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 1451 - 1475 of 3534 questionsQ: Have the restrictions on the Clearwater as to size, 28" and under 1 kept per day been lifted. We were told the hatchery has their quota.
We ere told the hatcheries had their quota of fish and were not collecting more this season. ThanksA:
The reduced bag limit for Clearwater steelhead that was adopted by the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game Commission will remain in effect through the 2014 spring season. We're hoping to get a large enough return in the fall of 2014 that we can go back to the bag limit in our currently fishing rule booklet. F08answered 1/23/2014
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There are no rules to prevent you from hunting coyotes with a .22 rimfire rifle, but if you are serious about humanely taking the animal, we would suggest using a larger caliber firearm. F08answered 1/23/2014
Q: Why can't I spearfish for trout, bass, and other game fish on north Idaho?
I would like to be able to free dive spearfish in lakes like Fernan and CDA, why is this illegal? It is more challenging than dock/ boat fishing.A:
Because current rules do not allow you to spear game fish. IDAPA rule 13.01.11.201.01 says, 201.FISHING METHODS AND GEAR. Unless modified by a regional exception, the following fishing methods and restrictions are applicable in all Idaho waters. (3-20-97) 01. Archery and Spear Fishing. Fishing with the use of bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or mechanical device, excluding firearms, is permitted for the taking of bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish, and only in those waters during the season set for the taking of game fish. (7-1-99) In the past, when we've proposed liberalizing gaff, spearing, and archery rules, we've received little support from the angling public. Most who have responded are concerned about spearing near docks and safety issues. There is also concern for wounding losses of game fish from spears and archery equipment. Early in 2015 we will be updating our fishing rules. Please attend one of our public meeting or submit a specific proposal on spearfishing for us to scope with the public. F08answered 1/23/2014
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This proposal has to be passed by the 2014 Idaho legislature so it is too early to say if it will go into effect and when the change might be made. Information about legislation affecting IDFG is on our website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/legislative-updates as long as the legislature is in session.answered 1/22/2014
Q: Is Movement of live fish legal in Idaho?
In CA it is against the law to catch fish from any body of water and move it to another location ( whether that's another body of water like a lake or whether that is a private pond or aquarium). Just wondering if moving live fish is legal in Idaho. If it is illegal, I would like contact info for a Game Warden.A:
It is illegal to transport live fish in Idaho without a permit from the Director of the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game. There are two exceptions. One is aquarium fish legally purchased from a pet store can be transported from the store to your residence. The aquarium trade is regulated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The other exception is when the holder of a Private Pond Permit purchases fish from a licensed Commercial Aquaculture facility. No transport permit is needed to move fish from the facility to the private pond. It is also illegal to use live bait for fishing in Idaho. If you do use live bait or illegally introduce live fish into a body of water, you can be liable for the cost of removing those fish or their off-spring. F08answered 1/22/2014
Q: New elk management plan
With the new elk management plan in place when will the new regulations be out? I would like to continue hunting in Idaho but with the new regulations and objectives I may choose to go to other states that I have preference points in. The sooner these come out the sooner decisions can be made. Thank youA:
The regulations for 2014 elk hunting will be available in April.answered 1/22/2014
Q: Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation vs. Idaho Fish and Game
Is the IDFWF part of IDFG? Are all of the funds raised by the IFWF given to IDFG?A:
The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation was established in 1990 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their mission is to preserve and sustain Idaho’s fishing, hunting and wildlife heritage. The Foundation is headquartered in Boise, Idaho. They work to support preservation and education programs for the public good through the following: the support of a variety of statewide projects focused on preserving, managing, and educating about Idaho’s wildlife, habitats and public access lands. They develop resources and hold gifted funds, lands and conservation easements in trust for preservation and educational purposes. They sponsor the Idaho Wildlife license plate program which raises funds to benefit wildlife diversity programs in Idaho. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing all regions in Idaho. The composition of the Board reflects a broad range of skills and knowledge, with all members having a strong and demonstrated commitment to Idaho’s wildlife heritage. See more at: http://www.ifwf.org/about-us/#sthash.fuVlVRJM.dpuf You will find a list of projects that are funded by the foundation online at http://www.ifwf.org/wildlife-habitat-heritage/funded-projects/ Their website is www.ifwf.org.answered 1/21/2014
Q: Where can the B-Run Steelhead Dam Counts be found?
I can only find a break out between Wild and Hatchery Steelhead on the Dam counts for returning fish. I have read articles on the number of B-Run fish coming over the Dams but I have not been able to find that information any place. thanks for your time!A:
The ladder counts at the dams don't make a distinction between "A" (steelhead that spend 1 year in the ocean) versus "B" (2 or 3 years in ocean) steelhead. Estimates on the ratio of A to B steelhead are made at some of the dams based on PIT tag data and random stamping of adults at the ladders but not published on real-time websites. You can see steelhead run information on our webpage at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=122 . F08answered 1/21/2014
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It is legal to hunt coyotes in Idaho using manual or electronic predator calls. The use of electronic predator calls are restricted for big game animals; and some furbearers may only be taken by trapping in certain areas (which would preclude the use of firearms and predator calls). Please review the Commission's Rules and Season Proclamations if you are considering hunting using predator calls for any species other than coyote.answered 1/20/2014
Q: Is a life time hunting license still valid after moving to another state?
I am considering obtaining a life time hunting license for Idaho, but with my work there is always a chance that I may have to move out of state. Will my life time hunting license still be valid if I am no longer a resident?A:
Yes, the license will still be valid: Lifetime combination, hunting and fishing licenses authorize all privileges associated with a corresponding annual license. These licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license holder and are available to all residents of Idaho. If a lifetime certificate holder moves out of Idaho, they will continue to receive an annual license, but they will have to pay nonresident tag and permit fees. The lifetime certificate does not include tags and permits. Lifetime certificates can be purchased at Idaho Fish and Game headquarters and regional offices. After the first year you can renew your license online from the Fish and Game Website.answered 1/19/2014
Q: hunter's ed replacement card
how do I get a replacement card?A:
You can now look up your Idaho Hunter Education (or Bowhunter Education) number and print out the information from our Website at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/hed/public/duplicateprintcards.aspx.answered 1/19/2014
A:
Provided you catch the steelhead on the Clearwater River and then travel to the Salmon River - this would be legal. You can't catch two steelhead on the Salmon River and then go fish the Clearwater River because you would be exceeding the bag limit for the Clearwater River. F08answered 1/16/2014
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The 1998 Idaho Legislature required that all applicants for licenses issued by the state, including hunting or fishing licenses, tags and permits, must give their Social Security number for a license or permit to be issued. The Idaho Privacy Law protects your Social Security number. It is considered confidential, will not be printed on your license and will not be given to any private person or organization.answered 1/15/2014
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Big game tags, including wolf tags and mountain lion tags, expire on 12/31 of the year of purchase. For example, all 2013 tags expired 12/31/13 and are not valid for use in 2014. Specific to mountain lion and wolf hunting--the seasons run from fall of one year through spring of the next. The tag you purchase for fall hunting expires on 12/31. If you wish to continue hunting the rest of the season (Jan 1 to close of season), you must purchase a new license and tag for the new calendar year.answered 1/15/2014
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At the present time, Officers do not have the ability to look-up licenses while in the field. Between limited cell service needed to access our License Buyers Database and the computing power needed to sort the information, we just don't have that capability. We are, however, getting closer. Being able to use an image of your license as proof of having a license will be acceptable by this fall (2014). We are still working with our Legal, Administrative, and Enforcement people to fix a couple of items. F08answered 1/14/2014
Q: When will a class be offered to teach hikers/skiers how to release their dogs if caught in traps?
This is the second time I've asked this question. The first time I received an email notice that my question had been answered. When I went to the website, the answer posted was something like "There is no answer to your question yet." Since then, I've heard nothing.A:
The Southwest Region office (in Nampa, ID) should offer the class again in mid-to-late summer (July or August). You can contact them directly at 208-465-8465.answered 1/13/2014
Q: What is the largest wolf taken to date?
I am an avid wolf trapper. I have people on a weekly basis tell me they know (insert name here) who took a 200 lb wolf. I say this is not accurate. When I took the trapping class, the instructor said the largest wolf he had ever come across in his 20 some years of wolf trapping was 148 lbs. According to Wiki, the largest wolf taken in North America was from Canada in 1939 weighing 175lbs. Could you possibly look at they records and clear the air as to the largest wolf taken in Idaho to date? Thanks.A:
The largest harvested wolf ever measured/confirmed by IDFG was 128lbs. I think the largest we have record of being measured in Idaho from a live capture- radio collaring operation weighed 132lbs. Not to say there might not be some a little larger but we've seen more than a thousand dead wolves in the last 4-5 years and have never had one that measured heavier. I have heard of and seen many claimed to be larger, but when they were actually put on a scale, they lost 30-40 or more pounds quickly!answered 1/13/2014
Q: Is 375 Winchester an approved short range handgun cartridge.
I would like to shoot this caliber in my single shot Thompson Center Encore handgun. The cartridge is a straight walled cartridge.A:
http://gunczar.com/375win.html It appears the 375 Winchester round was originally designed as a rifle cartridge, and therefore not legal for use during a short-range weapon hunt.answered 1/12/2014
Q: Cooperative Wildlife Unit
I an trying to clarify if the Cooperative Wildlife Unit are open to public hunting. We see that there is a sign in sheet but we want to make sure that we don't violate any hunting rules. We are aware of the WMA areas, but are unable to locate a listing of these Cooperative Wildlife areas.A:
Please use an internet search engine to look up "Cooperative Wildlife Unit". It isn't the same thing as Fish and Game's hunting units or WMAs. There is a Cooperative Wildlife Unit affiliated with the University of Idaho.answered 1/12/2014
Q: Can a NON- resident hike with me and carry a gun for protection
My Buddy (A NON-resident) wants to hike with me . He does not hunt and does "not" want to harvest a Deer or an Elk . He does want to hike with me during hunting season but would feel more comfortable having a holstered pistol on him for protection. Esp. with all the Wolf tracks we are seeing in Unit 25 . Is it legal for him to carry a gun in the field.A:
Yes, he can carry a gun for protection even if he is not hunting.answered 1/10/2014
Q: Is Ice fishing for Mac's on Cavanaugh Bay, Priest Lake a realistic idea, and is so when is it good?
A:
Ice fishing for Lake Trout can be great on Cavenaugh Bay, but it's not every year we get ice. Unfortunately, there's not enough ice this year.answered 1/10/2014
Q: Can one take predators or unprotected species with any weapon in a "short range" weapon only area.
While hunting for big game (Elk) in the Snake River Zone with my pistol we have come across coyotes. However, since we were in the "short range weapon only" area we decided not to take them. Could I have used my rifle (22-250 or 243 rem.) to take predators or unprotected animals at that time, or for that matter "anytime" while in this zone?A:
The short range designation applies to big game hunting. You can use any legal weapon to hunt predators and unprotected species.answered 1/10/2014
Q: Is it legal to feed elk within city limits?
My neighbor is luring them in with corn!A:
Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game have no rules prohibiting the feeding of elk, however, some cities do have ordinances that prevent feeding of wildlife or feral pets within their city limits. Be aware, if a private citizen artificially feed big game, you could be liable for damages caused by those animals to surrounding neighbors private property and landscaping. Damage is common because the animals become concentrated and are more likely to browse on shrubs and be involved in accidents with vehicles - especially cars and snowmobiles, when in the city limits. When you draw wintering elk into close proximity, you are also drawing large predators that prey on wintering elk (wolves, mountain lions) into the city, as well. This can be a real problem for your neighbors and our agency. Most elk don't need artificial feed to survive - especially in a mild winter like we are experiencing in Idaho. Elk employ several different strategies to conserve energy including a reduction in metabolism and using thermal cover to minimize energy expenditures to maintain their core body heat. Our employees monitor wintering elk and if they actually need artificial food to survive, we have the mechanisms in place to feed a diet that can be utilized by elk. Feeding is a last resort for several reasons. First, artificial feeding draws elk off of natural winter range. If they become accustom to artificial feed and the food is taken away, starvation can occur. Second, when you concentrate animals diseases are more likely to spread throughout the population because they are in closer contact. Last but not least, concentrating elk, like other ungulates, leads to major damage to the environment where they are concentrated. Be prepared to spend significant amounts of energy and money to clean-up the site once the elk leave.answered 1/9/2014
Q: There are not very many WILD PHEASANTS. Why is the daily limit still 3 ?
There are just a few areas where there are lots of wild Pheasants but over all not many WILD Pheasants . Why , WHY ? is the daily bag limit THREE ? It should be two or really zero . The number of wild birds is pathetic.A:
We still do pheasant surveys across the state and one of the factors we evaluate are sex ratios (number of males versus females) of the birds we observe. Statewide, the ratio of male to female pheasants indicates adequate numbers of males to breed females. Literature suggests, that if you have one male pheasant per 7 females pheasants, nearly all females will be bred. That's why we still allow the harvest of 3 male pheasants per hunter. In theory, it should have no impact on the reproducing part (females) of the pheasant population. F08answered 1/8/2014
Q: Do out of state students attending a Idaho university or college qualify for an in state license?
A:
Idaho Code 36-202 (s) states: "Resident" means any person who has been domiciled in this state, with a bona fide intent to make this his place of permanent abode, for a period of not less than six (6) months immediately preceding the date of application for any license, tag, or permit required under the provisions of this title or orders of the commission and who, when temporarily absent from this state, continues residency with intent to return, and who does not claim any resident privileges in any other state or country for any purpose. Such privileges include, but are not limited to: state where valid driver's license is issued; state of voter registration; state where resident state income taxes are filed; state where homeowner's tax exemption is granted. Provided that, until any such person has been continuously domiciled outside the state of Idaho for a sufficient period of time to qualify for resident hunting and fishing privileges in his new state of residence, said person shall be deemed not to have lost his residency in Idaho for the purposes of this title. However, mere ownership of real property or payment of property taxes in Idaho does not establish residency. Provided further that: 1. Idaho residents shall not lose their residency in Idaho if they are absent from the state for religious (not to exceed two (2) years) or full-time educational (not to exceed five (5) years) purposes, full-time to be defined by the educational institution attended, and do not claim residency or use resident privileges in any other state or country for any purpose. 2. Idaho residents who are in the military service of the United States and maintain Idaho as their official state of residence as shown on their current leave and earnings statement, together with their spouse and children under eighteen (18) years of age living in the household, shall be eligible for the purchase of resident licenses. 3. A member of the military service of the United States or of a foreign country, together with his spouse and children under eighteen (18) years of age residing in his household, who have been officially transferred, stationed, domiciled and on active duty in this state for a period of thirty (30) days last preceding application shall be eligible, as long as such assignment continues, to purchase a resident license. A member of the state national guard or air national guard, domiciled in this state for a period of thirty (30) days last preceding application shall be eligible, as long as such residency continues, to purchase a resident license. 4. Any person enrolled as a corpsman at a job corps center in Idaho shall be eligible, as long as he is so enrolled, to obtain a resident fishing license irrespective of his length of residence in this state. 5. Any foreign exchange student enrolled in an Idaho high school shall be eligible, as long as he is so enrolled, to obtain a resident fishing license irrespective of his length of residence in this state. Please contact our license section at 208-334-2592 if you have additional questions about the requirements to purchase a resident license.answered 1/7/2014