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 2776 - 2800 of 3534 questionsA:
Northern pikeminnow (squawfish) are a native specie to Idaho. They are highly predatory once they reach 8 - 10" and tend to prey more on soft-ray fish such as rainbow trout, cutthroat, salmon and steelhead smolts (juveniles). This makes sense when you consider that all of these species are native to Idaho and they've evolved together through the years.answered 5/29/2012
A:
Coeur d'alene Lake is like most other water bodies in that you can use two poles if you purchase a 2-pole permit ($13.75 for residents, $15.50 for non-residents). This would apply to boat or shore.answered 5/29/2012
A:
Yes, he can. Be sure to purchase a Junior Hunting license for him. He can apply now (by June 5) for a hunt with that license. If he is drawn, his tag will be held for him until his birthday on Nov. 15.answered 5/29/2012
A:
I will assume you are referring to a Controlled youth hunt. A youth that is between 12-17 at the time of application can apply for a Youth Controlled Hunt. If they are successfully drawn for the hunt and they turn 18 later in the fall they can still participate. If the hunt is a general youth hunt (Not a controlled Hunt), the age requirement still applies. For example, there is an early two day youth waterfowl hunt for hunters 10-15. In 2012 this occurs Sept 29-30. This is not a controlled hunt. So, if the hunter is turns 16 prior the 29th they will not be able to participate as a youth hunter. If their birthday is on Sept 30, they could hunt on the 29th, but not on the 30th. Of course they can hunt during the general waterfowl season beginning at age 10.answered 5/28/2012
Q: If you purchase a reduced fee Mountain Lion Tag, can you still purchase a regular priced Mountain Lion tag?
I just returned from Bear Hunting in unit 10 (filled one tag, passed on several small bears and left the second tag unfilled) and since I was going to be in unit 10 I purchased a reduced fee Mountain Lion tag and a reduced fee wolf tag. I didn't see either a lion or a wolf during my hunt, but wanted the tag just in case. I'm now considering using a guide this fall to go Mountain Lion hunting and if I can't buy a regular priced tag I'll need to hold off on this hunt for a year. Thanks for any information.A:
The correct answer is no. The only second tag you can purchase is the second reduced tag which restricts a hunter to the special second tag units only. Please see pages 58 for bear and 63 for mountain lion. Yes, you can. If you are going to hunt outside the area that is included in the "reduced tag" area (Lolo, Selway or Middlefork zone units and the portion of unit 16 north of the Selway River) you can purchase a regular priced mountain lion tag. (Just a note, the reduced price tag we have is for nonresidents only).answered 5/28/2012
A:
You must purchase a nonresident hunting license ($154.75) and pay the controlled hunt application fee ($14.75). If you apply online (fishandgame.idaho.gov) or by phone (1-800-554-8685) there is an additional fee added for processing of approximately 3%.answered 5/28/2012
Q: What are the rules on using floating bait hooks?
I've heard of fishing by using a water bottle or something else that floats with fishing line and a baited hook on it and just setting it in the water as a floating rig. What are the rules concerning the use of a floating device with a baited hook connected to it for fishing? How many can I use at a time?A:
What you describe is commonly known as a "bobber." You can attach as many bobbers/bottles as you want to your line. You can have two lines out at once with a Two-pole permit. Without a Two-pole permit, you can only fish with one line.answered 5/28/2012
A:
You would need to purchase your actual hunting license your self in order to apply, however you are more than welcome to have someone bring in your information to apply for a draw for you as well as to pick up your tags. They would still have to pick up any draw tags by August 1st to keep from losing them. Good Luck on your draw.answered 5/28/2012
A:
While you are not legally required to take the entire animal when salvaging, we prefer that you do.answered 5/27/2012
A:
Treaty rights to hunt and fish are held by tribes, not by individual members, and these treaty rights have geographic limitations as to where they apply. If a member wants to hunt/fish within the scope of her tribes’ treaty rights, the tribe regulates the member’s hunting & fishing. If a person is a member of a tribe that has treaty rights in Idaho but wants to hunt/fish outside the scope of her tribes’ treaty rights, or the person is a member of a tribe that does not have treaty rights in Idaho, the individual would need to get a resident or non-resident license and any appropriate tags from the state (or tribe if hunting/fishing on another tribe’s reservation). So the answer to the question depends on which tribe the person belongs to.answered 5/26/2012
Q: Laws and Regulations on killing a barn owl?
We hav a barn owl that has been causing havoc in our corn barn and am unsure what thelaws and regulations are regarding the killing of this bird.A:
No. Barn owls are federally protected and cannot be killed. Please contact your local Idaho Fish and Game office to discuss possible ways to discourage them from using your corn barn.answered 5/25/2012
A:
Yes, it is legal to use gas boats on McArthur Lake, Boundary County.answered 5/25/2012
A:
No. Wolves are classified as a big game animal in Idaho. The methods of take and weapons restrictions for wolves are the same as for other big game animals. For more more information, please visit IDFG's website or refer to the 2012 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure, which also contains information on wolf hunting season regulations.answered 5/25/2012
Q: Re: MSN news story related to killing of Grizzlies
Why is the 10,000 $ reward offered by your department so low? And- why is the burden for information leading to the arrest AND CONVICTION of the suspect(s) ?! There are cases of poor judgement on behalf of hunters and sportsmen every year; in every State. There are also some ruthless two legged predators running loose; causing untold amounts of damage to wildlife. Some are after trophies or bragging rights, some are culling parts for sale on the black market, and some are just low average intelligent w/ a serious mental defect--and there are deranged druggies and alcoholics w/ weapons. My point is--in order to place J. Q. Public in between one the afforementioned and a huge fine and long prison term possibity--it seems like the burden of risk should be born by sworn peace officers, and fish and game agents and their respective depts.. No state can afford the reckless loss of endangered/protected species, in this day and age--the potential punishment is pretty obvious to all who bring firearms into a wild area for the purpose of killing game-and not do so w/ all diligence and required responsibilities is reaallly STUPID! Whomever did this act-may have made a mistke in animal ID; but shooting more than one animal says they were in a group of at least 2 persons,or was over limit from the start- and knew before or immediately after that they were going to leave the animals there to rot. Locals w/ bear trespassers not wanted on property, licensed hunters who mis identified the bears, recreational target shooters who saw an opportunity to kill bears--would all be sweating buckets worried about getting caught. The other possibility is the persons who did it w/ intent and destructive purpose, would be given the names and addresses of anyone who turns them in for a reward. My guess is you are not going to receive too many tips, and that is a shame; becase sooner than later-they'll do it again- not to mention to the grievous loss already accrued. Sincerely, Mark S. McClinnA:
This illegal take of the threatened Grizzly Bears is being investigated jointly by Idaho Fish and Game, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The incident occurred in a remote area of Idaho. We are seeking any information from anyone who has information specific to or was a witness to this act. The rewards being offered are donated from various organizations and individuals, and from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. If you desire to help and donate to the reward you can call the USFWS at 503-231-2264 or IDFG at 208-769-1414 Anyone with information regarding the facts or identity of person or persons who were involved in this incident may contact these numbers, or the Idaho Citizens Against Poaching, 1-800-632-5999.answered 5/24/2012
Q: salmon fishing on the upper S. fork sqlmon?
Is there a season for salmon fishing on the S. Fork salmon river? I csn remember seeing people fishing for them about 10 years agoA:
We hope to have a salmon fishing season on the South Fork Salmon river this year, but we really won't know for certain until June 4. By then, our fish managers expect to know enough about numbers of fish returning to recommend seasons to the IDFG commission. If the fish begin to show up as expected, the commission will set the seasons June 4 in the upper and lower sections of the South Fork Salmon River and in four segments of the upper Salmon River. Please check the IDFG website after June 4 for current information on the South Fork salmon fishing season.answered 5/24/2012
A:
Fishing with a bow and arrow is permitted only in the taking of bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish (such as carp), and only in those waters during the season set for the taking of game fish. For bow fishing locations in your area, please contact your nearest Idaho Fish and Game office.answered 5/24/2012
Q: If I fail to be drawn for the controlled deer hunt 2012 and have pre-purchased through a vendor, and been provided a "Deer Receipt"; Will my prepaid amount be refunded to me by Idaho Fish and Game?
Prepaid hunting/fishing combination with prepaid "Deer Receipt". No Draw - Refund process?A:
No refunds will be made on resident licenses, tags or permits (including receipts issued for prepaid tags). If you are successful, the deer receipt may be redeemed as soon as resident tags go on sale in July. The deadline for purchase of controlled hunt tags is August 1.answered 5/23/2012
A:
You can cross, float down, and fish out of a pontoon boat on the Lochsa River as long as your boat does not have a motor.answered 5/23/2012
Q: I applied for a moose tag and was not drawn. Am I eligible to apply for a controlled hunt for elk this year? There is a note in the regulations
■Applicants for controlled hunts for moose, mountain goat or bighorn sheep may only apply for one species Does this mean I can't aply for elk too? I am hoping this mean I have to pick either Moose, Mountain Goat or Big Horns and that I am not restricted from applying for an elk controlled hunt. I have put in for moose the last 3 years and haven't attemptd to put in for elk those years. A friend told me I was not reading the regs correctly and to ask you for clarification. Thanks! Ron Linderman McCammon, IDA:
A person who has applied for a bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or moose controlled hunt may not apply for any other controlled hunt in the same year, except unlimited controlled hunts, a controlled black bear hunt, controlled turkey hunt, extra deer, extra elk, or extra pronghorn controlled hunts, or a designated depredation hunt. In addition, applicants for bighorn sheep, mountain goat or moose controlled hunts are eligible to participate in the second deer, elk and pronghorn application period and in first-come, first-served deer, elk and pronghorn controlled hunt tag sales. -answered 5/23/2012
Q: Why are there no official records for turkeys, maintained by IDFG?
Are there no turkey records that IDFG maintains?A:
The Department does not maintain a record book for wild turkeys. Records are maintained by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Check out their records page at: http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/turkey_records.php.answered 5/23/2012
Q: What is the guide on mis-clipped steelhead?
What is the details on mis-clipped steelhead, salmon some times the clipped area is 1/4 inch up on the fin some times their is a sliver of fin left with both having evidence of a healed scar ?A:
The key is the language regarding a “healed scar.” The fish were small when the adipose fin was clipped. If the adipose is altered and the wound is healed – you should be ok to keep the fish.answered 5/22/2012
Q: Is there going to be a controlled hunt for moose in unit 63 this next season?
Iv noticed that only about every 3-4 years or so thier is a controlled hunt draw for moose in unit 63, but there wasnt one this year. When willbe the next time that hunt opens? and what determines if thier is going to be a hunt in that unit or not?A:
Moose seasons for the fall 2011 and fall 2012 hunting seasons were set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in January 2011. There is no moose hunting season in Unit 63. Moose seasons proposals for 2013 and 2014 will be considered this fall/winter and will be set by the Fish and Game Commission at their January 2013 meeting.answered 5/20/2012
Q: How do I find out who to contact for a landowner permission hunt?
I would like to hunt in one of these hunts and in the regulations it states that the landowner has a triplicate form that he and the sportsman fill out and the sportsman takes two copies to the regional office. I can't find any information on how I get a list of participating landowners or how this works.A:
Contact the Idaho Fish and Game office for the area. They can refer you to the Landowner Sportsman Coordinator for information.answered 5/20/2012
A:
The pages you refer to receive the most current numbers from a database that the hatcheries updated on a daily basis. That database has been moved out of Idaho Fish and Game and to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). IDFG no longer has access to the data to feed our web pages. The database management and development is overseen by a multi-agency Steering Committee. This issue has been brought to their attention. Until the Steering Committee acts to allow IDFG access to the data, we are unable to restore those web pages.answered 5/20/2012
Q: daugter is 12 in november is there any big game she can hunt
my daughter will be 12 years old in november and i was wondering if there is any big game hunts that she can hunt this yearA:
She can hunt big game when she turns 12. Please check the Idaho Big Game Rules book for seasons that are open in November.answered 5/20/2012