Archery hunters should proceed with caution if hunting in this area. The purpose of the hunt is to help prevent crop damage… moreHoly Catfish - New State Record Caught Near Lewiston
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Twelve-year old Kenny Bob Decker of Kooskia recently caught a 31.05 pound Channel catfish at Mann Lake near Lewiston, making the fish the new state record. The middle school student was fishing from the bank using 30-pound test line and nightcrawlers for bait when he set the record. According to the young angler,… moreSteelhead Limits Raised
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Meeting by conference call August 27, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to raise the limits on hatchery steelhead for the fall, 2001, season. The action came at the recommendation of Fish and Game biologists, who are expecting the largest run of steelhead since counts at dams have been done. The new… moreUpland Game Indicators Mixed
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Early indications of upland bird hunting prospects look a lot like last year'sÑfair to good. Helicopter counts of chukar broods in western Idaho are conducted in the last few days of August. Observations of other game bird species are done in various ways, such as counting sage grouse on their breeding leks in the… moreNonresident Tags Available - for Residents, Too
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Idaho still has nonresident deer and elk tags available for most areas of the state. More than 7,000 deer tags and 1,667 general elk tags were available as of August 21. In addition, 869 elk tags for the northern Panhandle Zone were still available. Along with hunting licenses, they can be purchased at any of 400-plus… moreLeftover Crane Permits On Sale Thursday
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Sandhill crane hunting permits that were not taken in the controlled hunt drawing will go on sale Thursday. The 255 permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at all license vendors and Fish and Game offices. Buyers must pay the $6.50 controlled hunt fee in addition to the cost of the permit. Sales… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. What do I need a bird stamp for? A. Fees were increased last year, at the same time that the legislation authorizing the upland game and waterfowl stamps expired. Fish and Game decided not to try to renew the stamp legislation, but instead will fund those habitat programs out of the general fee increase. Bottom… moreSalt And Bait For Hunting Elk And Deer Prohibited
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With the big game archery season rapidly approaching, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters that the use of bait, including salt, to attract deer or elk for the purposes of hunting is prohibited. "Idaho deer and elk hunters need to be aware that hunting over salt or bait is illegal," said Mark Sands… moreSmaller Sockeye Run Seen in Stanley Basin
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As expected, this year's run of endangered sockeye salmon is far smaller than last year's. Fish and Game fisheries biologists count 13 adult sockeye have made it all the way back into the Stanley Basin with three more holding below the Sawtooth weir, for a total of 16 so far. Biologists expect about 35 before the… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. Are residents going to be able to buy nonresident tags this year? A. Yes, unsold nonresident deer and elk tags will be made available to residents beginning September 1. They will be sold at nonresident prices.Steelhead Run Over Bonneville Tops Records
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The largest steelhead run in the history of dam counts is crossing Bonneville Dam on its way up the Columbia River. As of August 19, the count of steelhead at Bonneville topped 390,000. Most of these steelhead are of hatchery origin, however, not the wild runs that came upriver before Bonneville Dam was built in 1938… moreFawn Weight Key to Survival
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How much a deer fawn weighs as winter hits is a key to its survival. That is one of the main findings in a large study of winter fawn mortality underway across central and southern Idaho. Four areas were added to the study in 2000 as the Idaho Fish and Game Department and Commission look into reasons for mule deer… moreDove Season Begins September 1
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Dove hunters will have the same season and limits as last year when hunting begins September 1. Meeting in Driggs earlier this month, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the department recommendation for no change in regulations. Dove hunting rules and shooting hours are found in the current Upland Game… moreSight In For Accuracy And Ethics
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With hunting season rapidly approaching, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters that hunting ethics begin long before going afield. Sighting in rifles is a good example. "By taking the time to prepare and become a better marksman, you show great respect for your quarry," said Richard Oliver, IDFG… more