Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions. We post here answers to questions we're being asked frequently. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us. Urgent questions should be directed to your nearest office. Some answers change over time; please take note of the "answered" date.
Displaying 2501 - 2525 of 3534 questionsQ: Follow up Question: How come there are no brook trout lakes identified in the Sawtooth area?
I had already followed your directions but when you do a search as you describe below to find brook trout in the Southwest Region, none of the lakes in the Sawtooth mountains are identified. I have heard about a few lakes in the Sawtooth wilderness that have populations of brook trout but they do not show up when I do a search under other trout. Thanks, MM Even though IDFG doesn't stock brook trout now, why don't you include them in the historical stocking data? When I search for lakes that were previously stocked with brook trout there is no information. I know brook trout are a non-desired species in Idaho but I would like to be able to find out what lakes were stocked with brook trout in the past. It seems that IDFG doesn't want to aknowledge that brook trout were ever stocked in Idaho. Your response: They are included in the database - you just need to do some sluthing. Here is an example: 1) Select Panhandle Region; 2) select records for 1967 to present; 3) click on "other trout;" 4) highlight "Antelope Lake; 5) and now click "search." You will see 2,111 fingerling brook trout were stocked on 5/16/1997 in Antelope Lake. We stocked brook trout in numerous lakes and streams throughout Idaho in the 1930's. They did so well, they displaced rainbow trout and other native species in many waters. Brook trout are voracious predators and will over-populate leading to a stunted and undesirable population. They also interbreed with native ESA listed bull trout and produce sterile offspring - which decreases the bull trout population. We've recently pioneered a way to produce sterile brook trout in our hatchery system. You will probably see these fish planted in future years where they will provide a fishery without damaging native fish populations. ....A:
A number of the lakes in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area have brook trout populations. You are not finding them when searching in the Southwest Region because they are all on the Stanley side of the Sawtooths and in the Fish and Game Salmon Region. Here is a list of lakes in the Salmon Region with Brook Trout populations from the Fishing Planner: Your searchIDFG Region = Region 7 - Salmon,Cold water fish species = Brook Trout, Returned the following Waters: Alpine Creek Tributary of Alturas Lake Creek Alpine Creek Lake #14 Upper Salmon Basin Alturas Lake Upper Salmon Basin Alturas Lake Creek Tributary of Salmon River Anderson Creek Tributary of Dahlonega Creek Arnett Creek Tributary of Napias Creek Asher Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Banner Creek Tributary of Cape Horn Creek Bayhorse Creek Tributary of Salmon River Bear Valley Creek Tributary of Middle Fork Salmon River Beaver Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Beaver Creek Tributary of Salmon River Big Casino Creek Tributary of Salmon River Big Creek Tributary of Pahsimeroi River Big Springs Creek Tributary of Lemhi River Birdseye Creek Tributary of Silver Creek Bohannon Creek Tributary of Lemhi River Born Lakes Upper Salmon Basin Burnt Creek Tributary of Pahsimeroi River Burnt Creek Tributary of Salmon River Buster Lake Upper Salmon Basin Cabin Creek Tributary of Panther Creek Cabin Creek Tributary of Perkins Lake Cabin Creek Tributary of Salmon River Camp Creek Tributary of Salmon River Camp Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Cape Horn Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Casino Lakes Upper Salmon Basin Challis Creek Tributary of Salmon River Champion Creek Tributary of Salmon River Champion Lakes Upper Salmon Basin Champion Lakes Upper Salmon Basin Crooked Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Crystal Creek Tributary of Beaver Creek Dahlonega Creek Tributary of North Fork Salmon River East Fork Valley Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Eddy Creek Tributary of Challis Creek Elk Creek Tributary of Salmon River Elk Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Fisher Creek Tributary of Salmon River Fishhook Creek Tributary of Redfish Lake Flat Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Fourth of July Creek Tributary of Salmon River Fourth of July Creek Tributary of Salmon River Fourth of July Lake Upper Salmon Basin Frenchman Creek Tributary of Salmon River Garden Creek Tributary of Hannah Slough Garden Creek Tributary of Panther Creek Goat Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Gold Creek Tributary of Salmon River Goldberg Creek Tributary of Pahsimeroi River Hell Roaring Creek Tributary of Salmon River Hell Roaring Lake Upper Salmon Basin Horse Creek Tributary of Salmon River Huckleberry Creek Tributary of Salmon River Hull Creek Tributary of North Fork Salmon River Iron Creek Tributary of Salmon River Iron Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Iron Lake #1 Middle Salmon-Panther Basin Knapp Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Knapp Lake #10 Upper Middle Fork Salmon Basin Knapp Lake #11 Upper Middle Fork Salmon Basin Knapp Lake #3 Upper Middle Fork Salmon Basin Knapp Lake #9 Upper Middle Fork Salmon Basin Lake Creek Tributary of Middle Fork Salmon River Lake Creek Tributary of Salmon River Lemhi River Tributary of Salmon River Little Casino Creek Tributary of Salmon River Lost Creek Tributary of Salmon River Lost Creek Lake Upper Salmon Basin Marsh Creek Tributary of Middle Fork Salmon River Marten Lake Upper Salmon Basin Meadow Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Meadow Creek Tributary of Goat Creek Morgan Creek Tributary of Salmon River Mosquito Flat Reservoir Upper Salmon Basin Moyer Creek Tributary of Panther Creek Opal Creek Tributary of Panther Creek Pahsimeroi River Tributary of Salmon River Panther Creek Tributary of Salmon River Perkins Lake Upper Salmon Basin Pole Creek Tributary of Salmon River Porphyry Creek Tributary of Panther Creek Prospect Creek Tributary of Warm Springs Creek Rabbit Creek Tributary of Napias Creek Rainbow Creek Tributary of Pole Creek Rapps Creek Tributary of Arnett Creek Redfish Lake Creek Tributary of Salmon River Rough Creek Tributary of Salmon River Salmon River East Fork Salmon River to Headwaters Tributary of Snake River Salmon River North Fork Salmon River to East Fork Salmon River Tributary of Snake River Sharkey Creek Tributary of Napias Creek Silver Creek Tributary of Camas Creek Slate Creek Tributary of Salmon River Smiley Creek Tributary of Salmon River Smithy Creek Tributary of Dahlonega Creek Squaw Creek Tributary of Salmon River Squaw Creek Tributary of Salmon River Stanley Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Stanley Lake Upper Salmon Basin Stanley Lake Creek Tributary of Valley Creek Swamp Creek Tributary of Owl Creek Texas Creek Tributary of Lemhi River Thatcher Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Thompson Creek Tributary of Salmon River Threemile Creek Tributary of Dahlonega Creek Trap Creek Tributary of Meadow Creek Upper Hell Roaring Lake #1 Upper Salmon Basin Upper Hell Roaring Lake #2 Upper Salmon Basin Upper Hell Roaring Lake #3 Upper Salmon Basin Vader Creek Tributary of Marsh Creek Valley Creek Tributary of Salmon River Valley Creek Lake #1 Upper Salmon Basin Vat Creek Tributary of Alturas Lake Creek Warm Springs Creek Tributary of Salmon River West Fork Morgan Creek Tributary of Morgan Creek White Valley Creek Tributary of Challis Creek Williams Creek Tributary of Salmon River Williams Lake Middle Salmon-Panther Basin Winnemucca Creek Tributary of Beaver Creek Yankee Fork Tributary of Salmon Riveranswered 9/13/2012
Q: Can I purchase a license as a gift for someone?
How can I purchase a non-resident license as a gift for someone without them knowing? Anyway?A:
Yes, anyone can purchase a nonresident license as a gift. You need to have the nonresident's information such as name, address, date of birth and social security number.answered 9/13/2012
Q: Even though IDFG doesn't stock brook trout now, why don't you include them in the historical stocking data?
When I search for lakes that were previously stocked with brook trout there is no information. I know brook trout are a non-desired species in Idaho but I would like to be able to find out what lakes were stocked with brook trout in the past. It seems that IDFG doesn't want to aknowledge that brook trout were ever stocked in Idaho.A:
They are included in the database - you just need to do some sluthing. Here is an example: 1) Select Panhandle Region; 2) select records for 1967 to present; 3) click on "other trout;" 4) highlight "Antelope Lake; 5) and now click "search." You will see 2,111 fingerling brook trout were stocked on 5/16/1997 in Antelope Lake. We stocked brook trout in numerous lakes and streams throughout Idaho in the 1930's. They did so well, they displaced rainbow trout and other native species in many waters. Brook trout are voracious predators and will over-populate leading to a stunted and undesirable population. They also interbreed with native ESA listed bull trout and produce sterile offspring - which decreases the bull trout population. We've recently pioneered a way to produce sterile brook trout in our hatchery system. You will probably see these fish planted in future years where they will provide a fishery without damaging native fish populations.answered 9/13/2012
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There are several different trespass laws and some different requirements for different situations. Posting is required for some situations, but is not required for cultivated land or fenced land. Posting is not required if the landowner or agent asks the person to leave (see Idaho Code Section 18-7008(A)(8)). Idaho Code Section 36-1602 (part of the Fish and Game code) prohibits hunting fishing or trapping on another person's land without permission if the land is cultivated, posted or enclosed (fenced). http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title36/T36CH16SECT36-1602.htm Idaho Code Section 36-1603 (part of the Fish and Game code) prohibits entry of another person's land to hunt, fish, trap or retrieve game if the land is cultivated or posted (by sign or orange paint). http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title36/T36CH16SECT36-1603.htm Idaho Code Section 18-7008 (criminal code) identifies several types of trespass including refusing to leave when told to leave by the landowner or agent, and entry of another's land which is posted by sign or orange paint. http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH70SECT18-7008.htm Idaho Code Section 18-7011 (criminal code) also prohibits entry of another's land which is cultivated, enclosed or posted with signs or orange paint. http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH70SECT18-7011.htmanswered 9/12/2012
Q: Did anyone turn in a found fly rod?
Any chance a fisherman would turn in a found fly rod to a fish and game office? My husband and sons were fishing along the Payette River between Cascade and Banks on Labor Day and my son left his new Cabela's Wind River fly rod along the bank. Unfortunately, we are just now realizing it.A:
Please check with the Fish and Game office in McCall (634-8137) and the Southwest Region office in Nampa (465-8465).answered 9/12/2012
Q: Jugging in idaho
in idaho can you do it and if so how minny Juggs can you have?A:
You can have one fishing line in Idaho (or 2 lines with a two-pole permit) and it must be tended. So, if you teather a line to float/jug, you must remain with the float/jug for as long as you are fishing.answered 9/11/2012
Q: Why isn't the fire closure boundary current?
I LOVE the MODIS interface you are offering with the hunt planner, thank you. However I just wanted to point out that for some fires (Sheep Fire for example), the fire closure boundary that is currently enacted by the USFS is not even showing up on the interface. When the "fire closure" layer is checked, it shows up for some fires (Mustang Complex, Halstead as examples), but not others. FYI, the USFS has closed the entire forest area from White Bird to Riggins, and from US95 to the wilderness boundary. It would be helpful and save some people time/$$ if this was updated. Thanks for your efforts!A:
Thanks for letting us know! Up until today we have only been showing active closures for the Mustang Complex, Halstead and Trinity Ridge fires. To the best of our knowledge there is no statewide or nationwide fire closure layer, so we have been manually updating these layers as new closures come to our attention. If you know of a data source for this, we're all ears! Contact our IFWIS team maintaining the Huntplanner directly at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/portal/contact#huntplanner The other reason we haven't been including other fires is well, we chase a lot of metaphorical fires around here, and we missed that there was a new closure in the state. Our bad. I'll check on this Sheep Fire closure right now and try to get it online before noon tomorrow. Thanks again!a ---------- UPDATE Sept 14, 2012 6:45PM MST Today we received numerous updates from the USFS and digitized another four closures ourselves. As of this post, all active fire area closures in Idaho (and one in Montana) are depicted in both the Huntplanner MapCenter and the IDFG Fire Map. Furthermore, now you can click each closure to see a popup with information about the closure order, date of closure and link to Inciweb with the full closure text. Also new in the Huntplanner is a layer with the Infared-generated active fire boundaries updated nightly where flown (keep in mind not all fires are flown regularly). At this time there we are displaying fifteen active closures in Idaho across nine separate incidents.answered 9/11/2012
Q: When and how sould I fish for cat fish and what bait should I use
i just want to know what time is best to fish for catfish and what's the best baitA:
Catfish usually start to actively feed when the water temperatures begin to warm in the spring. Water temperatures rising to 50 F and above is the rule of thumb I like to use for catfish fishing. One of the great things about catfish is, they aren't too picky when in comes to bait. Anything that smells bad (parts of nongame fish, chicken livers, pickeled hering, etc.) usually makes great bait. Worms work well, too. Make sure you fish the bottom of the river in low velocity areas.answered 9/10/2012
Q: hunt with bow and rifle
I am hunting for bear. but there is a deer archery hunt on also. can i have both bow and rifle with me in the field and in my truck?A:
Yes, you can have both weapons with you while hunting.answered 9/10/2012
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IDFG Headquarters sells topo maps. They can be contacted at 208-334-3700. The map order form is online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=162.answered 9/10/2012
Q: I was wondering who I should contact in order to do a Job shadow?
I'm at student at Mountain View Alternative Highschool in Rathdrum Idaho, I need to do a Job shadow in order to complete my Senior Project. I was curious who i should call or e-mail to set up a date and time to do so. My goal is to become a fish and game warden so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to find out what I need to prepare for.A:
Contact the nearest Fish and Game office. They can help you. Contacts are listed online in the "About Fish and Game" section of our Website.answered 9/10/2012
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You can now look up your Idaho Hunter Education (or Bowhunter Education) number and print out the information from our Website at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/hed/public/duplicateprintcards.aspx. Idaho residents--if you need the information for a concealed weapon permit, some Idaho counties may not accept the printout from our website. Check with them to see if they will accept the card that you print out at home. If you have problems, call IDFG at 208-287-2872.answered 9/9/2012
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All hunters must have an Idaho Migratory Bird stamp, regardless of age. The cost for a resident is $1.75; the cost for a nonresident is $4.75. By the way, the Federal "Duck Stamp" is required for age 16 and older.answered 9/8/2012
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Yes, you can carry a handgun for protection during an archery-only hunt.answered 9/8/2012
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Fires burning in Idaho's backcountry have raised concerns about public safety and hunter access, and some roads and trails have been closed. Idaho Fish and Game does not recommend closing hunts or altering season dates in response to fire restrictions. Most fires are not large enough to affect an entire hunt unit. Hunters affected by a fire closure can adjust their schedule to hunt later in the season or exchange general tags to hunt in a different area. But tags must be exchanged before the season begins. Hunters with controlled hunt tags may exchange them for general season tags before the controlled hunt begins. But controlled hunt fees would not be refunded. Fish and Game will consider requests for rain checks or refunds in the event that access to a hunting unit is blocked by fire. Hunters requesting a rain check will be required to submit their tags and permits with a letter describing the conditions of their request. Rain checks would be evaluated case-by-case at the end of the hunting season. Rain checks will be valid in 2013 and offered only for the same species and hunt area as the hunter held in 2012. Written requests should be sent to the license section at Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707 when the season is over. Hunters and anglers, and anyone else heading into the backcountry, are advised to check with Forest Service ranger district offices or county sheriffs' offices before heading out. Fire updates can be found online at: http://www.inciweb.org/state/13/.answered 9/6/2012
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Yes. Game animals, predatory wildlife and unprotect species (see list) may be salvaged. Notifying Fish and Game within 24 hours and obtaining a salvage permit within 72 hours is a legal requirement to lawfully possess salvaged wildlife. You must report a wildlife salvage by going online to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill, which will direct you to a free self-generating permit that you can print. A copy of the permit must accompany the salvaged wildlife. A copy of the report will be sent electronically to the local IDFG office. Reporting a wildlife salvage can also be made by contacting your nearest IDFG regional office, conservation officer, or other Fish and Game employee within 24 hours. If contacting Fish and Game by phone outside normal business hours, it’s critical that you leave your full name, phone number, address, and location of salvage so a permit can be issued to you within 72 hours. In addition to reporting a wildlife salvage, the following wildlife parts must be presented to your nearest IDFG office to satisfy mandatory harvest tagging/pinning report requirements: SPECIES PARTS TO PRESENT TIME PERIOD TO PRESENT Moose, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep Antlers or horns Within 10 days of salvage Mountain Lion, Black Bear, Wolf Skull and pelt Within 10 days of salvage River Otter Thawed pelt With 72 hours of salvage Bobcat Thawed pelt Within 10 days of salvage Contact your nearest IDFG regional office to make arrangements.answered 9/6/2012
Q: can you use a net to catch the kokanee on the mores creek/grimes creek area?
I have seen a number of people catching the spawning yet landlocked kokanee along Mores creek and Grimes creek, (they're not native american). They said that as long as you "milked" them it was legal. I also noticed that they had a fairly large number of fish, around 20 or so and they were bragging about how many they got the prior day as well. I didn't know them but figured they were locals because they didn't seem to have a vehicle nearby to get plates off of. On average, I have noticed at least 2-3 different people on 5 or 5 different occasions netting the fish. Is this legal? Or is this poaching?A:
It is illegal to use dipnets to harvest kokanee in Mores or Grimes Creek. Please refer to page 44 of the fishing rules book. Kokanee in Mores Ck are mostly past the stage of being edible.answered 9/5/2012
Q: Fall general Turkey season
I was wondering a resent news release posted on this site says that turkey season opens in units 22 and 32a however the upland game bird season PDF says there is no fall season in unit 32a and only a controlled hunt in unit 22 was this a mistake or have there been changes made for this season.A:
Controlled Hunt 9017 is open 9/15/2012 - 10/9/2012 in Units 22, 32 and 32A. For more information see http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/hunt.aspx?ID=32590answered 9/5/2012
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Yes. The roadkill salvage law allows: Recover and keep wildlife species classified as upland birds, upland game animals, big game, furbearers, unprotected wildlife, and predators that may be lawfully hunted or trapped that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. A list of wildlife species that CAN be salvaged can be viewed by going online at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill. Protected non-game wildlife, Threatened or Endangered species, migratory birds (which are federally protected), and other wildlife species not lawfully hunted or trapped may NOT be recovered, possessed, or salvaged. Purchase or sell wildlife parts, except the edible flesh, of wildlife species classified as big game, upland game, upland game birds, furbearers, or rattlesnakes that may be lawfully hunted or trapped that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. Bighorn sheep cannot be purchased, bartered, or sold. Retain and consume the meat of wildlife species classified as big game, upland game animals, upland game birds, and furbearing animals which may be lawfully hunted or trapped, that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. Persons salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk.answered 9/5/2012
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Yes, he can. That is only for youth hunters.answered 9/4/2012
Q: Food Donations
Is there anywhere in the Treasure Valley accepting donations of meat for animals to eat? I know the zoo used to do so, but with bear rescue in full swing I thought I should check as we're cleaning out the deep feeze and have some available.A:
Contact the Southwest Region office at 465-8465. They may have a list.answered 9/4/2012
Q: Turkey Hunting Unit 39
When if ever is there going to be a Fall Turkey Hunt?A:
We used to have fall turkey season in Unit 39 from late 1990’s until 2006. Our spring harvest began declining in about 2003, as did our fall harvest in many of the units. We eliminated fall hunting season in fall 2006 to reduce the take of female turkeys, in hopes of increasing the populations. To this date, the turkey numbers have not rebounded enough to warrant a fall season. Additionally, this year we eliminated the general fall hunt in the rest of the region and have gone to a controlled fall hunt in only a few of the units. We are hoping that the turkey populations will rebound enough to begin offering more fall hunting opportunity at a later date.answered 9/4/2012
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The waterfowl regulations are now available online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=66 Regulations have gone to the printers and will begin to be distributed statewide the week of Sept. 17th.answered 9/4/2012
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Yes. Many dove hunters have enjoyed the opportunity provided by eurasian-collared doves. They are a litte bigger than mourning doves and should provide a little more meat than the standard mourning dove. Eurasian-collared doves are classified as 'unprotected' and can be hunted and taken all year. They may be taken in any amounts and at any time by holders of the appropriate valid hunting license, provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances or regulations.
answered 9/4/2012
Q: How far off traveled portion of road are you allowed to shoot?
General hunting rules give vague information about "traveled portion, shoulders and embankments". Does the law specify a distance from the traveled portion of the road?A:
Page 2 of the Disabled Hunting Permit brochure provides information that answers the question as it relates to all hunters: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/disVehicleHuntBrochure.pdf Page 81 of the big game brochure also has a shorter summary of this information.answered 9/4/2012