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 1551 - 1575 of 3534 questionsQ: licensing
Being an out of state hunter I was wondering why you don't offer a rebate on the license which is required prior to purchasing or entering the draw process, because if you are not drawn for a hunt area, you essentially cannot hunt.A:
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) requires a hunting license to be purchased by both residents and nonresidents prior to applying for a controlled hunt. Neither group receives a refund of the license fees once the license has been used to apply for a controlled hunt. IDFG does offer over the counter hunts in a majority of the state. Individuals who are not drawn in the controlled hunt process may purchase general season deer and/or elk tags. IDFG also has many other hunting opportunities such as turkey, black bear and mountain lion. If you would like additional information about our general season hunts, you may visit our hunting page at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/i/huntidaho/ or contact our license section at 208-334-2592.answered 12/11/2013
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2014 licenses, tags and permits went on sale December 1, 2013.answered 12/11/2013
Q: 365 day licenses
I've never understood why Idaho is so far behind the curve as to offering 365 day licenses. If I want to ice fish this winter as a non resident why do I have to buy 2 full price licenses within a couple month period? If I am paying full price for something I should receive full price value for that item. It is a serious deterrent to making Idaho a regular hunting or fishing destination for me and many of my friends. You should follow Utahs lead on this one and offer a 365 day license.A:
The Idaho Department Fish and Game (Department) has looked at the concept of a 365 day license. After researching this concept, the Department has made the decision to keep licenses based on a calendar year.answered 12/11/2013
Q: What is the process for a Disabled Veteran to receive the discounted licenses?
I am a disabled vet (40%) living in Mountain Home,Id. Is there somewhere I can send the documentation to have my info in the system or do I have to take it into an office? Where is the nearest office to Mountain Home to take it to? Thank you, ScottA:
Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. You have two options: Your nearest IDFG office is located at 600 South Walnut, Boise, ID 83707-9973; or you can mail the information to IDFG Licensing Section, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707-9973. However, if you send it by mail, please include a photocopy of your Idaho driver's license.answered 12/11/2013
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The rule that requires heads and tails to remain attached (and that means to the fish fillets). The rule is specific to trout, tiger muskie and bass. The rule insures special size limits, bag limits, and specie identification is easily complied with. Recently this rule was removed from Salmon and Steelhead once your daily fishing was concluded and you were no longer fishing or on the body of water; it was used to address concerns with larger daily and possession limits and the ability for anglers to store and transport salmon and steelhead in coolers or get them locally processed. Because the daily bag and possession limits are the same for trout, the rule was not amended for trout, tiger muskie and bass. There was discussion and consideration to change the rule but it is felt this rule is still required for the management of these species. Anglers may suggest changes to the rule during future fish regulation season setting open houses.answered 12/11/2013
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At this time we are only offering 3 year licenses for hunting, fishing and combination hunting and fishing. Tags and permits are still valid for one (1) calendar year.answered 12/11/2013
Q: How do I request a copy of my hunter safety card
Utah requires hunter safety regardlous of age I attended a class way back in junior high at Mackay?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. Idaho residents--if you need the information for a concealed weapon permit, some Idaho counties may not accept the printout from our website. Check with them to see if they will accept the card that you print out at home. If you have problems, call IDFG at 208-287-2872.answered 12/10/2013
Q: Mule deer doe hunts
Why do you allow doe hunts all of October? In the old days ya might say you hunted bucks or does the first week then it was all bucks from then on. Horse hunters felt a lot safer then ya had to see horns.You call it youth hunt Bull the grown ups are allowing kids to hunt a little the first week then they shoot the does for them to fill all the tags wake up all you are doing is wiping out the does with a month of this. You used to see bucks with 10 or 20 does. Now you might see them with 2 or 3 does. Hello the more does the more breeding going on the more fawns born. Seems like its a fish and game plan to wipe out deer populations so you can make mule deer hunting a draw only hunt for revenue. The hunters cry about it being wolves not its the youth hunt for a month killing off the deer populations. No I have nothing against youth hunting I've introduced all my nieces and nephews 17 of them and my own 4 kids to hunting they did fine with the buck and doe hunt at the first of the season. Why don't you do the buck doe hunt 1 week parents care about the kids they will make time then to hunt with them. and get them into hunting like we used to. Can't wait to hear some of fish and games answers to this.A:
Harvest of females often is counter-intuitive to many hunters. Many people tend to think that more females is always good because they are the breeders and will produce more young. In some people's minds there can never be enough deer, or at least there aren't enough deer right now. In fact, decades of big game research and management identifies a harvestable surplus of females that helps maintain a productive and healthy population. We've also learned time and again that we cannot "stockpile" wildlife. Our goal as wildlife managers is to maintain a population below habitat carrying capacity so that animals are healthy and habitat can support them through drought and harsh winters. Once populations grow too much, there is less quality feed, especially for the younger animals and they die off in very large numbers, often after really destroying limited winter range. Does tend to survive harder winters, especially those that have not had to nurse and raise young. The nursing females tend to put less fat on and their chances of surviving are reduced if they have to compete with "dry" does. Older females use the resources first and do not produce as many young. Therefore, it enhances our chances of having a thriving population if you harvest females and reduce the older age classes in the population. Maintaining a buck:100 doe ratio of greater than 15 also helps assure that does are being bred and that they are being bred during a shorter period if adult bucks are doing the breeding. This means that young are born over a shorter period of time is spring, allowing them to gain full growth potential into the winter, and reducing the effectiveness of predators due to what is called "predator swamping". When all are born over a short time, predators can only eat so many until fawns are big enough and capable of escaping; if born over a longer time, predators can eat more of them. Finally, researchers in Idaho have found that the most productive deer populations in Idaho are those like Unit 39 where we have substantial female harvest. What we consider adequate female harvest is less than 5% of the female population. We actively manage the harvest based on survival expectations and population trends. We do aerial surveys every 3-5 years and also monitor fawn survival through the winter by radio collaring 6 month old fawns in December and January. We use complicated models to help us determine what level of harvest is adequate. At the end of the day, we think we can produce a healthy productive population that produces quality hunting for all types of hunters through controlled management of both male and female harvest.answered 12/10/2013
Q: how is the taenia krabbei tapeworm ok for humans?
There are many types of taenia, and all the other ones can infect humans, so what makes this type different? As I understand things, the eggs come out in the feces of the wolves and some coyotes....as the rain and the snow breaks up the feces, the eggs work into the soil. Then in the spring, the new vegetation that emerges has these eggs on it. Then the animals eat it, thus causing the larvae and worms in our wild game. My question is....can these eggs be on our wild mushrooms and huckleberries and other wild vegetation that we eat? I just want to know why humans can get all the other worms but not this particular one? We have notified fish and game before and have taken our meat to them and they said we could dispose of it but denied us another tag. What happens when you kill your game at the end of the year and no more seasons are open? What tags could you get then?A:
While there are many types of Taenia spp. and other species of tapeworms in animals, including humans, the species that are found in ungulates in Idaho are not known to infect humans. The species of Taenia found in Idaho ungulates typically have a carnivore definitive host where the adult worm lives. Eggs or proglotids with eggs pass in the feces of the carnivore and are ingested with plants by ungulates where the eggs hatch and migrate to locations where the immature tapeworm develops. The various Taenia species in Idaho ungulates are found in different locations in the body of the ungulate. Because human stomach pH and physiology is different that wild carnivores, the parasite eggs of the Taenia spp. in Idaho wildlife do not develop in humans. Human infections with Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm, and T. solinum, the pork tapeworm, occur around the world in areas with poor sanitation. Neither of these tapeworms are known to occur in Idaho and the majority of the United States, but there is a low prevalence in some areas of the US where food hygiene is less than ideal or where raw beef or pork products may be consumed. It is advisable to thoroughly wash foods collected from the wild, just as would be done for vegetables purchased at a grocery store, and to thoroughly cook wild game meat to avoid the potential for infection with various pathogens. The issue with condemnation of meat and reissuing of tags is determined at the regional level and is dependent on the infection level, the willingness of the hunter to trim meat and to turn in all parts of the affected carcass, and the status of similar hunts at the time.answered 12/10/2013
Q: If I'm not an Idaho resident do I need an archery permit to hunt or is just considered as a normal big game tag?
First time bow hunter. Hunted in Idaho as nonresident rifle hunt want to try something different. Just curious to know if I'm required to do anything to do archery hunting.A:
To hunt during an archery only season or archery only controlled hunt, you will need an archery permit. To purchase an archery permit, you must possess a valid hunting license and show proof you have completed an approved bowhunter education course or show evidence of having been licensed for an archery-only hunt in Idaho or another state, or complete an affidavit to that effect.answered 12/9/2013
Q: I fly over this state...
Would it be ok to do what I had to to survive in the wilderness if my plane goes down and I had no food or shelter can I make a shelter can I fish or make a trap or start a fire without going to jail when you found me?A:
Although there is no provision in Title 36 of Idaho Code for the taking of wildlife other than allowed by Statute or Commission Rule, I'm most confident that no one would be prosecuted for doing what is reasonable and neccessary to survive in such an emergency situation.answered 12/9/2013
Q: How do I get a copy of my hunters education certificate? I am 37 and took the course many years ago.
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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. Idaho residents--if you need the information for a concealed weapon permit, some Idaho counties may not accept the printout from our website. Check with them to see if they will accept the card that you print out at home. If you have problems, call IDFG at 208-287-2872.answered 12/9/2013
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We are working with the landowner to minimize inconvenience to anglers. Because of legal issues and on-going negotiations, we can't say more at this time. F08answered 12/7/2013
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https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/question/do-i-have-take-entire-carcass-elk supports it. There is no stipulation that you salvage the entire carcass. You can salvage any part that you choose and leave the rest.answered 12/6/2013
Q: River Otter season opened....two otters per permit ...why a trapping season...when limit is so low ?
Such a low amount of river otters to be taken indicates to me they are still needing protection....surly there cannot be such a demand for that few pelts Thank you Bruce A Harten apple valley minnesota, frequent Idaho non res flyfisherman...elk hunter asajuice5@hotmail.com "fish barbless...catch n release"A:
Not only is there a limit on otters per trapper, but there is a quota for each region. Once the quota for the region is reached, the trapping season for otters is closed. Otter trapping quotas are based on providing a harvestable surplus of a percentage of the population. We are looking at harvest of less than 5% based on best estimates. We did not want one or two trappers harvesting the entire otter quota for a region, therefore we placed a bag limit on harvest per license. Trappers are allowed to harvest 2 otters providing the quota for the region has not been met. Quotas range from 15 - 30 otters per region depending on the region. We provide trapping opportunity for a species we believe has a harvestable surplus, but do not want to overharvest the population - hence the limit and quota.answered 12/3/2013
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The Toxic Broadhead specifications meet Idaho’s archery equipment requirements and are legal to use. More information on Idaho’s archery equipment restrictions can be found in the Big Game Seasons & Rules on page 88 or here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/docs/rules/bgLaws.pdf.answered 12/3/2013
Q: how to become a governmet trapper
how do i become a southeast government trapperA:
You may be referring to the U.S. government trappers, who are employed by the U.S.D.A. APHIS, Wildlife Services and manage wildlife damage. They are headquartered in Boise, but you can visit their jobs website at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/career_opportunities/ Idaho Fish and Game does not hire government animal damage trappers.answered 12/2/2013
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For those individuals who have a lifetime certificate and want to purchase the sportsman's package license, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) reduces the amount the individual pays for the sportsman's package by the amount of the certificate/license type they have already paid. For example, a person who has a combination lifetime certificate has paid for the license portion of the package. IDFG reduces the amount the person pays for the sportsman's package license by the amount of the combination license (currently $33.50) so the customer will pay $90.75 for their sportsman's package instead of $124.25. You may contact our license section at 208-334-2592 if you have additional questions about lifetime certificates. Thank you.answered 12/2/2013
Q: Deer in season down afternoon 1 Dec but ran out of daylight to locate.
If a deer in season shot late afternoon on 1 Dec and was tracked until light did not allow tracking further. Are we legal to pursue the deer 2 Dec AM to locate the down animal and then report?A:
I would call your local Conservation Officer or IDFG regional office and let them know the details and then make every reasonable effort to retrieve your deer.answered 12/1/2013
Q: What are the dates for your early deer hunt 2014? White tail or Mule deer either one.
What part of the state has the best chance to take a nice, big mule deer or white tail? How do I get an out of state hunting license and tag? Thank-youA:
You have a few different questions. The earliest deer hunt in 2014 occurs in August, but it is not the best hunt. There are many equally excellent big buck hunting units in the state that are Controlled hunts. You can look at the success rates and number of 4 or 5 points in the harvest by visiting our IDFG website and visiting our hunting webpage, then apply for one of the hunts in May. We also have many general hunts that you can participate in with an over-the-counter tag. We annually kill many large mule deer and whitetail with general tags across the state. You can find the latest rules and information on our IDFG website hunting page at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/answered 12/1/2013
Q: does fish and game have any idea what they are going to do about this growing tapeworm problem in our elk and deer.
We have killed five mule deer..ranging from unit 32, 36a 14 to 11a. They have all had the tapeworm larvae in them. It looks like a tomato seed. The two does we killed in 11a had the larvea and worms. What is causing this worm problem? It is extremely disappointing to pay for all the tags and fees, gas and ammo and time to go hunt for food to fill your freezer and then you can't eat it because it's full of worms.A:
In general, tapeworm cysts that are found in the muscles of deer, elk and moose in Idaho are Taenia krabbei. This tapeworm has a life cycle in which the adults occur in the intestine of coyotes and wolves, eggs pass in the feces of the carnivore, which are eaten by grazing animals, especially members of the deer family. The eggs hatch in the rumen and migrate through the body until they get to the muscles where they encyst (cystercerci). If the cysts are eaten by a carnivore, the larvae tapeworm in the cyst emerges and attaches to the intestine of the carnivore and develops into an adult tapeworm. IDFG has documented the cystercerci of this tapeworm in mule deer in most of the southern parts of Idaho, with some lower prevalence in central and northern Idaho. In general, IDFG advises that if the cysts are not too numerous, that they be trimmed out and the meat cooked well before consuming. The cysts do not pose a human health concern as the tapeworm does not develop in humans. Carcass trimmings should not be fed to domestic dogs or cats, as they will become infected with the adult tapeworm. If the cysts are too numerous to trim out, please consult with your local IDFG officer or regional office about condemning and surrendering the carcass and the possibility of a new tag.answered 12/1/2013
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Nonresident tags may be sold only at the prices specified in Idaho Code section 36-416, which are set by legislation. Thank you for your suggestion though. We will take your suggestion under advisement when we review our future business model.answered 11/29/2013
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No. The public is not authorized to dispatch a wounded animal. Please report injured wildlife by contacting your nearest Conservation Officer, Sheriff’s office, or IDFG regional office.answered 11/29/2013
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You only need an archery permit to hunt during an archery-only season. There are no "archery-only" turkey hunts, just general and controlled hunts. To hunt turkeys with a bow during a general season, you need 2 items: a turkey tag and a valid nonresident license (3 license options: 1. Hunting, 2. Small Game Hunting, or 3. Three-Day Nonresident Small Game Hunting). Good luck.answered 11/28/2013
Q: Can I use expandable broad heads to hunt turkeys?
Provide as many specifics as you can to help better answer your question. Please omit personal information in this area.A:
Yes. Expandable broadheads are allowed for any game animal except big game.answered 11/28/2013