Wildlife Conservation and Management

Idaho's Wildlife Conservation and Management

Idaho Fish and Game is charged with preserving, protecting, perpetuating and managing all wildlife in the state for present and future generations. Most animals are not hunted, trapped or fished.

Wildlife Management Areas improve and maintain wildlife habitat for both game and nongame species and provide access for disabled hunters, fishermen, and wildlife watchers.

Our management plans, provide guidance and overall direction and help identify both statewide and regional population and management objectives

Programs indirectly related to hunting or fishing include wildlife diseases, the Wildlife Diversity Program, Idaho wetland habitat inventory, and information on lands and landowners.

News

Bighorn Sheep Capture Planned in Hells Canyon

Thursday, February 14, 2019 - 10:54 AM MST

An interagency effort is planned between Idaho Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to capture 80 bighorn sheep in five Hells Canyon herds Feb. 19–28.

Wildlife Conservation and Management Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Game cameras provide new methods for counting and managing wildlife

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - 4:11 PM MST

An innovative approach using trail cameras to capture wildlife allows Idaho Fish and Game biologists to estimate deer and elk populations in a safer, less-invasive, and less-expensive way.

Big Game Hunting Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Upper Snake Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Juvenile mountain lion attacks dog in Mackay

Monday, February 4, 2019 - 12:03 PM MST

Early on the morning of Jan. 30 a woman responded to what she thought was a fight between her dog and another dog outside of her Mackay home. As she pulled the two animals apart, she soon realized that in one of her hands she held a juvenile male mountain lion and not another dog as expected.

Upper Snake Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Mountain Lion, Cougar, or Puma (Puma concolor)
One strange day for a mule deer provides months of data for F&G biologists

Monday, January 28, 2019 - 3:18 PM MST

Fawn survival is key to maintaining mule deer populations. Fawns fitted with radio collars help determine if a herd is growing or decreasing, so they are a critical component in the formula biologists use to determine the health and population of mule deer herds across Idaho.

Big Game Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Draft Mountain Goat Management Plan 2019-2024: Comment Opportunity

Friday, January 25, 2019 - 6:53 PM MST

Idaho Fish and Game is collecting public input on the newly updated draft of the Mountain Goat Management Plan. This planning document provides guidance for the Department to implement management actions, including season recommendations, for mountain goats throughout the state.

Wildlife Management Plans Mountain Goat Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management
Draft Upland Game Management Plan 2019-2024: Comment Opportunity

Friday, January 25, 2019 - 10:56 AM MST

The Department is asking for public comment on draft proposed changes to the 2019-2024 Upland Game Management Plan. The new upland game plan provides guidance to: enhance upland game habitat and populations, provide recreational hunting opportunities that reflect preferences of Idaho hunters

Wildlife Management Plans Upland Game Hunting Upland Bird Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management
Motorists, please watch for wildlife during winter, and know salvage laws

Wednesday, December 19, 2018 - 1:51 PM MST

Winter is a tough time for wildlife, especially big game, because it can be among the most hazardous seasons for them. If you encounter an animal that’s been hit by a vehicle, you’re allowed to salvage some animals.

Wildlife Conservation and Management