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 1176 - 1200 of 3534 questionsQ: Drew for antlered elk tag and did not harvest
I drew for an antlered elk tag last year in 2013 and did not harvest. Am I able to apply for a cow tag this coming year in 2014?A:
Yes. The one year waiting period is for those who have drawn an antlered hunt and must wait one year to submit an application for an antlered hunt. You can submit an application for an either sex or antlerless hunt. Just make sure you do not submit an application with an antlered only hunt even as a second choice. Doing so would make your application ineligible in the drawing.answered 5/22/2014
Q: Is there a program for raising upland birds
Raising upland birds Is there a program available to individuals wanting to raise upland birds for release in the general area that they have been raised. For example, in my area Fraiser Weippe?
A:
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game does not have a program for raising and releasing upland game birds. In fact, studies have shown that on average, only 60% of released pheasants survive the initial week of release. After one month, roughly 25% will remain. Over-winter survival seldom exceeds 5% of birds released. As a result, we recommend improving habitat instead of trying to supplement the population through stocking. The Department has a Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) that is available for cost-sharing habitat improvements on private land. To learn more about this program, please see the following link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/?getPage=222. If you would still like to raise and release upland game birds for release, you need to obtain eggs or chicks from a National Poultry Improvement Plan certified provider. You will also need to obtain a Wildlife Release Permit from your local Regional Office.
answered 5/22/2014
Q: Archery stamp for any weapon
Do you need an archery stamp to hunt with a bow during any weapon for big game?A:
No. An archery validation is required only for those hunts that are restricted to archery equipment only. An archery validation is not required to hunt with a bow during an Any-weapon season.answered 5/21/2014
Q: Chinook quota?
What is the quota for adult Chinook salmon on the upper salmon river this year?A:
We won't know for a couple more weeks. The quota will be based on population projections from PIT Chinook passing Lower Granite Dam. Once we know that most of the PIT tagged adult salmon have passed the last dam before entering Idaho, we will set the quota. F08answered 5/21/2014
Q: Bass size limit on Twin Lakes
Is there a 12" size limit on bass in twin lakes?A:
It depends on which Twin Lakes you are referring. If this is the Twin Lakes in North Idaho, there is no minimum length limit on bass. If this is the Twin Lakes in the Southeast Region of Idaho, then the minimum length on harvestable bass is 12". As a "rule-of-thumb" waters north of the Salmon River have no minimum length limit on bass. Waters south of the Salmon River have a 12" minimum harvest limit. F08answered 5/20/2014
Q: Landowner depredation hunt tag.
If I get a landowner depredation hunt tag for my neighbors elk hunt do I have to drive to the regional office to get this tag? It's 180 miles round trip.A:
Yes, the IDFG Regional Office is the one that issues the tags.answered 5/20/2014
Q: Upland Bird Specialist?
I'm planning a trip to ID this fall for upland birds. May I please have the contact info for your upland bird specialist so I can contact them for more info?
A:
Jeff Knetter is our Upland Game & Migratory Bird Program Coordinator. He can be reached at (208) 334-2920. You can also contact wildlife biologists in each of our administrative regions. You can find their contact information here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/offices/. For the 2014 Upland Game Bird Outlook, please see the following link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=326.
answered 5/20/2014
Q: Controlled hunt cow tags
I recently purchased a license and elk tags. Can I still apply for controlled cow elk tag if I don't pick up my regular elk tag.A:
The short answer is yes. During this first application period for deer, elk, pronghorn, fall bear and fall turkey all hunters can submit applications except those who have submitted an application for a moose, big horn sheep or mountain goat. Hunters need to read the rules of application found on page 108 of the 2014 big game proclamation booklets. If drawn, you will exchange your general season elk tag for the controlled hunt elk tag.answered 5/20/2014
Q: Are chicken eggs defined as "bait"
Can chicken eggs be used as an exposed bait and set a foothold trap next to them for coyote and raccoon? I coincided an egg more of an animal by product than an animal "part".A:
Setting traps within 30 feet of exposed bait is not allowed. Eggs would be considered bait. The reason is to prevent protected avian species from getting captured incidentally. You would need to conceal the eggs.answered 5/19/2014
Q: Non-Resident and Resident on the same controlled hunt application
If a group of 4 (2 resident and 2 non-resident) applies for a controlled hunt together, how does the 10% non-resident rule apply?A:
Here is a basic illustration on how the drawing works. The drawing is based on application and not applicant. If there is a group application the system recognizes it as one application. To start the system takes all applications and randomly assigns them a new number. This process is completed a second time. The system then sorts the applications based on the new random generated number. Here is a basic process of how the drawing is processed: The drawing begins with the first application: System looks at the applications first hunt choice number and the number of applicants and follows this type of process; The drawing system goes through each applicants first hunt choice. After that has been completed, the system will do a second drawing based on the applicants second choice.A person cannot draw their second hunt choice before someone who has listed that hunt choice as their first.answered 5/19/2014
Q: Crappie fishing in the Magic Valley Region
I would like to take my children crappie fishing in the Magic Valley Region. I have checked previous stocking locations and it has been quite some time since any have been stocked around here. I have talked to fisherman at Salmon Falls Res and have been told that they have not caught one in over 10 years. Are there any waters that have crappie in them in the Magic Valley Region?A:
The Filer Ponds contain crappie that can be fished from the bank. We had reports earlier this spring of 8"+ fish. If you don't mind traveling and have a boat the Bruneau Arm of C.J. Strike Reservoir is also a good place to try. Bliss Reservoir also has crappie but a boat is also needed to fish this water. Call the Magic Valley Regional Office and ask for Doug for more information 208-324-4359.answered 5/19/2014
Q: Salmon Quota's?
Is there a location on this website that shows what the quota's are at the moment? Any idea what the quota will be for sportfishermen on the south fork of the salmon and the rapid river hatchery? ThanksA:
The quotas are updated weekly based on information collected from the Lower Snake Dams and creel information collected on the Idaho rivers where the fishing takes place. Here are this weeks calculations:answered 5/19/2014
Q: Licenses on line
I paid for my childrens licenses online two weeks ago. I did print out the online reciept. My question is how long till they recieve the real one in the mail?A:
IDFG has been approached by many customers over several years asking why we don't allow licenses to be printed at home when being purchased via the Internet. Based on those many comments and suggestions, the IDFG made the change in April of 2013 to allow customers to print their licenses purchased via the Internet at home. As part of that change we no longer mail out a copy of the license. You may contact our license section at 208-334-2592 if you have additional questions. Thank you.answered 5/19/2014
Q: Fishing Clearwater River Tributary Creeks for Chinook Salmon
How far up a tributary creek can I fish for Chinook Salmon? Specifically, how far up Lolo Creek can I fish for Chinook?A:
Tributaries, such as Lolo Creek, are closed to Chinook salmon fishing. See the top of page 2 of the 2014 Chinook Salmon Seasons & Rules for the Snake, Clearwater, Lochsa, Lower Salmon, and Little Salmon rivers. At the point where the entire flow of Lolo Creek is contained within a defined channel, you can no long fish for Chinook salmon.answered 5/19/2014
Q: Fishing Regulations
What are the rules on fishing from the west bank of the north fork of the Clearwater river, from the confluence with the main river, up stream to the dam? I saw some boats anchored in the north fork of Clearwater river Saturday May 17 2014, is this legal?A:
There are posted signs on the river in the northfork, from near the confluence to the Asahaka bridge. Within that zone fishing from boats is not allowed. Above the bridge to a posted line below the dam is open to boat fishing. Please check the chinook fishing regulations pamphlet for a better description of this confusing rule.answered 5/18/2014
Q: Where is the chinook salmon hatchery returns information?
Where is the link to the 2014 salmon hatchery returns?A:
The data that feed this page are currently not available. We're working with the data provider to get this information online as soon as possible. The page will live here: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/fish/hatchery-returns-chinook You can find the broodstock goals as well as some historical information on this page until the data starts coming in.answered 5/18/2014
Q: Clearwater chinook seasons
Hi, I am an avid salmon and steelhead fisherman on the Clearwater River, and I am trying to understand the season this year. As of today, May 18th, we are on track to have one of the best returns over Lower Granite in over 10 years. If these numbers keep coming through the end of the month, we could have 70 to 80,000 chinook over Granite in the month of May. That's a lot of fish. In 2011 we didn't have that many come over and we were fishing for adults into late June. What's the deal? Are the PIT tags that skewed towards the Salmon drainage this year? Doesn't seem so to me. Did the poor 2013 run cause the IDFG to be more hesitant? Finally, if these numbers continue, could we see an increase in harvest share and season length? It only seems right. Thanks, Kyle.A:
Your question is one asked by many anglers, especially when counts of salmon at the dams are higher but we have to close harvest in parts of the river. You started to answer the question yourself - more fish will return to the Salmon River basin than the Clearwater River basin this year. As of May 18th, we were forecasting less than 4,000 salmon would be available for sport anglers to harvest in the Clearwater River and more than 8,000 would be available for harvest in the Salmon River basin. Also, the water conditions in any year can have a great impact on catch rates and the length of a season. This year Chinook arrived in the lower Clearwater River much earlier than in 2011 and 2012 and fishing conditions (lower flows and clearer water). As a result of those factors early season catch rates have been good in the lower Clearwater River. The portion of the harvest quota allocated to that section of river was caught rather quickly and the river section downstream of Cherrylane Bridge was closed to harvest so as not to impact fisheries in the upstream areas that had caught very few fish by that time. Hopefully salmon returns in future years will be greater and longer seasons will result.answered 5/18/2014
Q: Second Chance [Controlled hunt drawings]
if we are not picked in the first draw.Will or tickets go in for the second draw. Or is the second draw only for those who by tickets after MAY 31?A:
We are guessing that you are asking about the super hunt drawings based on the mention of the May 31 deadline. Applications not selected in the first super hunt drawing held in June do not go into the second drawing held in August. Only those applications purchased from June 1 through August 10 are included in the second drawing held in August.answered 5/17/2014
A:
https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/question/it-legal-idaho-use-mechan... No, it is not legal to use mechanical or expanding broadheads for the taking of big game.answered 5/17/2014
Q: Volunteering for goose and duck banding
I'm 13 years old I would like to help banding ducks and geese in eastern idaho region. If so when and were. My names kinnen shaw, thank you very much.A:
These opportunities are not available to sign up for online currently. To find volunteer opportunities such as you describe, please contact your local regional office: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/offices/?getPage=170answered 5/17/2014
Q: Sheep unit 37
I am going to apply for a sheep tag in unit 37, who can I contact to find out where to look for them, just general areas to scout on my own.A:
I would suggest contacting our wildlife staff in our Salmon Region office at (208) 756-2271. The local biologists will be able to provide the best advice.answered 5/17/2014
Q: 1 Adult Salmon limit, On the Clearwater?? 2 Adults on the Salmon/Snake.Unjustified !
So the other day, someone asked the question, why a 1 fish limit on the Clearwater.? Well someone from the department commented that , the reason for the 1 fish limit, is so that the folks who fish the South Fork of the Clearwater, will have the opportunity to catch a salmon , in there backyard.Really?? After a forecast of 80,000 fish returning to Idaho waters, the claim is no catchable numbers of Salmon will return to the South Fork Clearwater! This answer is not justified, and is another poke in the eye by the Department, to the all the people who spend $100.00 a year on license ,tags, hundreds of dollars of tackle and equipment, which a portion goes too funding the Department! fuel to get to the river, and the money that is spent in the local communities, ie Orofino, Lewiston etc.To many folks who have to drive 150 miles just to get too the river, it is becoming not worth the effort, and money, to fish for Salmon or Steelhead in the Clearwater Drainage!! Especially after the last years Steelhead season restrictions, flip/flop ! I am curious how as to how much income. all the communities along the river lose out on when F and G makes these decisions. Regardless this 1 adult salmon limit on the Clearwater is a double standard.The F and G commission just met on the 15th and decided there will be a Salmon season on the Upper Salmon river.Good news to many who live up there and fish that section of river.So heres the #1 discrepancy in the Departments decision making. Why isn"t the Department having the same consideration to the folks who live in Stanley, on the Upper Salmon,as you do for the folks living in Kooskia, on the South Fork Clearwater?? The Department made it a 2 Adult Salmon limit, from Dug Bar on the Snake River, and all the way up the Salmon River. How will catchable numbers return, to the upper river with a 2 Adult limit for all those river miles?? And by the way, we all know that a good portion of the locals who fish the South Fork Clearwater , have poor fishing etiquette. ie Snagging, Overharvest, etc. it's no secret. It's like the wild west up there. And enforcement is minimal, fact.A:
There are a couple of important points to address in your questions. A desired outcome of managing the salmon fisheries is for all areas open to fishing have successful and meaningful fisheries. The one-fish bag limit is one tool that can be used to achieve that. More importantly, the one-fish bag limit helps to prevent all of the fish that are available for harvest from being caught too quickly. In the Clearwater drainage this year there are an estimated 3500 to 3800 Chinook that are available for sport anglers. With a two-fish bag limit all of those fish could be caught very quickly and the entire drainage would need to be closed to fishing in short order. In public meetings held prior to setting the season, anglers were supportive of a one-fish bag limit if less than 6,000 fish could be harvested in the Clearwater and a two-fish bag limit if more than 6,000 could be harvested. Another tool used to managed the Clearwater Chinook fishery is the allocation of the harvest quota to different river sections. That management tool was also supported by most anglers. This year 45% of the harvest is allocated to fisheries downstream of Orofino. Only 15% of the total harvest is allocated to the South Fork Clearwater River. Angler catch rates in the Salmon River Chinook fisheries are different from those in the Clearwater and those fisheries can be managed with a two-fish bag limit. Also, there are more fish available for harvest in the lower Salmon River Chinook fishery than in the Clearwater fishery. The lower Salmon River fishery is carefully managed to avoid impacts to salmon headed to the upper Salmon River and that fishery. The fisheries are managed so in each fishery anglers have a reasonable opportunity to participate in the fishery and harvest a fish. The fisheries are monitored closely to avoid having excessive fishing pressure or harvest affect anglers' opportunities in other fisheries. Hopefully that provides some clarity as why bag limits are different in different areas or fisheries.answered 5/17/2014
Q: Sego Prairie Pond, Kuna
I fly fish at the Sego Prairie Pond in Kuna almost nightly. There are a lot of weeds, both in the water and floating on top, and some type of green scum on top that accumulates along the shore depending on which way the wind is blowing. Is Fish & Game working with the City of Kuna to help keep this a viable family fishing pond? Are anglers permitted to clean up some of the scum and weeds if we want? There is plenty of trash around the edge of the water that needs to be removed also. Since I fly fish, it sure would be nice if the grass and weeds on the banks were trimmed down. When I false cast, my extra line gets tangled in the weeds/grass, thus interfering with my distance casting. I really do enjoy this pond and hate to see its condition deteriorating. Thanks!A:
I understand your frustration. We have weed problems in several of the ponds at which we manage fish populations and fisheries. Although, IDFG stocks fish in Sego Pond, we do not manage weeds. Sego Pond is managed by the city of Kuna. I heard that the city treated the pond earlier this year. Treatments can be effective for rooted aquatic plants such as Eurasion watermilfoil or curly leaf pondweed. The type of treatments that are utilized for these species are often ineffective for pond scum. Frankly, very little is effective for pond scum that isn't toxic to fish. You would need to contact the city parks department to see if you can assist with removal.answered 5/16/2014
Q: Stocking
When will the Squaw Creek Pond be stocked for 2014?A:
First, thanks for the note. Water was just turned into the pond last week. It is scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout the first week in June and again just before the 4th of July. It should receive about 600 fish in each stocking event. For more information, contact Regional Fisheries Manager Greg Scoby at the Salmon Office 208-756-2271. F08answered 5/15/2014
Q: Residents purchase of surplus nonresident tags.
What are the statistics of the surplus nonresident deer and elk tag sales? Specifically of the surplus tags for each type of permit sold, how many are second tags purchased by resident hunters?A:
Here is a five year count of nonresident general season tags purchased by residents as a second tag. Year Elk Deer 2009 305 706 2010 271 617 2011 270 588 2012 293 685 2013 324 728answered 5/14/2014