Frequently Asked Questions

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For the position of Biologist, Wildlife Regional a degree in Environmental Studies with conservation emphasis could be considered a closely-related field to Wildlife Management depending on what upper division college coursework you had successfully completed.  Some examples of the courses that we would consider to be qualifying include zoology, wildlife management techniques, wildlife habitat relationships, population dynamics and wildlife behavior.

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No, it is unlawful to take deer with a .22 caliber rimfire weapon.  Centerfire weapons are lawful; example .22-250 and .223.

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We have very little concern that the recent levels of suspended sediment in the Boise River are negatively impacting fish populations. Fish, including the trout that everyone likes to fish for, are very resilient to temporary spikes in suspended sediment. Trout and other cold and clear water species only struggle when suspdended sediment levels become very high, include high levels of ash, when oxygen levels sag, or when a combination of these factors exist for a long time period.  These conditions were not present in the Boise River in recent months.  Fish populations and angling will be fine as soon as the water clears.  

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Update notice: Idaho statute changes effective July 1, 2015 changes the weapon definitions for some felons. Please review this updated answer for clarification on this change.The following answer remains intact for historical purposes.Idaho law does prohibit the aiding and abetting of the commission of a crime. Idaho Code Section 18-304 http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH3SECT18-304.htm  and Section 18-204 http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH2SECT18-204.htm You should not advise or encourage someone to commit a crime.

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Even though blaze orange is not required to be worn while hunting big game in Idaho, it is recommended.

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The Commission will have a briefing on Moose, mountain Goats, and bighorn sheep at their November 13 meeting in Post Falls. The Department will be developing proposals on changes to seasons and tag numbers of the next couple of months and will soliciting input in December and January. The Fish and Game Commission will act to set moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep seasons and tag numbers at their January meeting. The date for that meeting has not yet be set (the Commisison calendar for 2015 will be set in November).

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No you may not use another persons tag. However, the Department does allow the tag to be designated to an immediate family member. Here are some of the requirements for this option. The hunter possessing the tag must have passed away prior to the opening of the controlled hunt. The original tag and a copy of the death certificate or obituary must be submitted to the Department with a request to have the tag transferred to an immediate family member. The Department cannot refund resident tags and does allow a partial refund on nonresident tags (for refund rules see page 116 in the 2014 big game proclamations). hunter being designated the tag must purchase his or her controlled hunt tag and cannot have more than the number of tags allowed in a season. If the designee has a general season tag with a hunt that has opened, we will not be able to allow the purchase of the controlled hunt tag (see exchange rules on page 112 of the 2014 big game proclamations). Please contact our license section at 208-334-2595 if you have additional questions about this process.    

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If you possess a big game hunting license, it also covers upland game bird. With the big game hunting license there is not a waiting period on the pheasant season.

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This is a very broad category with too many questions to accurately address in this message.  I encourage you to contact your local police station, county sheriff's office, or local conservation officer to help explain the details surrounded each circumstances.  Idaho does not have a state law regarding a distance required from a building for discharge of a firearm.  However, some cities and counties have adopted ordinances.  Please check with the city or county you are hunting in or near.  Public land next to agricultural areas frequenly have doves. It is unlawful to shoot from or across the traveled portion, shoulders or embankments of any road maintained by any government entity.  Fields that are cultivated or irrigated do not have to be posted; you must get permission even though it is not signed. You would need permission from the landowner to retreive dove that fall on private property. 

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I remember the college days and trying to make ends-meet.  Everything seemed more expensive back then and I really had to scrutenize all purchases to make sure I was getting the most out of my hard-earned money.  Still, when I look back, my hunting and fishing license allowed me recreational avenues that were inexpensive (and healthier) than some of my other non-studying activities. Put the cost of a nonresident fishing license in perspective with other parts of your recreational budget.  For $98 you can fish 365 days a year and bring home food to put on the table to off-set the cost of the license.  When prorated over the entire cost of fishing trips throughout the year, the cost of the license is one of the most inexpensive items you need. As you are aware, the money generated by the sale of licenses and tags funds our Idaho fish management program.  The cost of fuel, fish feed, trucks, etc. is expensive.  Our legislature has decided, that nonresidents should pay a proportionately higher amount of those costs compared to residents in Idaho. Yes, we have looked at the 365 day license and studied how its effected revenue in other states.  One of the complicating factors for Idaho is how do you marry a 365 day license annual permits such as for salmon/steelhead?  It gets even more complicated with hunting licenses. I know this isn't the answer you were looking for.  It only takes 6 months to establish residence - which is a great option if you plan to study in Idaho for all four years.

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It is illegal to shoot carp with a firearm.  You can use a bow, crossbow or spear - but no firearm.

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American Falls Reservoir has a healthy population of smallmouth bass.  Spring fishing is the best.  Fish rocky shorelines and use plugs, rubber worms or poppers for best results.