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 1426 - 1450 of 3534 questionsQ: Possession of Animal Parts Illegal?
While shopping around online for materials to make necklaces, I came across sales for teeth from animals such as coyotes, wolves, and bobcats. As a resident of Idaho, would it be illegal for me to possess or purchase these items?A:
Coyote, wolf, bobcat teeth possession and sale? Animals are classified differently and there are different rules regarding possession and sale depending on the classification. This answer is specific to the species you describe. Coyotes are predators and can be possessed and sold at any time. Wolves are big game animals. The sale of legally taken hides, horns, or heads of game animals, when detached from the carcass, and mounted wildlife, where sale is not specifically prohibited by federal statute or regulation or state statutes, shall be lawful only when the wildlife to be sold is accompanied by a statement showing that the animals were lawfully taken. It shall be lawful to possess or sell naturally shed antlers or horns of deer, elk, moose, antelope and mountain goat, and antlers or horns of deer, elk, moose, antelope and mountain goat which have died from natural causes. Bobcats are classified as furbearers. The sale of pelts and parts of furbearers when legally taken shall be lawful.answered 2/9/2014
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Yes. These devices are currently not allowed in the taking of big game. Coyotes are classified as predators, or as unprotected.answered 2/9/2014
Q: I'm starting a new taxidermy business, what information do I need for my records?
Do I need both their license and tag number? Do I need to keep records of what state and unit the animals were harvested? What do I need for out of state animals? I also know a lot of people who horn hunt and find dead heads, what's the protocol on those? Thanks for the reply in advance.A:
First, you need to submit the Taxidermist/Furbearer license application. For more information, contact your nearest Fish and Game office. http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/furbuyerLicenseApp.pdfanswered 2/8/2014
Q: Landlock chinook
What places in Idaho contain landlock chinook?A:
We've stocked fall Chinook salmon in several waters around the state including Lake Coeur d'Alene, Deadwood and Anderson Ranch reservoirs in the southern part of the state. Typically, fall Chinook are used as predatory species in waters over-populated with kokanee. F08answered 2/7/2014
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Yes you can. You must also purchase the archery permit to hunt in an archery only hunt. To purchase an achery permit, you will need to present to the department a certificate of completion in archery education issued by the department, or proof that such person holds the equivalent of such a certificate obtained either in Idaho or from an authorized agency or association in another state, or proof that such person has previously held a valid archery permit in Idaho or another state or country. Please contact our license section at 208-334-2592 if you have additional questions.answered 2/6/2014
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Yes, Idaho has depredation hunts but they are not open to nonresidents. Idaho does have a landowner permission hunt (LPH) that is similar to a depredation hunt that is open to nonresidents. These hunts require prior written permission on a LPH form from a landowner to qualify and then the hunter must take a copy of the form to a regional office to buy a controlled hunt permit while they last. For more information, visit page 97 on the following link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=63answered 2/6/2014
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A series of open-house meetings are planned throughout the state to discuss proposals for this year's big game hunting seasons. In addition, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will take public testimony on the proposals when it meets in Boise, March 19-20. Here is a link to the list of public hearings, and a web-chat scheduled so far: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/media/viewNewsRelease.cfm?newsID=6980 Also, you will be able to comment on-line after February 17. Keep visiting the Fish and Game website for details.answered 2/5/2014
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You can follow the status of all Fish and Game related legislative bills on our legislative updates page: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/legislative-updates Specifically, the bill is HO 399 and is set to be heard on 2/13 in the House.answered 2/5/2014
Q: Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond
Would like to know if the F&G plans on doing any weed control on Horseshoe Bend Mill pond. I am talking about the weeds that grow from the bottom up.If not when do you plan to it is so over grown it is not worth fishing any more. ThanksA:
We do treat several fishing ponds around the state with herbicides to reduce aquatic vegetation so people can fish. It's an expensive process and one where you need to be careful because you can just as easily kill fish. We'll monitor Horseshoe Bend Pond this coming year and see what we can do. F08answered 2/4/2014
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You can follow the status of all Fish and Game related legislative bills on our legislative updates page: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/legislative-updates Specifically, the bill is HO 399 and is set to be heard on 2/13 in the House.answered 2/4/2014
Q: I moved to ID in June of 2013, will fish &game accept documents from the Nampa courthouse as proof of residency? Paperwork specifically says I am not allowed to leave the state. I want a fishing license as a resident.
Also, who do I contact or give this information to get a license?A:
Proof of residency is required to buy any resident license: 1. Drivers must present: A driver must have a valid Idaho driver’s license and must have been domiciled in the state of Idaho for the last six months prior to purchasing a resident license, tag or permit. 2. Non-drivers must present: An Idaho identification card issued by the Department of Transportation; or a combination of two documents bearing your name and address but not issued by yourself. Examples include: • Home utility bills for the previous six months. • Rent receipts or mortgage statements for the previous six months. • Notarized statement from an employer on business letterhead. • Proof of voter registration dated six months prior. • For a minor child under 18, identification from a parent. Idaho Code 36-202(s) defines residency. The State Code for residency requirements can be found at http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title36/T36CH2SECT36-202.htmanswered 2/3/2014
Q: Will we be able to buy two elk tags this year?
The new plan kind of says we will in certain zones.A:
No, except a person may purchase a left-over nonresident general season elk tag, or put in for an "extra" elk tag (controlled hunts designated by an "X"). During the process of developing the 2014 Elk Pplan there was discussion and interest in developing some hunts that would allow a tag holder to hunt in 2 or more zones. The Commission direction via the 2014 Elk Plan is to continue to discuss options with hunters that would allow a tag holder to hunt in 2 or more zones, but it is only 1 tag for 2 or more zones. There would not be 2 or more tags, just 1 tag.answered 2/2/2014
Q: Can I use goldfish as bait?
I know that live bait is illegal in most cases, but what about dead goldfish from a petstore?A:
You can legally use dead goldfish for bait. F08answered 1/31/2014
Q: Fee Increase
I would like to know if the fee increase has made it to the Idaho legislature yet.If so can you tell me the bill number that was assign to it.A:
Information about all legislation that effects Idaho Fish and Game is posted on our website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/legislative-updates.answered 1/31/2014
Q: up to date changes
is there a websight that postes up to date changes ? limets and other news for out of state fishermanA:
The only change in our fishing rules that is not listed in the 2013 - 2015 Fishing Rule booklet has to do with a reduction in the bag limit for steelhead on the Clearwater River. That change is posted on our website (fishandgame.Idaho.gov) in the Fish section and will expire in May. If we make any emergency changes to the rules, they will be noted on the front of our webpage and listed under the Fish tab. F08answered 1/31/2014
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Yes. Information about the current program we have for nonresident disabled veterans can be found on our website under the license tab. Look for the Disabled Veterans Programs link. Nonresident Disabled VeteransNonresident disabled veterans participating in a hunt in association with a qualified organization may be eligible for reduced fees for licenses and tags. To qualify, nonresident disabled veterans must meet the definitions and provide the three documentation items listed below to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game office in person or by mail to: License Supervisor, P.O. Box 25, Boise, Idaho 83707. A letter from the Veterans Affairs office verifying a service-connected disability rating of 40 percent or greater. Such documentation can bear any date prior to license application. A current letter from a qualified organization documenting that the license applicant is participating in a hunt in association with the organization. For the purposes of this program participation includes but is not limited to: arranging access for the hunt through a landowner or outfitter, connecting the participant with an outfitter, organizing a group of individuals to participate in the hunt, providing funds, equipment or other direct support for the hunt. Documentation of the participating organization's mission to offer opportunities, experiences, and assistance to disabled veterans (typically provided by including a copy of the organization's mission statement) and their nonprofit status under 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code or the qualified organization is a government agency with a mission to offer opportunities, experiences, and assistance to disabled veterans. This documentation must be provided annually. Nonresident disabled veterans who meet these conditions may be eligible for reduced fees: hunting license $5; deer tag $10.75; elk tag $16.50; bear tag $6.75; and turkey tag $10.75. For additional information you may contact our license section at 208-334-2592.answered 1/31/2014
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Yes, except when fishing for Chinook salmon (ocean-going), steelhead, or when fishing on Henrys Lake. Just be aware, if you hook a fish and cause mortality after reaching your bag limit, you could be cited for an over-limit.answered 1/30/2014
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The count was 73,036.answered 1/30/2014
Q: I have two Waterfowl questions: 1st Can waterfowl be hunted at Indian creek Reservoir, 2nd Blair Reservior?
I have two questions, 1st question: Can you hunt Indian Creek Res that borders BLM boundries? I have seen people waterfowl hunting on Indian Creek Reservoir of the Interstate. BLM boundries? 2nd question: Can you hunt Blair Res that borders BLM boundries? I have also seen people out there waterfowl hunting while I was fishing.A:
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. Editor Note: This answer has been followed up with another question here. F08answered 1/28/2014
Q: Can you hunt Canadian Geese on Lake Lowell Refuge during the regular waterfowl season?
Can you hunt canadian geese on Lake Lowell Refuge during the regular waterfowl season? I always thought you could only hunt ducks, coots and upland game. If geese can not be harvested on this US Fish and Wildlife refuge why is there a picuture of two hunters holding a dead goose. This could send the wrong message. Check out this link http://www.fws.gov/deerflat/recreation/hunting.htmlA:
According to their website there are two different "units" in the refuge..the Lake Lowell unit where goose hunting is prohibited and the Snake River unit where it is permitted. Please refer to the brochure you have listed (http://www.fws.gov/deerflat/recreation/hunting.html) or call the refuge for more information.answered 1/28/2014
Q: Can a 7 year old child fish without a license even if their parent doesn't have a fishing license?
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If the seven-year-old is an Idaho resident, they can fish without a license and the adult with them does not have to have a fishing license. If the seven-year-old is a nonresident, they can still fish without a license but the adult they are with is required to have a license. Anything the child catches becomes part of the catch on the adult's license.answered 1/25/2014
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Yes, you can. They can be hunted all year and there are no limits on the number you can take. You must have a hunting license.answered 1/24/2014
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You must sign up for the class as follows: Link to https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/hed/public/default.aspx , scroll down to the 3 little boxes at the bottom of the page and choose: · Type of class or field day (bowhunter education or hunter education) · Type of instruction (instructor-led or internet field day) and · Location · Register online when you find a class or field day that you want · YOU MUST ATTEND EACH CLASS DAY LISTEDanswered 1/24/2014
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Check with the IDFG Region office in the area. Many WMAs have closures for dog training during nesting seasons.answered 1/24/2014
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All 2014 tags were available on December 1, 2013 except for: Resident deer and elk tags (and pronghorn tags which are only available through controlled hunt drawings). Moose, sheep and goat (because they are issued by controlled hunt drawing only)answered 1/23/2014