Frequently Asked Questions

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I assume you mean for elk, deer, or pronghorn? If so, start on this page:  http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=106 All deer, elk and pronghorn hunters must complete and submit an online hunter report, for each tag issued, within 10 days of harvest or within 10 days of the close of the season for which their tag was valid.   The online version links to our vendor, or you can call into the Wildlife Bureau at the number listed.   Congratulations on your harvest!  

A: 

The killing of feral cats is so much more than a simple legal question and answer. It may be legal when protecting your property, such as feral cats engaged in the taking of your livestock or even pets. Taking a feral cat in the wilds of Idaho would require a valid hunting license. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind: Are you in a city limit that prohibits the discharge of a firearm? Does the county have a no shooting safety ordinance for your neighborhood? Is the cat actually Feral, or has Muffy escaped their yard and the 8 year old owner out looking for their pet kitty? It is impossible to provide a definitive answer to this question without knowing the specifics to your circumstance. And Fish and Game may not be the source for that definitive or even the specific  instance knowing that each city and each county may have other provisions and therefore other solutions for removing the pesky cat in your yard. Other solutions could also include contacting your local Animal Shelter for assistnace.

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Exclusive control lease lands are either state or federal lands leased primarily for geothermal, mineral, gas or oil exploration, solar, or other uses where public access and use is not allowed as a condition of the lease.  Such areas/sites are relatively small and limited when compared to all public lands.  It is unlawful for anyone to post public land that is not held under an exclusive control lease. Additional information and Idaho BLM field office contacts can be found at: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en.html.

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Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. This is a tough question. Probably the best source of helpful information on the things you mentioned would be a sporting good store.

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We certainly hope so but won't know if we have surplus until early November.  Because of the location of the trap at Hells Canyon Dam (where we trap fish for Oxbow Hatchery),  water temperatures prevent us from using the trap until early November.  Once temperatures cool down, we start trapping with our first priority of getting several hundred brood stock steelhead to continue our hatchery program.  Once we meet our hatchery goal, then we consider relocation of surplus to locations where anglers have a better opportunity to harvest the fish.  Watch the local papers and our website for updates.

A: 

Yes, you can hunt big game in unit 53 with a short-range weapon.  The Hagerman Wildlife Management Area was purchased using sportsman's dollars for the intent of hunting.  Although, it is generally closed for waterfowl hunting, it is open to all other hunting related activities.   F08

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Certain species of ground squirrels can be hunted in Idaho.  The most commonly hunted varmints in Idaho are the Columbian Ground Squirrel and the Yellow-bellied Marmot "Rockchuck".  There is a page in our Upland Game Rules that talks about squirrels and contains a link to a field guide. Do not put any animal down without notifying appropriate authorities first.  Here is a list of those which cannot be hunted at this time. Chipmunks -- Neotamias spp Columbia Plateau (Merriam's) ground squirrel -- Spermophilus canus vigilis Golden-mantled ground squirrel -- Spermophilus lateralis Great Basin (piute) ground squirrel -- Spermophilus mollis artemesiae Northern flying squirrel -- Glaucomys sabrinus Red squirrel -- Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Rock squirrel -- Spermophilus variegatus Southern Idaho ground squirrel -- Spermophilus brunneus endemicus Wyoming ground squirrel -- Spermophilus elegans nevadensis  

A: 

Hayspur strain rainbow trout typically are between 3 - 5 lbs.  at maturity.  With that said, if forage is good and conditions are right, you could see an 8 - 10 lb. rainbow trout from the Hayspur stock. F08

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General season tags cannot be transferred to a family member. IDFG does have a rule that allows any resident adult person who possesses a controlled hunt tag to designate his or her tag to his or her resident minor child or grandchild who is qualified to participate in the hunt. Nonresident adults who possess a controlled hunt tag may designate his or her tag to his or her nonresident minor child or grandchild who is qualified to participate in the hunt. These rules can be found at http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/0108.pdf section 260. Thank you for the opportunity to answer your question.    

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Roadkill is salvage is legal in Idaho as long as the species is not protected. Learn more about the self-reporting requirements and the species at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill 

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You can take 2 cow elk because you have 2 valid tags.  The extra cow tag literally means that you can take an extra elk with it.

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Steelhead are defined as "rainbow trout that are over 20" in length."  Only hatchery produced steelhead (missing adipose fin) can be harvested during an open season.  If they are over 20", missing their adipose fin, with an open season, and you want to harvest the fish; then it must be recorded on your steelhead permit.   There are no specific size limits on steelhead above the Orofino Bridge.   F08