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

North Idaho white-tailed deer fawn captures and camera efforts currently underway

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - 1:41 PM MDT

Researchers head into their second season of radio collaring fawns and deploying remote cameras to help understand white-tailed deer populations. Fish and Game is working to improve their understanding of white-tailed deer populations in Idaho, and equip wildlife managers with the tools to better manage one of Idaho’s most popular big game species.

Clearwater Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Wildlife Research and Data Panhandle Region White-tailed Deer
Osprey among birds illegally killed in Franklin County

Thursday, June 3, 2021 - 1:02 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the illegal killing of two pelicans, an osprey, and a Swainson's hawk in Franklin County.

Southeast Region Enforcement Wildlife Conservation and Management American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
Oh, deer! Mule deer rescued from mud pit by Fish and Game officer and helpful teen

Thursday, June 3, 2021 - 1:00 PM MDT

What a great ending for a mule deer doe trapped in a mud pit near McCammon over Memorial Day weekend. “It was definitely a feel good day as a game warden,” says Senior Conservation Officer Nick Noll from the Southeast Region. “I started this gig to help wildlife, and I think we literally saved a deer’s life.”

Southeast Region Enforcement Wildlife Conservation and Management Mule Deer
Mountain lions sightings continue throughout the Wood River Valley, caution advised

Thursday, May 20, 2021 - 5:15 PM MDT

To ensure that chances of conflict are minimized, residents are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings when engaged in outside activities. Parents should supervise the children when playing outside. Pet owners should keep their pets on leash when out walking, both in neighborhoods and on area trails.

Magic Valley Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Mountain Lion
Trail users are encouraged to safely enjoy and share Idaho’s trails with wildlife

Monday, May 17, 2021 - 3:10 PM MDT

Spring and summer bring many opportunities for Idahoans and visitors to explore Idaho’s trails which open up access to many backcountry destinations. When trekking up a trail just outside of town or deep into Idaho’s mountains everyone should be aware of their surroundings that they share with many species of wildlife.

Magic Valley Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program Moose Mountain Lion Black Bear Mule Deer Elk
Winter survival estimates for mule deer, elk remain above average and similar to 2020

Monday, May 17, 2021 - 10:31 AM MDT

Fish and Game has been monitoring winter survival of fawns for 23 years, and the average survival of fawns has been 57 percent. If, as anticipated, survival in 2021 continues to track similarly to 2020, it would mark two years of above-average survival for mule deer fawns statewide, which means mule deer herds are growing.

Big Game Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management Elk hunting Deer Hunting
Idaho’s black bears are out of their winter dens looking for food

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 - 1:51 PM MDT

After spending the winter months hibernating, black bears are now emerging from their dens. Once they leave their dens they are now hungry bears and will immediately start looking for food, mostly spring grasses, but pretty much anything that can provide easy calories.

Magic Valley Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Black Bear