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 2926 - 2950 of 3534 questionsA:
With predators, such as coyotes, the following administrative rule applies: 03. Unprotected and Predatory Wildlife. Those species of wildlife classified as Unprotected Wildlife and Predatory Wildlife may be taken in any amount, at any time, and in any manner not prohibited by state or federal law, by holders of the appropriate valid Idaho hunting, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing licenses, provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances, or regulations. This rule does not prohibit the use of FLIR or night vision scopes to hunt predators.answered 3/16/2012
Q: How can I find out about management policies and decision making guidelines and goals for your dept.
I am new to Idaho, but have lived in the western US all of my life, and I am curious if there is any public information regarding how regulations are made and the desicion making processes used for managing fish and game. thanks for your helpA:
You might begin by looking at "The Compass" Idaho Fish and Game's 15 year strategic plan, which is posted on the Idaho Fish and Game website under the "About Us" tab. Developed and implemented in 2005, The Compass lays out four goals: sustain Idaho's fish and wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend; meet the demand for fish and wildlife recreation; improve public understanding of and involvement in fish and wildlife management; enhance the capability of the department to manage fish and wildlife and serve the public. One of the purposes of the Idaho Wildlife Summit is to reacquaint the public with The Compass and conduct a mid-term review of the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the document. Various management plans, from Idaho Fish and Game's Mule Deer Plan, Wolf Plan, and the Bureau of Communications Strategic Plan are designed to support the management objectives outlined in The Compass.answered 3/16/2012
Q: Is snag fishing legal?
Is it legal to snag fish for carp in idaho? Snag Fishing: Taking or attempting to take a fish by use of a hook or lure in any manner or method other than enticing or attracting a fish to strike with, and become hooked in, its mouth or jaw. Game fish which are hooked other than in the mouth or jaw must be released immediately. Snag fishing is illegal except where allowed by special rule.A:
Snag Fishing: Taking or attempting to take a fish by use of a hook or lure in any manner or method other than enticing or attracting a fish to strike with, and become hooked in, its mouth or jaw. Game fish which are hooked other than in the mouth or jaw must be released immediately. Snag fishing is illegal except where allowed by special rule.answered 3/15/2012
Q: What kind of diseases do wolves carry
What kind of diseases do wolves carry and how does it affect our wildlife and the outdoorsman who use the woods for recreation? Also what is the fish and game doing about the control of such known diseases?A:
There is information on our website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/?getPage=209 about one of the most common wolf diseases. A wolf was recently found that died of parvovirus (similar to the parvo that effects domestic dogs). If we suspect that a wolf's death is from disease a necropsy is done to figure out the cause.answered 3/15/2012
Q: Bass populations
The past few years the bass numbers seem to be down in the snake river by burley. Are you still planting bass here?A:
We have not stocked bass into Milner Reservoir for quite some time. We have sampled this fishery over the past few years and have not documented a decrease in fish numbers and fish sizes – but there is the public perception something has recently changed. We are not discounting your observations, but our sampling data does not support a decline in bass numbers. Our sampling effort was intended to document the bass population response to the 5 years drawdown that occurred in 2011. Drawing the reservoir down each year and then to a larger degree every 5 years will have an effect on bass, bass forage, and vegetation. It is not a big leap to think this management strategy is having a negative effect upon the bass population, but we have not been able to document this impact. Please contact the regional office if you have additional questions or require more details. (208-324-4359answered 3/15/2012
A:
It is legal to hunt big game in a ghillie suit in Idaho. The person I checked with was concerned about the safety of doing so.answered 3/14/2012
A:
There are no weapon restrictions for coyotes because they are not classified as a big game animal in Idaho. Coyotes are classified as predatory wildlife like a raccoon, skunk or jackrabbit. Be aware that if you are contacted by an officer they may have questions about what game you are pursuing.answered 3/9/2012
Q: Ground squirrels in Payette and Canyon Counties
I heard a rumor there are certain areas in Payette county that ground squirrels are protected. Is this true? I just want to be sure. They don't appear endangered or threatened. SeanA:
Paiute ground squirrels are found in the area you describe. Paiutes in the southwestern part of the state are legal to hunt. As long as you stay south of the Payette River and north of the Snake River you will not run into any protected ground squirrels.answered 3/8/2012
Q: Can an unoccupied motor vehicle be used as a rest for shooting while hunting?
Can an unoccupied motor vehicle, (not in motion), ever be used as a rest to shoot from, if you are not on a roadway maintained by a goverment entity? Example; you are spot and stock hunting with a long range spotting scope, and see an animal from the back of your truck. Is it legal to take a long range shot from the bed of your truck with a tripod on your gun? Or is that considered hunting from a motor vehicle?A:
Using a motor vehicle as a rest during hunting is considered hunting from a motor vehicle and unlawful, even if it is unoccupied. This can be found in Idaho Code: 36-11-1(b)1.answered 3/7/2012
A:
Sorry for the delay in responding. No, there is no residency excemption for non-resident students in Idaho. For more information on Idaho residency requirements, please review page 101 of the 2012 Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure, or contact your local fish and game office.answered 3/7/2012
A:
You can only hunt unprotected species with a blowgun. You must have a hunting license. Please double check with the city or county authorities in your area to see if they have any ordinances that prohibit the use of blowguns.answered 3/7/2012
Q: I understand that lifetime license holders are subject to paying nonresident tag fees once they move out of Idaho, but are they treated as nonresidents in controlled hunts?
That is, are they subject to the 10% quotas?A:
Lifetime license holders who move out of state continue to get their lifetime license each year at no charge. They have to purchase nonresident tags and permits, however. Usually nonresidents are only able to draw up to 10 percent of the permits in any controlled hunt; lifetime license holders are exempt from that limitation and are considered for a controlled hunt with residents.answered 3/6/2012
Q: volunteer oportunities
Who would I contact about service project opportunities for our youth group.A:
Volunteer opportunities are listed on the F & G website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/volunteer/.answered 3/4/2012
Q: How many non resident children can fish on an adult fishing license?
I am a resident and am planning on having family in the Coeur d Alene area this summer to camp and fish. Half of the family are non resident but most likely the only children are going to be fishing. Can I as a resident with a fishing license take more than one non resident child fishing under my license as their uncle? We are still undecided who as adults will be purchasing licenses, whether there are both resident and non resident licenses. Secondly what proof would I need to have on my person, or their person, to prove residency for children that are residents?A:
There is no limit to the number of non resident children under age 14 that can fish accompanied by the holder of a valid fishing license. All fish caught and reduced to posession shall be included in the license holders daily/possesion limits in order to fish without a license. Non resident children under 14 years of age may purchase a fishing license and each have their own limit.answered 3/4/2012
A:
He does not need a license to carry or for target practice, but he does need a license to hunt in Idaho. Please find more information about hunting rules and hunter education in our Big Game Rules at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/docs/rules/bgInfo.pdf.answered 3/2/2012
Q: Will you post what was discussed at the Idaho Falls Big Game Rule changes meeting?
I was not able to attend and would like to know what was discussed. Specifically Idaho Falls Meeting,but others throughout the State as well.A:
The Big Game Season Proposals are available online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=301 For specific details of your regional meeting beyond the scope of this document feel free to contact the Idaho Falls Office at (208) 525-7290.answered 3/2/2012
Q: Proposal for Consideration
On previous questions regarding Lighted Knocks for Archery, the answer was given that " A proposal was submitted in 2011 but not approved, and no Proposal has been received for 2012." How does one go about creating a proposal to be considered by the Commission? I would once again like a Lighted Knock proposal for 2012. Thank you for you time!A:
Proposals for Fish & Game regulation changes can be submitted in a variety of ways. Proposals are often submitted at public meetings and open houses hosted by Regional Offices and the Fish and Game Commission. Additionally, letters, e-mails, and discussions with Department staff are also used to submit proposals. The Department receives thousands of proposals annually, some of which ultimately result in changes to regulations. Proposals that have broad public support, including support from organized sportsman's organizations, and are consistent with biological objectives receive considerable consideration by the Department and Commission.answered 3/2/2012
A:
None of the carcasses of 14 wolves killed in the aerial control operation in February were retrieved. All were killed in remote areas and were from the ground without great difficulty. In the past we have retrieved most carcasses of wolves killed on the highway or killed as part of control actions to stop depredations on livestock. We have had the hides of many of those in good condition tanned and have had the skulls cleaned and preserved. Most have been distributed to educational institutions.answered 3/2/2012
A:
Hunting and fishing fees, otherwise known as license dollars, help fund Idaho Fish and Game. License dollars make up about 40 percent of the Fish and Game budget. The rest comes primarily from federal grants. About 16 percent of the federal money is generated by excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment sold in Idaho. Idaho Fish and Game receives no general tax revenue.answered 3/1/2012
A:
There was an unexpected delay in getting the big game season proposals online. They may now be viewed at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=301answered 2/29/2012
A:
The jackrabbit is not a game animal and is unprotected. It is legal to hunt unprotected or predatory animals (coyote) on private land after obtaining written permission from the landowner and on public lands after obtaining a "Permit to Hunt with Artificial Light." This permit is available only at a Fish & Game regional office in those regions where they can be legally used. Not all regions allow spotlighting.answered 2/29/2012
A:
When safe and practical, carcasses are recovered and DNA and other biological samples are collected. Some carcasses are sent to the Idaho Fish & Game Wildlife Health Lab for necropsy and disease testing.answered 2/29/2012
A:
The nonresident small game and nonresident three-day small game hunting licenses were established to offer nonresident sportsmen, who do not wish to hunt big game, an opportunity to come to Idaho and hunt small game only for a lower cost. The lower cost could result in a large influx of nonresident hunters competing with residents for the opening days of pheasant hunting season. This issue was specifically addressed in Idaho Code 36-407 as follows: A person holding this license shall purchase the appropriate required tags and permits, and may not hunt pheasants in an area during the first five (5) days of the pheasant season in that area.answered 2/29/2012
A:
Allocated outfitter controlled hunt tags do not go back to the general public. Outfitter allocated controlled hunts do not have to be purchased by August 1. Outfitters have until August 20 to purchase the tags for their clients. Any winning tags not purchased by August 20 deadline will be considered as leftovers for outfitters only. Any outfitter purchasing a tag after August 20 must pay the application fee for the hunt.answered 2/29/2012
A:
Those who have drawn a January extra controlled hunt will not lose their hunt on August 1. They cannot purchase the controlled hunt tag until December of the current year and must first purchase a hunting license for the year of the January hunt. Once they have purchased their hunting license they will need to contact either a regional office or HQ licenses to be put on the winners list for the hunt.answered 2/29/2012