Frequently Asked Questions

A: 

Yes, but with restrictions and only in certain hunts. You may NOT use a crossbow in an archery-only hunt (unless you have a disabled archer permit). The rules do allow the use of a crossbow in an "any-weapon" hunt or a short-range weapon hunt. In hunts where crossbows are allowed, you must adhere to the archery equipment restrictions that apply to archery hunting, listed in the current Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet. You must also use a crossbow that provides at least 150 lbs of draw weight.

A: 

There is no need to exchange your tag. It is good for spring or fall. If you bag a turkey this fall and want to try for a second you'll have to purchase an extra tag before you go after turkey number two.

A: 

That depends on where you live and how old she is. Anyone who is fourteen or older can take the course independently or on the internet, with a supervised field day. For those wishing to go the traditional route, some courses are already full, and others are filling up quickly. For more information go the the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov./cms/education/hunter_ed/

A: 

The South Fork of the Salmon River is one of four large streams in Idaho that are managed as "wild" steelhead streams. Fish and Game's goal is to preserve the unique qualities of the stocks that are returning to these rivers to spawn. Unfortunately, we don't have enough wild steelhead returning to justify allowing anglers to fish for them specifically. We are still learning about the effects of hatchery fish on wild stocks, and there is some evidence that introducing hatchery steelhead may interfere with that goal. The other three large streams that are managed as "wild" steelhead streams are the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, the Lochsa River, and the Selway River. There are numerous other small drainages that are also managed to preserve the wild qualities of native steelhead stocks.

A: 

Yes. You may use a treble hook when fishing the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Just make sure the barbs are removed or completely bent down on all three points. In Idaho the definition of hook is: a bent wire device to which one, two or three points may be attached to a single shank. The same rules apply to all waters in the state that are restricted to barbless hooks. The number of points on the hook doesn't matter as long as the barbs are removed.

A: 

No. The hatchery data you see on the Fish and Game website does not include recycled salmon. The fish that are put back in the fishery do return to the hatchery, but they are identified by a small hole punched in the right gill cover. Fisheries managers don't count them in the daily totals or grand totals for the hatchery. During the coming days while the Salmon River near Ellis remains open for Chinook salmon fishing, it's a pretty safe bet that a number of fish returning to the Pahsimeroi Hatchery is higher than the published number because of those recycled fish.

A: 

It is not required this year. In years when the mandatory check was required, the result was long lines of anglers trying to check their fish late in the evening. Check station employees were working eighteen hour days, and anglers were sitting in a line when they should have been hitting the sack so they could get up and fish again early the next morning. You must still stop at the check station if you're driving past (with or without fish) but you don't have to make a special trip to have your salmon checked every day.

A: 

No. Once you attain a daily bag, possession, or season limit you must stop fishing immediately. By the way, those rules apply statewide. So if you catch and keep a salmon on the South Fork you can't go to the Little Salmon and catch another, since the daily limit there is also one fish.

A: 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will be testing birds for the presence of West Nile Virus this year. However, the department is only interested in certain species, and is most interested in birds that have been dead less than 48 hours. If you find a dead magpie or crow, you should call the Fish and Game office in your region for instructions.

A: 

Applicants for trophy species (moose, sheep and goat) will be notified of the results by June 10. Successful applicants will receive the tags and permits for their hunt and those applicants who did not draw will receive a refund check. Applicants who applied online or by using our toll free phone number should receive a credit to their card by July 1. You can also view the results online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ in early June.

A: 

There are several ways that make harvesting a second deer in Idaho possible. The most common is applying for an extra tag. If you look at your big game rules brochure you'll notice that some of the listed hunt areas are followed by an X. The tags available in these hunts are extra. If you draw one, you can use it in addition to your general season deer tag or a deer tag from another controlled hunt. The key is to apply for the extra tag separately from any other controlled hunt application. It is also possible to get a second deer by purchasing a leftover non-resident tag at the non-resident price, or by putting in for a depredation hunt.