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 2751 - 2775 of 3534 questionsA:
Fish and Game employees are planning the Idaho Wildlife Summit so yes, some Fish and Game personnel funds are being spent on the Summit. Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter will be a presenter at the Summit.answered 6/6/2012
Q: Is this summit to cover up the fact that they are broke from poor management practices, i.e. buying land we don't need from Boise?
whats this summit supposed to accomplish? are they broke or is the handwriting on the wall and they will be soon? What are they really covering up? does anyone know? i'd be interested in all input myself. Several attempts by persons in the legislature to raid I F&G funds failed this session. Why were these attempted at all and by whom? Who have they really pissed off and why? It is clear that there is less game and more livestock and wolves competing for the same resources than at anytime in my lifetime and that politics is being used instead of science and animal husbandry to manage our wildlife. example: units aren't closed and allowed to recover,predators are not being managed. The lottery system just sells less tags for more money, and makes more hunters mad because they can't draw a tag , but get charged $6.50 to try. They are tired of gambling with their hard earned money for something that is extremely overpriced as it is now and has less chance of success than a gambling house. what is going to be done about that? Is the I F&G going to go back to managing wildlife instead of people? That hasn't worked very well since it was implemented back in the 1970's. In other words you better come out with all the problems or your going to solve nothing , we won't believe a word you say! I,m not hiding behind a summit, why are you? The news paper is published everyday, out with it!A:
You clearly care deeply about having healthy wildlife populations in Idaho, about the costs of managing wildlife, how license dollars and spent, and about wildlife management in Idaho. The Idaho Fish and Game department isn't broke today, but as Commission Chairman Randy Budge stated June 5, "...we will soon approach a crossroads at some point when tough decisions have to be made." The Wildlife Summit is designed to bring out the challenges into the open and bring together hunters, anglers, trappers and conservationists - all who care about and enjoy Idaho's wildlife - to start a conversation about the future of wildlife management in Idaho. We encourage you to watch Commissioner Budge's video clip on the Summit website. It might help address some of your questions here. We also encourage you to attend the Summit and share your opinions about the future of wildlife management in Idaho. Thank you for your suggestions to put more information out in the daily newspapers. We send them information (news releases) about various things once a week in what we call our "newspack". We will be sure to include information about the Summit every week between now and August 24-26, when the Summit occurs.answered 6/6/2012
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As of June 8, 2012, there are 240 nonresident Selway A tags available. Resident tags will go on sale in July.answered 6/6/2012
Q: Did you know there are wild trout in the sandhallow creek?
There is a stream that runs from the southeast of Emmett,id to Notus Idaho,and then dumps into the Boise river near the Dixie river. It fallows Market Rd from Oasis Rd. to Sand Hallow Rd from Were i live. It then goes to the Boise river in Notus Id. and dumps into the Boise river. I wish it could be protected some how? Its not very common that a stream has wild trout in it around them parts. Rodney BA:
According to our records, we did not know that there were wild trout in Sand Hollow Creek. I certainly didn't know. A couple of other sampling sites surveyed in this creek during 2001 came up as no fish present. We appreciate the information. I would like to talk with you on the phone about your observations. Please call the Nampa Regional Office and ask for the Fisheries Manager. Thank you.answered 6/5/2012
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Most brook trout fishing opportunities within the Magic Valley involve smaller headwater streams. Places such as upper South Fork Boise River, Upper Littlewood River, Upper Rock Creek (Twin Falls County), Upper Cassia Creek, and various tributaries feeding into the Upper Big Wood River. All of these brook trout populations are wild and self-sustaining. There are no brook trout hatchery supplementation programs in the Magic Valley Region. We hope this information helps you find the fishing experience you're seeking. Feel free to contact the Magic Valley Region directly if you require more detailed information.answered 6/5/2012
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There are limited number of Sturgeon being outplanted into the Snake River. We are not stocking anywhere else including Salmon Dam and Magic Reservoir. On occassion, some sturgeon have been reported in Lake Walcott; however, those fish are moving down stream from where they are stocked just below American Falls Dam.answered 6/5/2012
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The application will be assigned one number. If that number is drawn, both parties on it will receive a controlled hunt tag.answered 6/5/2012
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If you follow the salvage reporting requirements, it is legal to salvage a road-killed wolf and bleach the skull. Within 24 hours of collecting the wolf, you must report it by going online to fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill, which will direct you to a self-generating permit that you can print. A copy of the permit must accompany the salvaged wildlife. You can also report the wolf salvage 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 you leave your full name, phone number, address, and location of salvage so a permit can be issued and mailed to you within 72 hours. In addition to reporting a salvage, the wolf skull must be presented to your nearest IDFG office within 10 days of salvage to satisfy mandatory harvest tagging/pinning report requirements.answered 6/5/2012
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Which program are you referring to?answered 6/4/2012
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Please contact the Panhandle Region office for information. Their number is 208-769-1414.answered 6/4/2012
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Yes, you can field dress fish by removing the entrails. You just can’t cut off the any part of the head or tail of a game fish until it gets to your final place of residence. We require the head and tail be left on fish while in transit because a number of waters around the state have minimum or maximum length limits for various fish species. If heads and/or tails are removed, we can’t verify the length; and in some cases we need to see the whole fish so we can verify it came from a fish hatchery. Another reason for the rule is because we used to have people who would camp for days at a lake or reservoir and can or pickle fish. When checked by our officers to make sure they didn’t have more than the legal bag limit, we couldn’t tell how many fish they harvested and what species of fish they had in the can or bottle. By requiring the fish to remain whole, people are less likely to can or pickle fish at their camps.answered 6/4/2012
Q: Crayfish trap specification clarification
Per the 2012 regulation: Minnow or crayfish trap can't exceed two (2) feet in length, width or height. If the trap is of irregular dimension, but its volume does not exceed the volume of an eight (8) cubic foot trap. Above that it states that a seine or net does not exceed ten (10) feet in length or width, and nets and seines must have three-eighths (3/8) inch square or smaller mesh. It however doesn't specify a mesh restriction for crayfish or minnow traps. Does this mean there isn't one? Or does this apply to the crayfish traps as well.A:
There is no restriction on the mesh size for crayfish traps. Follow the dimensional requirements and you are legal to deploy 5 crayfish traps per fishing license. If you want to deploy more than 5 traps, you will need to get a Commercial Fishing License for your operation. The mesh size pertains to minnow seines and umbrella nets, only. Anything larger than 3/8” mesh acts as a gill net to smaller fish. Gill nets are nets where the fish usually can push their heads through the mesh to a point just past the gills. Then they get stuck, their gill covers can’t open, or the mesh cuts their gill filaments and they bleed to death. Regardless, for small fish it usually results in death.answered 6/4/2012
Q: Chinook season in Stanley
Will there be a Chinook salmon season this year in the Stanley area on the Salmon River? If so, when?A:
Yes, there will likely be a fishery on the Upper Salmon River in 2012. The returns back to the Sawtooth and Pahsimeroi hatcheries are not as large as originally forecasted and we have defered a decision on what river sections will be open. We are waiting until we have a better sense of the numbers of fish likely to be available for harvest based on PIT tag detections at Columbia and Snake River dams.Our Commission is meeting via teleconference on June 11 to decide on the locations, dates, and limits for the upper Salmon River fishery. Check our website for an announcement on the afternoon of the 11th.answered 6/4/2012
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet via teleconference on June 11 to discuss the proposal for a 2012 Chinook salmon fishery in the South Fork Salmon South Fork Salmon River. At that time they will set a starting date if they approve a fishery.answered 6/4/2012
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Due to Idaho Privacy Law, we can't release the names of the Super Hunt winners as we used to. We call the winners directly to notify them that they have won a tag.answered 6/2/2012
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The deadline is June 5.answered 6/2/2012
Q: We have a dead mom skunk in our yard and she has 2 babies. What can we do?
The 2 baby skunk are about 4 weeks old and their mother has died. Will fish and game help us or can you refer us to someone that come and get the mom and take care of the babies?A:
Skunks are classified as predatory wildlife by Idaho state law. The Department of Agriculture prohibits the possession or relocation of skunks without permission of the landowner limiting your options. You may consider calling Animals in Distress Association at 344-0468 if you are located in Boise.answered 6/1/2012
Q: Are there any plans to transplant more turkeys to Unit 39?
I've hunted the unit for the last three years and it appears that there are fewer turkeys each year. I know part of this is "being in the right place at the right time" but I'm starting to wonder if winter survival (or over-hunting) is becoming an issue. I know that the flocks around Blacks Creek Rd are pretty much gone. Another concern - out of 5 hunters and about 12 hunt-days, we saw a good number of hens, some toms (one harvested), but none of us saw any jakes. That leaves me questioning what next year will be like.A:
We currently have no plans to release turkeys in Unit 39. The SW Region is developing a turkey managemet plan to guide decisions such as where and when and why to translocate turkeys. The previous turkey releases have not faired well as the winters of 2008 and 2010 were hard on turkeys. And the wet, cold springs we have experienced the previous 4 years, have not recruited many poults into the population. Fall harvest was closed in 2006 because we were concerned about overharvest of hens. Turkeys can rebound quickly if mother nature will cooperate and provide some favorable weather conditions this spring and winter.answered 6/1/2012
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Yes, there will likely be a fishery on the Upper Salmon River in 2012. The returns back to the Sawtooth and Pahsimeroi hatcheries are not as large as originally forecasted and we have defered a decision on what river sections will be open. We are waiting until we have a better sense of the numbers of fish likely to be available for harvest based on PIT tag detections at Columbia and Snake River dams.Our Commission is meeting via teleconference on June 11 to decide on the locations, dates, and limits for the upper Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River fisheries. Check our website for an announcement on the afternoon of the 11th.answered 5/31/2012
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Each applicant pays an application fee ($6.25 for residents and $14.75 for nonresidents).answered 5/31/2012
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The opening date for the South Fork Salmon River will be set by the Fish and Game Commission during a June 11 teleconference.answered 5/31/2012
Q: Is it legal to use electronic calls for game other than predators?
I know that in a few areas, electronic calls are being used for mountain lions and they are commonly used for coyotes and bobcats. Are there other game e-callers are legal for, such as Canadian geese, ducks, etc? Is there a list available at Fish & Game's website indicating game that can be taken with E-callers?A:
The answer is copied and pasted below and can be found on page 73 of the Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules 2012 brochure: Electronic Calls No electronic calls may be used to attract big game for the purpose of harvest, except such calls may be used to attract mountain lions, black bears and gray wolves in seasons where approved by Commission proclamation. Similarly, electronic calls may not be used to attract waterfowl, upland game birds, or turkey.answered 5/30/2012
Q: What does it look like for a season o the upper end of the Salmon River in the Stanley area upstream to 100 yards downstream from the Sawtooth Hatchery?
I'm trying to set my time off to fish this area.A:
Because the overall return of spring/summer Chinook salmon to Idaho is smaller than orginally anticipated we have deferred making a decsion about the fishery in the Upper Salmon River while gathering and analyzing PIT tag detection data relevant to hatchery returns to that area. It is clear that some fishing opportunity will likely be approved in the Upper Salmon River but the opening date, bag and possession limits, and river sections opened to fishing have not been finalized yet. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet via teleconfernce on June 11 and one topic for deliberation will be the propsed fishery in the Upper Salmon River.answered 5/30/2012
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There are 11 leftovers for moose (2012 hunts) Hunt Number Unit Permits Leftover 3031 10-1 1 3034 10-4 1 3036 10-6 1 3044 12-3 1 3045 12-4 1 3047 12-6 1 3053 16A 2 3056 20 2 3057 27 1answered 5/30/2012
Q: Is the Wildlife Summit legal?
My concern is that IDFG is suppose to manage Idaho wildlife under the law of Section Code 36-103. No one I talk to knows about the Wildlife Summit, as they don't get on computers, or the "agenda" behind having anti-hunting groups, elitist sportsmen groups, any 501-3c group, who have membership out of the state of Idaho, and their own agendas to be deciding how to "fund" IDFG, now they are broke. How come the Idaho voting citizen is being taken out of the equation, by circumventing our elected officials??? From what I'm studying this Summit is actually not legal.A:
Idaho Fish and Game is planning a kickoff announcement on June 5 with registration opening soon thereafter. We encourage all Idahoans who care about wildlife to participate in the Summit either by coming to Boise, going to a one of the regional events or online. We can send you outreach materials and would greatly appreciate you to encourage family, friends and colleagues to participate. Although the funding of wildlife management in Idaho will be discussed at the Summit, no decisions are going to be made about how to fund Idaho Fish and Game. The Summit is the first step in building the capacity to manage wildlife given the challenges we have today that weren't even on the radar in 1938 (endangered and threatened species, development, habitat loss, urbanization) when Idahoans passed our state's first citizens initiative creating the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and department 74 years ago. We hope the Summit ignites the kind of enthusiasm displayed in 1938 when Idahoans made that historic commitment to manage and protect wildlife in Idaho. In 2008, when we proposed our last fee increase (supported by approximately 90 hunting and fishing groups and all of Idaho's daily newspapers) Idaho Fish and Game promised to find new ways to pay for managing the 80 percent of Idaho wildlife that is not hunted and fished, but which the department is still responsible for. Only one percent of the Fish and Game budget is used to manage that 80 percent. Hunters, anglers and trappers understandably want their license fees spent on the wildlife they pursue. The Summit is the first step in following through on that pledge. Every Idaho citizen is encouraged to participate in the Summit and to be involved in wildlife management by coming to scoping meetings, Commission meetings, volunteering to teach Hunter Education or to improve habitat, and buying a license to hunt and fish. The Summit is an open meeting. Elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend. Commissioners are going to attend as well, and the Summit will be noticed as an open meeting under Idaho's Open Meetings Law. Nothing about Idaho wildlife law under Section Code 36-103 will change. The Summit is about bringing Idahoans together to help us begin to plan for the future to ensure we provide an abundant wildlife resource for you, your children and grandchildren.answered 5/30/2012