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 2901 - 2925 of 3534 questionsQ: What collage
What collage courses would I have to take, or would help me if I wanted to become a fish and game officer, and what would I have to do to become one?A:
You need good knowledge of fish and wildlife management practices and be a great listener and communicator. Competitive candidates have a bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries management or closely related fields. You must also be able to relate to our customers, primarily anglers and hunters. To do this, you need an interest and practical experience in fishing and hunting.answered 4/2/2012
Q: Canadian Geese Menace?
Is anything being done to try to better control the seemingly huge population of Canadian Geese? Not only are they a menace and health risk at my workplace in East Boise, but they invade my horse pasture in Robie Creek eating new grass and defecating everywhere. It seems to be getting worse and worse every year. I believe many of them never leave and have become year round residents. I've tried several things to repel them, coyote decoys, dog chasing, etc., but nothing seems to work. It's getting ridiculously annoying to the extent they were on top of the buildings at work crapping down the side of the windows as I came in this morning. How about increasing seasons or bag limits? I've heard limits are set in Canada, but many of the geese here never get that far north. Is anyone aware of the state of things in this area?A:
Canada geese are protected as migratory birds by the federal government and season framework is regulated by them. However, we do have some leeway in how the rules are set in Idaho under their umbrella, and we have maximum allowable harvest opportunity in the area. The problem with urban geese is that they find any open green grass near water and try to make a go of it. I too have geese at my house and pasture. There are city ordinances preventing shooting in city limits. We banded several hundred geese in the parks to identify what percentage are resident vs. transient, and about 95% of the geese in Boise in winter come from other locations. Geese are trying to find places to nest right now and are desperate. They likely will not be sticking around these locations if they cannot find decent nesting locations or are harassed. Harassing must be done non lethally outside of the hunting season without a permit (recently, someone shot a goose with a nail gun and that is illegal). Dogs work best but must be used consistently. Also, there are chemical repellents available through online sources. The US Fish and Wildlife Service can issue kill permits for depredation and nuisance reasons, but certain criteria likely will have to be met. The parks are oiling eggs to reduce the number of new geese in the parks this year under permit by the USFWS. Geese cannot be moved successfully so repellents, reducing reproduction, or lethal removal is necessary. I understand the challenges with urban geese but the responses are limited, may not always be successful, and require consistent efforts. The good news is that many managers are finding that with consistent efforts using dogs and repellents, the numbers of geese in their area can be reduced. Good luck.answered 4/2/2012
Q: can ground squrilels still be hunted South of the Payette river, in Gem county?
I was told by someone that it is now illegal to shoot ground squirels in Idaho, is that true or not? If there are any boundries what are they?A:
Yes, it is legal to hunt ground squirrels south of the Payette River and north of the Snake River.answered 3/31/2012
Q: Squirrel Trapping
I have lot's of squirrel's in my area here in nampa, just wanted to know if i can trap them is that legal? will i have to have a license for that , because i do plan on eating them heard squirrel is pretty good:)A:
It is legal to trap and eat fox squirrels with the possession of a trapping license.answered 3/30/2012
Q: 2011 Harvest Statistics
I am anxious to begin planning my 2012 deer and elk hunts. One vital tool I like to use is the previous years harvest statistics. These stats have not yet been posted from the 2011 hunting season for general and controlled hunts. When do you anticipate this information being posted on your website?A:
The Wildlife Department informed us today (March 30, 2012) that the statistics for 2011 big game harvest should be ready in 2 weeks...look for them in mid-April.answered 3/30/2012
Q: New season and rules
Do you know when we can expect the new big game season and rules book for 2012 to come out?A:
We expect the 2012 Big Game Rules to be ready the second or third week of April. They will be posted online and hard copies will be sent out to vendors at that time.answered 3/30/2012
A:
Twelve (12) years of age. Persons under twelve (12) possessing a firearm for hunting must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Idaho Code Section 36-1508(b).answered 3/29/2012
Q: Are there any more feral hog populations in Idaho?
I am doing a speech for FFA on feral hog populations and I recently heard from a Fish and Game officer that there are no more hogs in Idaho. I wanted to make sure that this was true before saying anything about it in my speech for State Competitions. Thank youA:
At this time we are unaware of any. We don't track them because they aren't considered wildlife and we don't manage them.answered 3/29/2012
Q: ATV USE
What are the rules on hunting using ATV's? Where can I find a map detailing where and when I can use ATV's throughout the year?A:
The ATV rules for big game hunting are posted online in the 2012 Big Game rules book at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=63 on pages 79 and 80. Printed copies should be at your local vendor by April 27.answered 3/28/2012
Q: State Duck Stamp
We are wondering if you have a State duck stamp. We are doing a survey as to how many States have one. Thank you for your help.A:
Idaho doesn't have a collector's waterfowl stamp.answered 3/27/2012
Q: gopher hunting
Over the weekend (24-25 March 2010), I read on an internet forum that the Weiser - Parma area was is closed to shooting gophers (ground squirrels). True or not? If it is true why was it closed?A:
Gophers are different from ground squirrels. Most ground squirrels in the Weiser area are southern Idaho ground squirrels and are protected and cannot be killed. The ground squirrels found in the Parma area are Piute ground squirrels and are not protected. Hunting ground squirrels in the Parma area is legal.answered 3/26/2012
Q: Can I put in for a deer and elk hunt?
can i put my name in for a deer and elk controlled huntA:
The application period is May 1-June 5. A new rules book will be out in April. You can put in for more than one species during this application period.answered 3/25/2012
A:
You can only purchase a trapping license at a Fish and Game Region office or Headquarters.answered 3/22/2012
Q: Age required for hunting license
At what age is a hunting license required to hunt whistle pigs and coyotes?A:
A hunting license is required at 10 years old for unprotected game and the child must take hunter education to get the license.answered 3/22/2012
Q: Why not open Roswell WMA and Ft. Boise WMA to snow goose hunting?
The closure of these public WMA's to snow goose hunting means that only hunters who know farmers in the area, or those who are wealthy enough to lease those farms for hunting can participate in the spring hunt. I am very concerned about situations like this that are turning our sport into a rich man's game, and limiting the ability of the average hunter to participate. Thank you!A:
Answer: Everything in wildlife management involves some compromise, with the goal of optimizing the solution for the greatest overall achievement in multiple conflicting goals. So it is with snow goose seasons. The ponds at Fort Boise WMA are a primary roosting area for snow geese as they pass through our region on the spring migration. If you look at a map of the WMA, however, you can see that the ponds on which they roost are within the area closed annually from February 1 through July 31 for nesting season for all of the other birds that depend on the area for habitat. The same is true for the marsh area of Roswell Marsh Habitat Area south of Highway 18. Just because there are lots of geese flying in and out of the ponds still does not mean that would be a good place to hunt them. Snow geese are typically hunted over a large number of decoys in agricultural fields. You hunt them where they feed. This is a highly variable activity, and flocks often use a field only once. The key to success is to scout well, and line up as many landowners as possible before the season. Shooting them where they roost would just induce them find somewhere else to roost. This would not only provide a very limited hunting opportunity, but would deny the opportunity for hundreds of wildlife viewers to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of geese at Fort Boise heading out to or returning from daily feeding forays. Providing a place for snow geese to roost keeps them in the general vicinity at least, so local fields can continue to offer hunting opportunity. Areas of Roswell Wildlife Habitat Area north of Highway 18 are open to light goose hunting. The harvested grain in those fields can provide a hunting opportunity when they feed there.answered 3/22/2012
Q: Can I use a silencer
Can I use a silencer and my hunting rifles while big game hunting in Idaho?A:
Idaho Fish and Game does not prohibit the use of silencers. However, ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) requires a permit to possess and use a silencer. I recommend you contact the local ATF office for the appropriate applications.answered 3/21/2012
Q: What do I do with a Red Ear Slider Turtle that I don't want anymore?
i wanted to give away a red ear slider turtle. The pet store said "dont bring it here". they said we need a permit. what if i dont want the turtle anymore?
A:
The red ear slider turtle in an invasive species. Please read the following:
We are allowing people with existing turtles to obtain a "grandfather" permit. It is here: http://www.agri.idaho.gov/AGRI/Categories/Environment/InvasiveSpeciesCouncil/documents/Red-EaredSlider_Possesion%20Permit.pdf
It stipulates that: By signing, you agree to and certify the following:
That you will not acquire additional Red-Eared Sliders;
That you will not propagate the Red-Eared Slider(s);
That you will not sell, give away, or otherwise transfer the Red-Eared Slider(s);
That you will contact ISDA at the death of the Red-Eared Slider(s); and
That if you decide to voluntarily surrender possession of the Red-Eared Slider(s) you will contact ISDA to arrange for proper disposal.
Please contact the Idaho Dept of Agriculture if you have further questions. The number is 332-8620.
answered 3/20/2012
Q: overnight camping allowed?
Is overnight camping allowed at the Weiser dunes?A:
Please contact the BLM for information. Bureau of Land ManagementFour Rivers Field Office3948 Development AvenueBoise, Idaho 83705(208) 384-3300answered 3/20/2012
A:
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission and the Department of Fish and Game listed the wolf as a big game animal. It is our intent to manage wolves responsibly, primarily through hunting seasons, just like we manage other big game species.answered 3/20/2012
A:
No. You can only get one turkey in the controlled hunt you drew. You can purchase an extra turkey tag to take a second turkey somewhere else.answered 3/20/2012
Q: Controlled Hunt Group Application
How does a controlled hunt group application work?A:
The application is assigned a number. If the application number is drawn, each hunter on the application will get a controlled hunt tag.answered 3/20/2012
Q: Can I use an extra turkey tag on a controlled turkey hunt that I drew on to shoot two turkeys?
I drew in unit 71 for spring turkey may 1 to may 25, and I'm wondering if I can buy an extra turkey tag to shoot another turkey on the controlled hunt that I drew on. Also, when is the deadline for me to purchase my controlled turkey tag?A:
A hunter may use the general tag to hunt in any spring general season and also use this tag with a controlled hunt permit to hunt in a controlled hunt. A second spring bird may be taken with the extra turkey tag. If the general tag or extra tag is not filled during the spring hunt, then that unused tag can be used in a fall general hunt or fall controlled hunt. The spring and fall controlled hunt permits are valid only for specific areas and seasons as designated by hunt number (pages 24 and 25). A turkey hunter must have a spring controlled hunt permit and a valid tag to hunt in a spring controlled hunt. A turkey hunter may only harvest one bird per controlled hunt permit.answered 3/19/2012
Q: I moved here in October 2011. When Am i considered a resident for hunting purposes?
I was in the Air Force stationed in Alaska and an Alaska resident. I purchased a home Idaho in April of 2011. My wife and 2 sons moved to our Idaho home in June of 2011. I moved down from Alaska and arrived in Idaho on 18 Oct 2011. I officially retired from active duty on 1 Jan 2012. When will I become a resident for hunting purposes? What about my wife and children?A:
You must reside in Idaho for 6 months to get resident licenses. You will be a resident in April of 2012. idfginfoanswered 3/19/2012
Q: Native Idaho wolves
If my memory serves, there were native wolves to Idaho before the introduction of Canadian wolves, correct? If so how many were there and is there a viable population now?A:
There were likely a small number of wolves present in Idaho at the time wolves were translocated into Idaho from Canada in 1995 and 1996, but there was no evidence that there was a self-sustaining, reproducing population of wolves in the state at that time. Any wolves present at that time were highly likely the result of natural dispersal from existing populations of wolves in southern Canada, and are not considered by geneticists and taxonomists to be a different subspecies from the wolves translocated and released in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.answered 3/18/2012
Q: 2011 CH Harvest Results
When do you expect to have the 2011 controlled hunt harvest results completed?A:
The results come out close to the beginning of the big game controlled hunt period, which is May 1-June 5. Expect them mid-to-late April.answered 3/18/2012