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 1401 - 1425 of 3534 questionsQ: Does IDFG have any plans to revise the rules so as to allow cameras to be mounted on weapons?
I understand that under the current wording of the law cameras are not legal to have mounted on rifles or archery equipment because they are electronic. I also understand the reasons for not allowing other electronic items like sights or scopes, but I feel like IDFG should at least consider changing the wording to allow cameras to be mounted. Many people like myself would like the opportunity to record their hunting experiences and mountable cameras seem like they are one of the best options for hunters. They eliminate having to mount the camera on a hat or having to have someone there to work the camera. My question is not whether they are allowed or not, but whether IDFG has put any thought into revising the rules as these technologies come out, and if there are not plans to revise is there a specific reason why IDFG doesn't want cameras to be mounted to archery equipment or rifles?A:
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission periodically reviews equipment rules to ensure they are still reasonable, easy to abide by, necessary to meet species management objectives, and consistent with current technology. From 2006 to 2009, the Commission conducted a thorough review of archery equipment rules; ultimately making some adjustments to the rules to address concerns expressed by a broad spectrum of hunters, and to respond to changes in technology that had occurred during the previous decade. It has been nearly 5 years since the last thorough review of equipment restrictions. During these 5 years, there have been updates to species management objectives, including changes to elk management with the adoption of a new elk management plan. These updated species management objectives, and continued advances in archery technology provide the catalyst to again review equipment restriction rules. However, because hunter acceptance and compliance with potential rule changes is critical, the Department of Fish and Game is monitoring and compiling requests from sportsmen to provide a report to the Commission in July 2014 on how broad is the interest in reviewing the current rules, and specifically which rules should be reviewed. Your comments have been captured and will be included in the summary report to the Commission.answered 2/21/2014
Q: Bear Baiting
I saw that there is a permit to bait bears. If you are hunting in a group, do all members of the group need to have this permit, or can one individual who is handling the baiting hold the permit although the others will be using the bait he puts out for their hunt?A:
Only the person that places the bait is required to have a baiting permit. Each person can have 1 baiting permit, which allows them to maintain up to 3 bait sites. People hunting over bait sites, but not involved in placing the bait do not need a permit. Bear bait permits are only available at IDFG offices beginning March 1 each year.answered 2/20/2014
Q: Are perch in CJ Strike at risk of overpopulation?
I have heard conflicting opinions among fishermen about keeping lots of perch at CJ Strike. Some say limits should be placed to prevent diminishing the fishery. Others say perch are overpopulating, and as many as possible should be removed to prevent stunted fish. What is IDFG's view of the status of the perch populations at Strike, and what should anglers do to maximize the quality?A:
Yellow perch, for the most part, are prolific and environmental factors influence populations more than angling harvest. In years where water temperatures coincide with zooplankton blooms and reduced numbers of primary predators, the perch population can exceed carrying capacity of the waterbody. Under this scenario, they can over-populate and stunt. Now, if the perch spawn and the weather turns cold and delays the zooplankton bloom, this could lead to poor survival of young fish and a year class with very low numbers. We often track year-classes of perch and accurately predict when we'll have a quality fishery of large fish and years when the fishery will be dominated by smaller or younger fish. Given the size of C.J. Strike Reservoir, the amount of available habitat, and the amount of fishing pressure - we just can't see a scenario where anglers were driving the population. Our advice would be - catch and take home as many as you are willing to fillet and eat. F08answered 2/19/2014
Q: Fishing below A F DAM
What year did the catch and release season start below the AF dam?A:
In recent times, we began allowing catch-and-release fishing in the fall and winter in 2010. This has been a very popular fishery since it's inception. F08answered 2/19/2014
Q: Priest Lake Fishery
In a past answer to a question regarding the future plan of the Priest Lake fishery it mentions restoring native populations of trout and kokanee. Does Idaho Fish and Game consider Kokanee a native fish to Priest Lake?A:
Sometimes in our zeal to manage these popular fish, we look past the fact that kokanee are a land-locked sockeye salmon and are not native to most lakes in Idaho. The only exceptions are a couple of lakes in the Stanley Basin and Warm Lake in the South Fork Salmon River drainage that genetic testing as shown could have naturally residualized sockeye salmon as the basis for their kokanee population. Kokanee were introduced to Priest Lake over 50 years ago. As in most lakes and reservoirs in Idaho, their population has wildly fluctuated over the years. We are currently in the process of trying to reduce some of the predatory influences (lake trout) in order to increase the kokanee population. F08answered 2/18/2014
Q: 2014 Salmon season on the Upper Salmon River?
I see that the IDF&G is going to hold meetings on the up coming Salmon season. None of these meetings are scheduled in the Upper Salmon region. My question is; Will these discussions include a season for the Upper Salmon River where most of these fish originate? For the past two years the Upper Salmon has all but been dismissed for any kind of respectable fishery. Perhaps the number of fish reduced to possession on the Lower Salmon could be adjusted so that those of us who live on the Upper Salmon could have a season.A:
The meetings currently being advertised are for the salmon fishery in the Clearwater, Snake River and Salmon River below Shorts Bar (Riggins). These are all early-run hatchery fish stocked throughout the lower river area with most headed to Hells Canyon Dam and the Little Salmon River. Fish headed for the South Fork Salmon River and upper Salmon River are later arriving fish and are not being harvest in the lower Salmon and Snake river early seasons. We know this because of individual tracking PIT tags implanted into many of the salmon before they left hatcheries or were planted 1, 2 or 3 years ago. We have monitoring grids in the lower Snake River dam ladders that detect the fish as they journey back up the river system to Idaho. There will be another round of public input meetings for the South Fork Salmon River and upper Salmon River Chinook salmon runs in May/early June. Typically, the Fish and Game Commission will set these seasons in early June and they begin in late June or early July. Watch our website for details. Please feel free to weigh-in on the present salmon season frameworks for the lower Salmon, Snake, and Clearwater river drainages. Comments can be submitted through Ask IDFG. F08answered 2/18/2014
A:
After picking up the animal, you have 24 hours to notify Fish and Game, and 72 hours to obtain a salvage permit. You may self-report online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill or call IDFG to report. If you contact Fish and Game outside normal business hours via phone or email, it’s critical you leave your full name, phone number, address, and location of salvage so a permit can be issued and mailed to you within 72 hours.answered 2/18/2014
Q: Idaho Lands Rules
What are the rules concerning hunting and fishing access on lands owned by the state of Idaho?A:
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has closed certain state lands or portions of state lands to hunting or fishing. Fish and Game season brochures identify these areas along with other closures. Rules for recreational access, camping and restrictions on the discharge of firearms, which may affect the abilty to fish and hunt, depend on the state land in question. That's because the state manages lands for different purposes under different laws. For more information on state endowment lands managed for the benefit of public schools and other institutions by the Idaho Departmetn of Lands, visit http://www.idl.idaho.gov/recreation/index.html For more information on state lands managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, visit https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/wma/ For more information on fishing in Idaho State Parks, visit http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/fishing Restrictions regarding the discharge of firearms vary by Idaho State Park based on public safety and other considerations. Some parks provide waterfowl hunting opportunities. You should contact individual parks regarding rules that may affect hunting and fishing.answered 2/17/2014
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Unfortunately, there are no facilities to provide upstream fish passage past Dworshak Dam. As a result, steelhead do not occur upstream of Dworshak Resevoir.answered 2/16/2014
Q: Shed hunting- I saw a post about shed hunting: Question- What constitutes a shed? If the antler is attached to the skull of a carcass, may I collect as a shed?
- I saw a post about shed hunting: Question- What constitutes a shed? If the antler is attached to the skull of a carcass, may I collect as a shed?A:
Each year antlers from deer, elk, moose, and the horns of pronghorn fall off, or are shed; new antlers and horns begin to grow back and are fully grown again each fall. Animal parts such as antlers, horns, hides, bones, and teeth of deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, wolf and mountain goat from animals that have died of natural causes, including legally salvaged road kills, may be recovered, possessed, purchased, bartered, sold or transferred. Animal parts of bear and mountain lion that have died of natural causes, including legally salvaged road kills, may be recovered and possessed. Documentation must be provided to the buyer of any parts of bear or lion. Bighorn sheep which have died of natural causes may be possessed but never purchased, sold or transferred. Once in possession they must be reported to Idaho Department of Fish and Game and pinned. Legally harvested bighorn sheep horns that have been reported and pinned by Idaho Department of Fish and Game may be sold, bartered or transferred.answered 2/16/2014
Q: Where can I find a map of Unit 4A?
I can't tell from the small maps in the regulation book where exactly the boundaries lie. Where can I get a better map?A:
Your best resource is probably the Idaho Huntplanner at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner There you can find maps of Unit 4A that are larger for printing or interactive so you can zoom in or out. There are also kml files you can load in google earth or gps units. These links specifically should help: Unit overview with links to resources http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/area.aspx?ID=176 Interactive Map of Unit 4A http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/mapcenter?lyr=0&lbl=Unit+... PDF Map http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/download/pdf/hunt_ID176.pdf KML File http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/gis/rest/services/Wildlife/HuntPlanner/MapS... You can find links like this for all the IDFG Hunt Areas at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/mapindex.aspxanswered 2/15/2014
Q: I'm confused about the rules for using snowmobiles and ATVs/off-road vehicles for wolf hunting and trapping. Can you summarize?
Provide as many specifics as you can to help better answer your question. Please omit personal information in this area.A:
Motorized vehicle use as an aid to hunting for gray wolves is restricted in some areas as per notes in the big game rules. Look for notes in the wolf rules that restrict motorized access between Aug 30 and Dec 31, which is big game season and often has the motorized rule in place in these units for all big game, including wolves. McCall/Weiser, Southern Mts., Beaverhead, and Southern Idaho wolf zones have motorized vehicle restrictions.answered 2/15/2014
Q: Can I hunt in Idaho with this rifle? [Savage 110 BA chambered in .300 Win Mag]
Can I hunt game in Idaho with the Savage 110 BA chambered in .300 Win Mag? I had some people tell me mixed information and now I just don't know. Could you shed some light on this for me.A:
410.UNLAWFUL METHODS OF TAKE.No person shall take big game animals as outlined in this section. 01. Firearms. (7-1-93)a. With any firearm that, in combination with a scope, sling, and/or any other attachments, weighsmore than sixteen (16) pounds. (7-1-93)b. With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck. (7-1-93)c. With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, EXCEPT for mountain lionand trapped gray wolf. (4-4-13)d. With a fully automatic firearm. (10-26-94)e. With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated in, the firearm (including handguns andshotguns) or scope; except scopes containing battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed. (4-2-08)answered 2/15/2014
Q: Online link to Maps show Indian Creek Res along with Blair Res no hunting Icons.
In an earlier question I asked if you can waterfowl hunt Indian Creek Res along with Blair Res that borders BLM boundries? The posted Answer was. "Both reservoirs can be accessed by public property and there are no rules we are aware of to prevent waterfowl hunting during the set season. Because these reservoirs also border private property, you need to be cognizant of the direction you are shooting. Shooting across private property can be considered trespassing and you can be cited - if the landowner wants to press charges" I searched online for detailed maps for the two Reservoirs to figure out boundaries and jurisdiction. I came across this link that has service icons for 40 locations. It just so happens to show icons with no hunting in either of the two reservoirs that were mentioned in the earlier answer to be no rules that prevented waterfowl hunting. So what is it? Please look into this because its conflicting messages. Link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/ibt/site.aspx?id=SW22A:
Ok, you've proven we aren't infallible. The Birding Trail information is not totally correct. We have confirmed that Indian Creek and Blair Trail reservoirs are open for waterfowl hunting. Just make sure you access both bodies of water via public land or have landowner permission to access from private property. We have contacted the editor of the Birding Trail webpage and the information will be corrected.answered 2/13/2014
Q: Is it legal to use radios to communicate during a stalk, instead of flags?
Provide as many specifics as you can to help better answer your question. Please omit personal information in this area.A:
Yes, there is currently no restriction against ground-to-ground radio communications. Air-to-ground is unlawful. 36-1101. Taking of wildlife unlawful except by statute or commission rule or proclamation -- Methods prohibited -- Exceptions. (a) It is unlawful, except as may be otherwise provided by Idaho law, including this title or commission rules or proclamations promulgated pursuant thereto, for any person to take any of the game animals, birds or fur-bearing animals of this state. (b) Except as may be otherwise provided under this title or commission rules or proclamations promulgated pursuant thereto, it is unlawful for any person to: 3. Communicate from Aircraft. Make use of aircraft in any manner to spot or locate game animals, game birds or fur-bearing animals of this state from the air and communicate the location or approximate location thereof by any signals whatsoever, whether radio, visual or otherwise, to any person then on the ground.answered 2/13/2014
A:
Yes. You must apply for and purchase a Taxidermy License available at any IDFG office. The license is issued on a fiscal year basis (July 1-June 30) and is available on an annual or 5-year basis. For more information, contact your nearest IDFG office. The application form is available here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/furbuyerLicenseApp.pdfanswered 2/13/2014
Q: Do I need to get an archery permit to hunt coyotes with my bow?
Provide as many specifics as you can to help better answer your question. Please omit personal information in this area.A:
No you do not need an archery permit to hunt coyotes with a bow. Coyotes are listed as predators and there is a year-long any weapon season. Archery permits are needed for archery only big game seasons.answered 2/12/2014
Q: Salt in any form (liquid or solid) for bear bait
I need clarification regarding the above statement. The Regs say regarding the baiting of bear that "No person shall use salt in any form (liquid or solid) for bait". Where does one draw the line for using salt as bait? For example, pretty much any food out there already has salt (sodium) content within it, especially many of the typical meats that one would think to use for bear bait. So would the "salt" rule only be applicable here if you were to (for example) place extra salt upon the bait when placed it in the field? What about if (for example) you had cooked a bunch of hamburgers months earlier that you added extra seasonings that contain salt (e.g. seasoning salt, worstershire sauce etc), and then saved some of the meat for baiting?A:
The rule is written in order to prevent placement of salt blocks or liquid salt in order to create possible salt licks, which could artificially attract other big game. Salt in food is not considered placing salt as bait.answered 2/12/2014
A:
Elk usually begin to lose their antlers towards teh end of March and thru the middle of April. Large bulls tend to lose their antlers first with the smallest bulls dropping last.answered 2/12/2014
Q: What are the steps I need to follow to get a cow elk tag?
I want to know how to get a cow tag.A:
How to Apply for a Controlled Hunt--Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, fall Bear Big game rules for the current year come out each April. Check the general season information (listed by species) to see if the over-the-counter general season has a hunt you want to participate in. If there isn’t a hunt listed for the general season that you are interested in, go to the controlled hunt listings. Each hunt listing details the hunt number, unit/area of the hunt, weapon information and specifics about the legal animal that can be harvested in the hunt. When you have chosen a controlled hunt, you can apply for it from May 1 through June 5. You must have an Idaho hunting license. Up to 4 hunters can apply on the same application form for deer, elk or pronghorn hunts (only 2 hunters can apply together for the fall bear hunt). Each applicant pays an application fee ($6.25 for residents, $14.75 for nonresidents). You can apply online, by mail, by phone (1-800-554-8685) or through an Idaho license vendor. Applicants who are drawn will be sent a postcard; everyone who applied can look up the results on the IDFG website starting July 10. If you are drawn you must purchase the controlled hunt tag by August 1. Tags not picked up by then will be forfeited and will go into a second draw held in August.answered 2/12/2014
A:
Steelhead destined for Sawtooth Fish Hatchery in the upper Salmon River Basin spend the winter in the main Salmon River, typically below the town of Salmon, Idaho. As water temperatures and day length begin to increase in mid to late March to mid-April, they will begin the final leg of their spawning journey and move up the Salmon River to Sawtooth Hatchery - where they will be spawned and the cycle begins again. F08answered 2/11/2014
A:
Currently, we do not have a hunter education course being taught in Rexburg or St. Anthony this month. We do have several instructor-led classes available in Idaho Falls. We hope this works for you. Our program courses are taught by volunteer instructors that select the location and times. We recommend checking the website regularly and picking the course that best fits your schedule. We suggest students register and take a class as soon as possible rather than waiting until summer or early fall when class demand is high and finding a seat in a course becomes more difficult. Idaho Fish and Game offers several options for obtaining hunter education certification. These include the traditional instructor-led classroom course, home study workbook course, and on-line course. By state law, persons born after January 1, 1975, must attend and successfully complete a hunter education course before buying an Idaho hunting license.answered 2/11/2014
Q: I'd like to hunt deer and elk with a Camera only- where can I look for the bucks now?
I live near Twin Falls but willing to travel up to 100 miles. Have 4x4 truck and don't mind walking trails. Where do the bucks go after the rut and hunting season?A:
This time of year, most of the mule deer bucks in the Twin Falls area have moved down onto winter range areas. Winter range areas near Twin Falls tend to be on the foothills where deer can find refuge from deep snow, and forage sources. The foothills of the "South Hills" area hold a tremendous number of deer in the winter, especially as the snow in the high country deepens. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) closes gates in this area to protect roads and wintering mule deer populations. A pair of snowshoes and the willingness to go for a hike can produce some spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. I should mention that the deer on the winter range are usually riding a thin line of survival. They come into winter with as much fat reserves as they can pack on, and hope it's enough to carry them through the winter months to the bounty of spring. Deer that are pressured during this time frame can unnecessarily burn those reserves, and that can often be the difference between life and death. Does that make it through the tough months of winter in good body condition are more successful at carrying, and birthing healthy fawns that in turn have a better chance of survival. Clearly, deer in poor condition do not enjoy that same success. We would ask that wildlife viewers be aware that during the winter months, their actions can have local impacts on deer populations if they are pressured on the winter range. if you would like more information, let us know and we'd be happy to chat some more about this topic. Thanks for the question and happy "hunting"! Josh Royse Regional Conservation Officer Magic Valley Region 324-4359answered 2/11/2014
Q: Where are the public access points on the public land betwen the Lorenzo boat ramp and the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Snake River?
There is a lot of public land downstream from the Lorenzo boat ramp. Surely the boat ramp is not the only access point for the public to get to their land?A:
IDFG does not maintain any access points between Lorenzo and Menan. There are areas with public land, however. Most of it belongs to the Bureau of Land Management. As such, obtaining one of their land ownership maps would be the best way to determine public vs private lands along the South Fork (link below). Alternatively, there appears to be an app designed to provide this information (link below). http://backcountrynavigator.com/idaho-blm-maps-android http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/info/maps.htmlanswered 2/11/2014
Q: Junior 3 year license and tags
My daughter is 17. If she purchases a 3 year junior license prior to turning 18yrs old, will she be permitted to purchase youth tags until the 3 year license expires, thus can she shoot either sex deer (where permitted) and the youth hunts for elk (bull during bull season, cow during cow season) regardless of tag?A:
To better answer your question, please provide additional information. Thank youanswered 2/9/2014