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 1226 - 1250 of 3534 questions

Q: Duck hunting [Minidoka or Cassia counties]

Where can I find some good spots to hunt in the Minidoka...or cassia regions

A: 

Please contact the Magic Valley Region office at 1-208-324-8137.  
answered 5/7/2014

Q: Copy fishing licence

Can I make a copy of my fishing licence and keep one in my tackle box and one in my wallet so if I forget my wallet I can use the copy thats in my tackle box or if my wallet gets stolen I can still fish? Will it be valid, or is the illegal for some reason? If so why? thx, Isaac

A: 

Idaho Code Section  36-1201(c) requires a person to have the proper required license on his person at all times while hunting, fishing, or trapping, and to produce the original license for inspection upon request of a person authorized to enforce fish and game laws. This legal requirement places responsibility on hunters, trappers, and anglers to prove they are licensed when they are in the field. If you choose to carry a copy of your license instead of the original, an officer has the discretion to issue you a citation or to request additional identification to confirm your identity as the holder of the license.
answered 5/7/2014

Q: Idaho disable resident license [requirements].

I am an Idaho resident and disabled when I went to get my fishing license they said i had to refile with the fish and game. I do not understand.

A: 

Starting in 2007, IDFG began to add disability certifications to customer records based upon the documentation the individual supplied. Those who provided documentation showing they were currently receiving SSI, SSDI, nonservice connected disability or railroad disability benefits where given a disability status that had an expiration date of December 31 on the fifth year. IDFG gave these individuals a grace period in 2012 and 2013. This year those whose disability are being treated as expired and customers are required once again to show proof they are currently receiving SSI, SSDI, nonservice connected or railroad disability benefits. A list of vendors that can accept disability documents to set a disability status on your record can be found on our website or you can take your documentation into any IDFG regional office.
answered 5/6/2014

Q: Am I allowed to purchase more than one deer tag?

I would like to purchase the sportsman's package which already includes a deer tag, i would like to take a buck during the rifle season, however i also want to go hunting during the archery season, is it legal for me to purchase more than one tag for different seasons?

A: 

Yes, you can purchase a nonresident tag for your second tag.  They go on sale for that purpose on August 1.
answered 5/6/2014

Q: Statistics Question [Deer and elk general hunt harvest estimates]

When I am looking at the statistics pages, what is the difference between the two different "Take Method" figures for "All Weapons Combined"? The figures don't really seem to add up--I'm certainly missing something. [Deer and elk general hunt harvest estimates]

A: 

Answer:  This is the most complicated part of reporting the harvest statistics. I'm pretty sure that you are asking about deer and elk general hunt harvest estimates on the IDFG web site. We have 3 kinds of general hunting seasons, for most of our hunts, but the names are confusing."Any Weapon" is the hunt most people use, when they are hunting with a rifle, although bow, crossbow, handgun, shotgun, and muzzleloader are also allowed."Archery" is just for bow and arrow (not crossbow)."Muzzleloader" is just for muzzleloaders. For lack of a better term, we use "All Weapons Combined", when we mean all of these added together."Any Weapon" usually means hunted and harvested with a rifle. For general hunts, we report 4 sets of numbers -- Any Weapon, Archery, Muzzleloader, and All Weapons Combined, for each hunting unit.For controlled hunts, we only report the total, because almost everyone hunts with one particular weapon on each of the controlled hunts. In general hunts, a person can hunt using any or all of the different weapons, and we do want to capture that level of detail.So we add up the days hunted using each type of weapon, and the animals harvested with each type of weapon, in each unit. Here is an example for Game Management Unit 1 on our web page. 2012 Deer General Hunt Harvest Statisticshttp://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/stats.aspx?season=general... Year TakeMethod                #Hunters   #Harvest    %Success2012 Any Weapon                     7,996     3,664       45.8%2012 Archery                                835        135       16.1%2012 Muzzleloader                           8            7       82.4%2012 All Weapons Combined   8,186     3,805       46.5% If you add up the numbers under the estimated Harvest, they do add up (3664+135+7=3806, slightly different due to rounding  in the estimates). That fits, because each animal can only be harvested by one particular weapon. But if you add up the numbers under the estimated number of Hunters, they DO NOT add up (7996+835+8=8839, not 8186).This is the way it should be, because hunters can choose to hunt with all of the different weapons, and some hunters could with 2 or all 3 of the types of weapons in that unit. So it adds up to a higher total.  "All Weapons Combined" counts each hunter just once, even though he may have hunted with all of the different types of weapons on different days.
answered 5/5/2014

Q: About Williams Pond

Hi there F&G Peeps! I've been fishing the New Williams Pond, in Boise, just off to the right of the new Parkcenter Bridge, just past Bown Crossing. I know it is stocked regularly, and I've even seen the fishing trailer there a few times. I do not find this/these two ponds on your Family Fishing Waters, Under the Southwest Region, Boise Area. I'm guessing it just hasn't been updated. Anyway, this is a GREAT little fishing area! I've caught some seriously nice Rainbow Trout, Large Mouth Bass, and Blue Gill. I believe I fished this pond about 40 days last year. So far this year, 4. It's a great place and it isn't on your Family Fishing Waters listing and because of that, a lot of youngsters both old and young are really missing out on a great opportunity very close to home. Thanks for all that ya do for us. I am sure we keep ya pretty busy out there! Fish On!!!! CrystalD.

A: 

Thanks a bunch for the note.  We often are looking so hard for new fishing opportunities that we miss the obvious one's under our nose.  I'll talk with our "crack" web staff and see if we can get it added to our Fishing Planner and Family Fishing Waters.  Next time you go fishing at Williams Pond, please send us a picture through the "Fish Talk" feature under the Fishing tab on our webpage.
answered 5/5/2014

Q: Hound hunting

What wild game can be hunted with the use of hounds?

A: 

Black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and foxes  may be pursued with hounds. Although not classified as "game animals," raccoons and coyotes may also be pursued with hounds.   A hound hunter permit is required.
answered 5/5/2014

Q: Defending your dog

While hunting if your dog is attacked by any predator is it legal to kill that animal?

A: 

Citizens have the right to protect their person and property including pets. It is legal to kill a predator if your dog is attacked.  When investigated evidence of the attach must be clearly apparent.
answered 5/5/2014

Q: Trophy 2014 controlled hunt results

When will the results be posted for the 2014 moose drawing?

A: 

We will have the trophy controlled hunt results available online by the end of May. 
answered 5/5/2014

Q: Non-resident spring turkey?

Non-residents just need to buy non-resident hunting license and turkey tag(s) over the counter to hunt general spring turkey season?

A: 

That is correct. If you have additional questions, please contact our license section at 208-334-2592. Thanks.

answered 5/4/2014

Q: Tagged Salmon

I understand that the fish and game can track tagged salmon and know which hatchery they are returning to. If this is true, based on the run over the Bonneville dam thus far, what are the projected numbers for the various hatcheries? Or at least a "strong, medium, or low" return rate for each hatchery? Note: I'm just trying to plan on which fishery to plan my fishing vacation.

A: 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nez Perce Tribe annually PIT ag more than 200,000 Spring/Summer Chinoook Salmon smolts released from Idaho hatcheries in the Clearwater, Snake, and Salmon rivers. PIT (passive integrated transponder) tags smaller than a grain of rice are inserted into the body cavity of smolts where they remain there throughout the life of the fish. Each PIT tag generates a unique weak electrictronic signal when subjected to a magnetic field and that signal can be detected by special arrays of antenas installed in fish passage facilities at Bonneville Dam , two other in Columbia River dams and two Snake River dams (Ice Harbor and Lower Granite). Since each PIT tag emits a unique signal and we know which tags were applied at each hatchery we can identify which hatchery returning tagged adult fish are from as they pass over dams where detectors are installed. Since we know the ratio of tagged smolts to untagged smolts from each hatchery release. we can estimate the number of untagged fish from a hatchery that are swimming by a dam as well. For example, if we tagged one smolt per every 50 smolts released at a hatchery, then each tag detected among adult returns from that hatchery equates to 50 fish. For the 2014 adult salmon return we presently have enough PIT tag detections from Bonneville Dam to safely say that spring Chinook returns destined for the hatcheries in the Clearwater, Snake, and Rapid rivers are at or slightly above the pre-season forecasts for those hatcheries. Based on tag detections to date our preliminary estimates of the numbers of adult salmon available for harvest in non-tribal sport fisheries are:  about 4,500 fish in the Clearwater River drainage, about 1,000 in the Snake River below Hells Canyon, and about 5,000 in the Lower Salmon/Little Salmon River fishery. Because returns to the South Fork Salmon River and the Upper Salmon River haver later run timing we do not have sufficient tag detections at this time to make inseason run size projections for hatcery returns to those areas. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet mid-May to set seasons for salmon returns to those areas.
answered 5/4/2014

Q: ATV Restrictions and Turkey Hunting

Dot the ATV restrictions apply when turkey hunting?

A: 

The motorized hunting rules do not apply to upland birds. The Idaho Fish and Game's motorized hunting rules apply to big game animals, including moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats, in designated units from August 30 through December 31.Motorized hunting use restrictions apply to units 29, 30, 30A, 32, 32A, 36A, 37, 37A, , 45, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 52A, 53, 56, 58, 59, 59A, 66, 66A, 69, 70, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77 and 78. The rule does not apply to upland game animals or birds in hunts within the designated units. For more information see the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=152
answered 5/3/2014

Q: Are all controlled hunts "any weapon" unless otherwise noted?

Specifically, I'm looking at controlled hunt 2044.

A: 

Yes, that is correct. Unless otherwise specified, the hunts are "any weapon" hunts. Hunt # 2044 is an any weapon antlerless elk hunt.
answered 5/3/2014

Q: Hunting/fishing opportunities

Where can I find a combination hunting/fishing trip somewhere within driving distance of Boise. Waterfowl/upland bird/deer/elk or any combination thereof?

A: 

There are a number of locations a person could experience a comintation hunt that could include 2 or more of the groups you are looking for.  Many folks hunt the South Fork of the Boise for Mule deer and chukar, or later in the year you could hunt for elk and chukar.  Parts of Unit 32 and 32A would provide elk/deer/and upland bird hunting in the form of forest grouse or other upland species.  The Fort Boise WMA can provide an opportunity to hunt deer, waterfowl, and upland.  There are many more such combinations that could be outlined.  The best thing to do is to come into the SW region and sit down with a map and discuss with a biologist what your priority species is and any other preferences.  Best to call and set up an appointment (465-8465) to gurantee that a bioloigst is in.  
answered 5/2/2014

Q: Can anyone draw on a controlled hunt?

It has been rumored if you did not complete a harvest report then you would not be able to draw a controlled hunt. Was/Is this a myth? Are there any non-qualifying ways in which someone can't draw a deer, elk, antelope tag, other than drawing it the previous year? Thank you

A: 

Failure to submit a Mandatory Hunter Report for deer, elk, or pronhorn hunting will not prevent you from applying for or drawing a controlled hunt tag.
answered 5/2/2014

Q: Waterfowl

At fuller park in meridian a mallard duck had laid her eggs underneath a slide in the playground.Today a greens keeper removed the eggs and tried to relocate the hen mallard and her eggs,but with no luck the hen didn't follow and the eggs are gone now. My question is, is it unlawful to remove waterfowl eggs? And if so how do you relocate waterfowl eggs legally?

A: 

Mallard ducks are classified as waterfowl and are a protected migratory bird.  But wild mallards would not nest under a playground slide.  Without seeing the bird , I would guess the mallard was a domestic release or a crossbreed. Typical duck behavior would be to build a nest away from people in a grassy area where the nest is hidden from predators (people included).  Under normal situations (wild bird) the nest would be protected from distrubance, and it would be unlawful to move the nest.      
answered 5/1/2014

Q: Hunting license [is one required to shoot or possess a firearm?]

do you need to have a hunting license to shoot or posses a firearm

A: 

If you are not hunting, a hunting license is not required.  
answered 5/1/2014

Q: Where fishing for pikeminnows is allowed [and are there any bounties?]

List lakes In Idaho were paid pike minnow fishing, is allowed.

A: 

Idaho no longer pays for the removal of northern pikeminnow.  There is a northern pikeminnow removal program on the Snake River below Hells Canyon that is administered by Oregon.  Check their website for more details - if you are interested in participating.   F08
answered 4/30/2014

Q: Employment [conservation officer starting wage]

I am doing some research for an employment class and I would like to know what the starting annual salary is for a conservation officer? Thank you for your hard work and all that you do. I hope to be working with you in the future.

A: 

Thank you for your question.  The current (Fiscal Year 2014) starting annual salary for a Conservation Officer is $33,987 ($16.34 per hour x 2,080 hours).  If you have further questions, please contact the IDFG Human Resources office at (208) 334-3773.
answered 4/30/2014

Q: Is there not a chinook season on the S. Fork Salmon this year?

I was looking through the Chinook brochure and didn't see the S fork Salmon listed. Will it be open this year, or when will the decision to open be made?

A: 

Ok, as biologists we like to have data "in-hand" before setting seasons and bag limits.  The primary information we rely on is the number of Passive Induced Transponder (PIT) tagged adult fish that pass the first dam on the Columbia River (Bonneville) on their journey up the Columbia and Snake rivers.  Each tag has an individual number - so we know where the fish originated, as a juvenile.  The antennas at the dam read the tag and send us real-time information.  We proportion the number of tagged fish from a hatchery, such as Rapid River near Riggins, and can forcast run numbers with that information. Lower Salmon River and Clearwater fish usually pass Bonneville Dam, first - so those are the first season and bag limits we set in March/early April.  South Fork Salmon River PIT tagged fish pass next so we typically wait until May or early June to set the South Fork Salmon River season and bag limit. The latest fish to pass Bonneville are salmon headed to the upper Salmon River to our Sawtooth and Pahsimeroi hatcheries - so determination for that season will be made in June by our Idaho Fish and Game Commission.
answered 4/29/2014

Q: Short range weapons units [legal muzzleloader description]

It states that you can use a muzzloader for short range weapons units. Does this have to be a legal muzzloader as described in the muzzloader only hunts or can I use one that has the 209 primers, non exposed cap and a scope? Thanks

A: 

In short-range weapon hunts, you may use any of the following when hunting with a muzzleloader:  pelletized powder, sabots, magnifying scopes, 209 primers, closed breach, and projectiles made of some or all non-lead material.
answered 4/29/2014

Q: When will the 2013 harvest statistics be available?

I know the application period for control deer, elk and antelope tags begins soon, and i'm wondering when last year's harvest information will be available? I sometimes find the info helps with making decisions on where and what to apply for.

A: 

Harvest estimates from 2013 Controlled Hunts for Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn were posted on the IDFG website on 5/3/2014. Harvest estimates from 2013 General Hunts for Elk were posted on 5/22/2014. Harvest estimates from 2013 General Hunts for Deer will be posted on 5/30/2014.  
answered 4/29/2014

Q: Where to hunt turkey in unit 39?

looking for a spot to hunt turkey's in unit 39. Any suggestions??

A: 

Turkey populations are higher in other parts of the state.   If looking in Unit 39 then historic places include Cottonwood Creek and up in the Grimes and Idaho City area.
answered 4/29/2014

Q: deer tags [which species are they for?]

can you use a regular deer tag for mule deer or whitetail, or do you have to buy separate tags ?

A: 

  Deer hunters may choose either a regular deer tag or a white-tailed deer tag. The regular deer tag is valid for any hunt listed under "2014 Regular Deer Tag Seasons" on pages 15-19 and may be used to take a mule deer or white-tailed deer during those seasons as long as the unit is open for either species. The white-tailed deer tag is valid for white-tailed deer only, for any hunt listed under "2014 White-tailed Deer Tag Seasons" on pages 21-24.  
answered 4/29/2014

Q: Controlled hunts [can you put in for more than one species?]

Can you put an application in for both a deer controlled hunt and an elk controlled hunt or can you only put in for one of the two?

A: 

During the May 1-June 5 application period you can apply for more than one species (on separate applications, of course).    
answered 4/28/2014