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 2976 - 3000 of 3534 questionsQ: Is there a law on how many crawdads/crayfish I can catch in Cascade lake?
Is their a law on crawdads in Idaho?A:
Crayfish do not have a specific possession limit, however you can only have up to 5 traps at one time without obtaining a commercial fishing license and trap tags. This is from the 2012 fishing regulations: Trapping or Seining Minnows and Crayfish: Nongame fish (minnows), yellow perch, and crayfish may be taken only in waters open to fishing; provided the 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; and the minnow or crayfish trap does not 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, it is also legal to use. Nets and seines may not be left unattended. Traps must be checked at least every forty eight (48) hours. All traps must have a tag attached bearing the owner’s name and address. All game fish (except yellow perch) and protected nongame fish incidentally taken while trapping or seining must be immediately released alive. All fish so taken must immediately be killed except where stated otherwise. Crayfish may be kept alive to be used as bait only on the water where captured. Nongame fish and crayfish may only be taken during the season set for the taking of game fish in those waters. Only five (5) crayfish traps can be fished with a valid fishing license. If more than five traps are used at one time, you must obtain a Commercial Fishing License and trap tags. It is illegal to destroy, disturb, or remove any traps belonging to others.answered 2/21/2012
Q: Are there pheasant hunting opportunities in Nez Perce county?
Is a permit required for hunting on the Nez Perce Reservation?A:
Yes, there are pheasant hunting opportunities in Nez Perce County. Pheasants occur in the agricultural portions of the county. Please note that almost all of the pheasant habitat in the county occurs on private property and, therefore, requires landowner permission. Additionally, there are some Access Yes properties that are open to pheasant hunting. Also, the Nez Perce Indian Reservation covers a large portion of the county. The Nez Perce Tribe does not sell hunting permits to non-tribal hunters or allow non-tribal hunters to hunt on any tribal property. However, a large portion of the reservation is privately owned by non-tribal members. This property can be hunted just like any other private property in Idaho (as long as you have landowner permission and a valid Idaho hunting license).answered 2/21/2012
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Idaho is in its 2012 fishing season which means that anglers must have a 2012 Idaho license. Steelhead and two-pole permits must also be dated 2012. (All 2011 season licenses and permits have expired).answered 2/20/2012
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Currently, no. Electronic calls can be used during the Conservation Order seasons in the mid-continent portion of North America. The Conservation Order seasons were a result of extensive habitat damage caused by overabundant snow geese, and were only allowed through an act of Congress. Currently, there is no Conservation Order season on white geese (snow and Ross’s) in Idaho. The snow geese that pass through Idaho nest in the Western Arctic; primarily on Banks Island, Northwest Territories and the North Slope of Alaska. Habitat damage from snow geese that nest in the Western Arctic has not been documented. That being said, the population growth by this breeding population is similar to that displayed by the birds that nest in the mid-continent. As the Pacific Flyway Council revises its management plan for lesser snow geese, Conservation Order seasons may be considered in the future.answered 2/20/2012
Q: Is a lifetime hunting license still valid if I move?
I purchased a lifetime hunting and fishing license, but am now moving away. Will that license still be valid if I wish to come back to idaho and hunt or fish? If so, will it affect if I must buy resident or non-resident tags?A:
It is valid even if you move out of state. Each year you will get your lifetime license at no charge but you must get tags, licenses and permits at nonresident prices. Thank you.answered 2/19/2012
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A resident of Idaho can purchase two wolf tags per calendar year. A resident cannot purchase non-resident wolf tags. A non-resident deer and/or elk tag that may be used for wolf, mountain lion, or bear so long as the season for both species is currently open in that area.answered 2/19/2012
Q: Is it legal to hunt with a suppressor in Idaho?
Wondering if it is legal to have a suppressor on a rifle while hunting in Idaho? Thanks for your time.A:
It is legal to hunt in Idaho with a suppressor. Keep in mind that there is a federal permit required to possess a suppressor in Idaho and the weight of your weapon must stay under 16 lbs.answered 2/18/2012
Q: Can an out of state Veteran get fish license in Idaho?
I am a disabled Vet from Oregon. I have already received my free annual fish license thru the VA for my state. This summer, I plan to do some traveling with the family through where I was born and lived in Idaho. I planned on doing some fishing while there. Can I get a VA license thru the mail before I leave for my trip (providing required documentation, of course)? Or would I have to purchase a temporary license after I get to Idaho?A:
Unfortunately, at this time we do not have discounted fishing licenses for nonresident veterans. However, you are able to purchase a daily or season fishing license online and have it mailed to you prior to your trip. Please allow 5-7 business days for mail delivery.answered 2/17/2012
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The Furbearer harvest summaries are included in the annual Pittman Robertson (PR) Reports published on the Idaho Fish and Game website. The most current document is for 2009-10 Furbearer PR Report. For 2011-10, the report will be delayed due to the late arrival of a significant number of harvest reports cards which warrants recalculating the furbearer harvest. Unfortunately, the timing is now coincidental with establishing Big Game havest estimates, and the report will be delayed until after the March season setting for Big Game is completed. You can expect the Furbear Report online in April.answered 2/16/2012
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To hunt with a crossbow during an archery-only season you must apply for the permit to do so. The form is online at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/disArchery.pdf. Your doctor has to sign it.answered 2/16/2012
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Generally the answer is no, however there are exceptions. These exceptions are explained in the 2011 Big Game Regulations: 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 depredation hunt. In addition, applications 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 sales.answered 2/16/2012
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Yes.answered 2/16/2012
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Both static PDF maps suitable for printing and interactive online maps of hunt area boundaries are available on the Hunt Area Map Index. Sportsmen can also use the MapCenter to view Game Management Units, Elk Zones and current Controlled Hunts. For offline viewing in Google Earth and GIS software visit the Open Data Download page and search by Game Animal or Year, both current and past hunt boundaries are available as well as layer of Game Distribution and Access Areas.answered 2/15/2012
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The minimum age is 10 years old. It is best to take hunter education first, then take the archery class.answered 2/14/2012
Q: What information is available about a wolf pack that was in the Idaho Falls Country Club report?
This wolf pack was reported as having been monitored for years in the Taylor Mountain area.A:
The only information we have is what was reported on the news; since that story aired several weeks ago no further reports have come in. Given the time of year with breeding and dispersal taking place anything is possible. The only known wolf activity even close to this area is a lone, black, female wearing a radio collar that spends most of her time in Unit 66. Given the number of people, livestock and pets located in eastern Idaho it is difficult for us not hear about any wolf activity which might be occurring sooner or later. It is important for people to contact us as soon as possible by either calling a Fish and Game office or filling out an online wolf report which can be found on our web site so we can verify new wolf activity.answered 2/14/2012
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This is difficult to answer, as size is relative--huge to one person is typical to another. That said, typical male wolves average around 100-110 pounds, whereas females average 80-90 pounds. The truly exceptionally large male wolf can approach 120-130 (sometimes heavier, depending on how much food is in their stomach when weighed). The photos you’re probably referring to on the internet are taken in a very specific manner to exaggerate the size appearance of the animal in question...you'll notice that the camera is always set low to the ground, with the person posing behind it some distance to make the wolf look larger. If you look at enough photos where hunters are posing with their kill, you'll notice that a large percentage of them are taken this way to exaggerate the size of the animal in question.answered 2/14/2012
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The Game Regulations are made available online shortly after they are approved by the Fish and Game Commission. Big Game Seasons are set by the Commission every March (View the Commision Schedule). For 2012, the meeting is scheduled for March 21-23rd. Printed Regulations will be available a couple weeks later after they are printed and distributed to license vendors and other locations statewide. The most current Game Regulations are always available online as PDFs and in the Idaho Huntplanner (note that the Huntplanner is not the official rules).answered 2/12/2012
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Rubber Boas are classified as Protect NonGame under IDAPA 13. With a hunting license one can collect and possess up to four rubber boas but they may not be returned to the wild. If you do not wish to purchase a hunting license you can apply for a collecting permit.answered 2/11/2012
Q: I have been hearing that the department was going to start netting Priest Lake to control lake trout numbers?If this is corect is angler incentive a option
If this is corect is angler incentive a option?A:
A decision has not yet been made regarding the future of Priest Lake and the lake trout fishery. IDFG is currently in the “scoping” phase of developing a new statewide fisheries management plan for 2013-2018. The plan will set direction for Priest and Upper Priest lakes, as well as other fisheries throughout Idaho. The current management plan states IDFG will manage for lake trout (mackinaw) in Priest Lake, while we try restore native fish populations in Upper Priest Lake by yearly removal of lake trout with nets. We’ve learned over the past six years that trying to manage the lakes as two independent systems is neither practical nor feasible in the long-term. This means the Department, with input from the public, must make a decision on whether we manage both lakes for lake trout and abandon efforts to maintain cutthroat and bull trout in Upper Priest Lake or; alternatively, we begin a large-scale effort to suppress lake trout and restore the native trout and kokanee fisheries in Priest Lake. Because a decision hasn’t been made, it’s premature to say how we’d go about implementing a suppression effort. Given the progress we’ve seen with lake trout suppression on Lake Pend Oreille (which utilizes both commercial netting equipment and an angler harvest incentive), we would certainly look to that program as a potential model.answered 2/11/2012
Q: Can I use "the clerk told me" excuse in Idaho, or is that just for residents?
"The hunter who fired the fatal shot "was under the impression that his 2011 tag was good for the entire season," which extends into this year, Keckler said Friday. The hunter received a verbal warning, but the department stopped short of issuing a citation because he had received "incorrect information from a clerk from one of our vendor stores," Keckler said." Portland Oregonian, February 10, 2012 Very understanding of you folks. Is that excuse valid for anything other than endangered animals, could I use it for sheep, cattle and the like? Thanks for whatever attention you can give this.A:
Fish and Game conservation officers have discretion in matters such as this. The officer investigating this case contacted the vendor store where the hunter purchased the tag. The vendor told the officer a sales clerk was confused about when the wolf tags expired and had indeed told some some hunters that the 2011 wolf tag was good for the entire season. In other words, the vendor corroborated the hunter's story and the officer felt comfortable that there was no intent to break the law.answered 2/11/2012
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The 2010 Idaho State Legislature amended Idaho Code 36-411 to allow IDFG to accept hunter and bowhunter education course certifications from foreign countries provided their course is equivalent to or exceeds our Idaho course. A course certificate or card must be presented when purchasing a license as proof of completion.answered 2/10/2012
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You don't need a license, and the only restrictions are on access and travel on the land. Antler hunters, like other outdoor recreationists, must secure permission to cross or look for antlers on private land, and they must abide by transportation restrictions on federal and state public lands. But antler hunters are asked to avoid disturbing animals during winter while they are conserving their resources trying to make it through to spring.answered 2/10/2012
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Yes, IDAPA requires the presentation of antlers from antlered moose to be presented to a conservation officer or regional office so department personnel can collect biological data. Since it is not required to present any parts of cow moose the information can simply be phoned in.answered 2/10/2012
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Yes, but we stress to all individuals the need to obtain a receipt. This receipt must contain the following information: Name and tribal identification number of Nez Perce tribal member selling the fish Name of the fish buyer Date of the sale Number of salmon sold Species of salmon and where it was caught Nez Perce tribal enforcement phone number: (208) 843-7143answered 2/10/2012
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It depends. In most of the state, there are no restrictions on the number of holes, but an angler can fish with up to five poles orlines at a time, and up to five hooks per line. A two-pole validation does not allow more than five lines while ice fishing. All lines must be attended by the angler. One exception is on Bear Lake, where a two-pole permit is required year around, for anglers to use two poles; even when ice fishing. Another exception is on Daniels, Springfield, Treasureton and Twenty-Four Mile trophy-trout reservoirs. On these catch-and-release waters only one rod is allowed for ice-fishing. Check fishing rules book for other exceptions.answered 2/10/2012