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 2101 - 2125 of 3534 questionsA:
Hunter education and bowhunter education are taught in separate classes.answered 3/30/2013
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2013 Big Game seasons and controlled hunt information will be posted and in print in mid-April.answered 3/30/2013
Q: When does the Lake Lowell fishing dock get re-launched?
I can't wait to get back out on the dock and start catching fish again. Just curious when F&G is looking to re-connect and launch the dock again. Thanks!A:
The lake re-opens to motorized boats on April 15th. The docks are managed by Canyon County Parks and Recreation and by the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. I assume that they will have them re-installed a couple days beforehand.answered 3/30/2013
Q: Survival rules?
We are relatively new survival enthusiasts, and are trying to get some information regarding rules. We have a few questions. 1. If we go out for a trip, with no food supplies and we trap or hunt/kill some small game, (ie: rabbit or something), is that allowed without a license? 2. If there are creatures that can be used without a license, where can I find a listing of them? 3. Does time of year dictate what can be taken, as in "in season"? 4. If we plan an longer trip, and we take big game (deer etc), and use all parts of the animal, is a license still required? 5. Are the licenses restricted to certain times of the year or are they year round? 6. What are the penalties for out of season? 7. Is there a limit to how many animals can be taken during one trip, and is there a limit to trip duration? We are planning trips hopefully near Boise and Coeur d'Alene. Any information you can pass on (or if you could point us in the right direction) would be great. Thanks a bunch!A:
Idaho code and Fish and Game commission rules require anyone who hunts, fish, or traps to possess the appropriate license, permit, and tags. They must follow the seasons and all methods of take set by the Commission. If a real emergency existed, discretion would be used. However, the scenario posed in the question suggests a planned event to foray in the wilds and live off the land. All fish and game rules and laws must be followed. Certain wildlife, predatory and unprotected wildlife, can be taken year round by most means. A license is still required to hunt, fish, or trap. A list of classification of wildlife can be found at: http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/0106.pdf All other rules and information pertaining to the hunting/trapping of wildlife can be found at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/ And fishing rules and seasons are located at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/answered 3/29/2013
Q: Is it legal to kill starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Idaho?
Sorry to bother you with this, but I was unable to find this info on your website.A:
Yes, it is legal--details are copied below from the Upland Game Rules Book: All birds in Idaho are protected except starlings, Eurasian-collared doves, English sparrows and feral pigeons. Protected nongame birds cannot be hunted, taken or possessed (including parts of birds, even if found dead). All hawks, owls, eagles and vultures are protected. Game birds may be taken only in accordance with established hunting rules. Protected Nongame Wildlife, Species of Special Concern, Threatened or Endangered Species, Protected Birds Special classifications for some animals extend extra protection to those species. These animals cannot be hunted, taken or possessed. Threatened or endangered wildlife include caribou, Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and Northern Idaho ground squirrel. Protected nongame wildlife include red (pine) squirrel, wolverine, chipmunks, rock squirrel, Wyoming ground squirrel (nevadensis subspecies only), golden-mantled ground squirrel, Merriam’s ground squirrel, Piute ground squirrel, pika, kit fox, northern flying squirrel, bats, Southern Idaho ground squirrel and migratory song birds.answered 3/29/2013
Q: Wilderness survival?
My boyfriend recently became obsessed with wilderness survival and wants to plan a family trip, to live off the land for a week or so. Are there rules and regulations regarding trapping or hunting (small scale) and living off the land during this trip?A:
If he is hunting, he must have an Idaho hunting license. If he is fishing, he must have an Idaho fishing license. If he is trapping, he must have an Idaho trapping license. He should check with the region office in the area for information about contacting the land management agency (for example, the Forest Service or BLM) for restrictions that they may place on the land he wants to use.answered 3/29/2013
Q: where along the snake river is it legal to fish?
Can you fish along the bank of the entire river out only in certain spots?A:
The Snake River covers such a big part of Idaho that it would probably be easiest for you to contact the region office for the area you want to fish. Region office contact information is online.answered 3/28/2013
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Yes, you can.answered 3/28/2013
Q: Can You use freshwater mussels as fish bait?
I was recently told that mussels were good bait for trout and steelhead. While discussing this with a fishing buddy, He said it was illegal to harvest mussels and therefore illegal to use them as bait. Can you please clarify this for me?A:
Yes, freshwater mussels can be used for fish bait. In Idaho, there are no limits or restrictions on harvesting mussels. Once mussels are removed from their shells, they cannot survive, so they are not considered "live" bait.answered 3/27/2013
Q: columbian ground squirrel
Is a liscense required to hunt columbian ground squirrels. If license is required what is liscense specific name and what is the cost. where can be purchased. i am a non resident.A:
An Idaho hunting license is required. If you are only hunting ground squirrels you can purchase a nongame license for $35.50. If it is purchased before July 1, 2013, it will only be valid through August 31, 2013. If it is purchased after July 1, 2013, it will be valid for the calendar year, expiring 12-31-13.answered 3/27/2013
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His name is Charles (Chip) Corsi. The office number is 208-769-1414.answered 3/27/2013
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You don't need a license, and the only restrictions are on access and travel on the land. Horn hunters, like other outdoor recreationists, must secure permission to cross or look for antlers on private land, and they must abide by transportation restrictions on federal and state public lands. Horn hunting typically starts in early spring. Deer, elk and moose shed their antlers over the winter, following the mating seasons. Pronghorn is the only species with horns to annually shed its horn sheath. Just after mating season, the pronghorn sheds its horns and only the permanent core remains. The horns of bighorn sheep that have died of natural causes also may be recovered but may not be sold, bartered or transferred to another person without a permit from Fish and Game. Bighorn sheep horns must be permanently marked with a metal pin at an Idaho Fish and Game regional office within 30 days of recovery. But horn hunters are asked to avoid disturbing animals during winter while they are conserving their resources trying to make it through to spring. Contact the IDFG region office in the area for specifics regarding horn hunting in individual WMAs... No classes are required.answered 3/27/2013
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Unfortunately, yes it will be drained for irrigation. We have no plans to restock the reservoir until adiquate water will support a fishery. F08answered 3/26/2013
Q: Question regarding whistle pigs/gophers/rock chucks
Are there certain species of whistle pigs/gophers/rock chucks that are protected and cannot be hunted? Is there a certain time frame of the year I can only hunt them? Are their any weapon restrictions on hunting these animals? ThanksA:
They may be hunted all year...a hunting license is required. Details below: Hunting of Predatory & Unprotected Animals Some animals are classified as “predators” or as “unprotected” and can be hunted and taken all year. Animals classified as predators in Idaho include coyotes, raccoons, jackrabbits, skunks, weasels, and starling. The most frequently hunted unprotected animals include marmots, fox squirrels, porcupines and Columbian ground squirrels, English sparrows, Eurasian-collared doves, and feral pigeons. These species may be taken in any amounts and at any time by holders of the appropriate valid Idaho hunting, trapping or combination hunting license, provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances or regulations.answered 3/25/2013
Q: where is a good catfishing area in the southwest region near meridian or boise
What lakes, ponds,dams, reservoirs. What baits are recommendedA:
Our best channel catfish area is the Snake River downstream of Swan Falls Dam all the way down to and including the upper 1/3 of Brownlee Reservoir. This is nearly 120 miles of river and another 20 miles of reservoir that has a very abundant channel catfish population. There are also some flatheads in the lower reach, downstream of Parma. We have many access points that can be found on the fish planner. Other waters include: Crane Creek Reservoir, lower Payette River, Lake Lowell, the bruneau pool and loveridge bridge area of CJ Strike reservoir. We also capture and relocate wild fish to many small ponds in the valley including Caldwell gun club and rotary, Parkcenter, McDevitt, Eds, Horseshoe Bend, Sawyers, Quinns, and riverside ponds.answered 3/25/2013
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Lawful Methods of Take Upland Game Birds To take upland game birds in Idaho, all hunters may use a bow, muzzleloader shooting shot or shotgun with lead or steel shot with shells not exceeding 3 ½ inches in length. Shotguns are not required to be plugged when hunting upland game birds. Hunters also may use dogs to locate, flush and retrieve upland game birds. (but not turkey, except during fall hunts) Mechanical (i.e. expandable) broadheads are legal for hunting turkeys in Idaho. Methods of Take — Restrictions—turkey It is unlawful to hunt turkey: • With lead shot exceeding BB size or steel shot exceeding T size. • By use of dogs, except during fall hunts.answered 3/24/2013
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It won't be available until actual 65th birthday (if the senior has been an Idaho resident for at least 5 years).answered 3/23/2013
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Yes; coyotes are not a game animal--they are classified as a predatory animal--so calls can be used when hunting them.answered 3/21/2013
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Yes, you can. Details below: Coyotes are classified as Predatory wildlife in Idaho. The only firearm restriction for the hunting of Predatory, Furbearers, or Unprotected wildlife is that “no person shall …hunt with any weapon the possession of which is prohibited by state or federal law.” IDAPA 13.01.16.400.02.a. The use of an airgun to hunt coyotes (Predatory wildlife), permissible Furbearers, or Unprotected wildlife is allowed in Idaho. The administrative rules of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission/Idaho Department of Fish and Game are found at: http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/index.html The Rules for The Trapping of Predatory and Unprotected Wildlife and the Taking of Furbearing Animals are found in IDAPA 13.01.16. IDFG identifies prohibited ‘methods of take’ for furbearers, predatory or unprotected wildlife in IDAPA 13.01.16.400 which reads as follows: 400. Methods Of Take. 01. Furbearing Animals. No person shall take beaver, muskrat, mink, marten, or otter by any method other than trapping. In Valley County and portions of Adams County in the Little Salmon River drainage, red fox may be taken only by trapping. (5-3-03) 02. Hunting. No person hunting permissible furbearing animals or predatory or unprotected wildlife shall: (7-1-93) a. Hunt with any weapon the possession of which is prohibited by state or federal law. (7-1-93) b. Hunt with dogs unless they comply with IDAPA 13.01.15, “Rules Governing the Use of Dogs.” (7-1-93) c. Hunt any furbearing animal with or by the aid of artificial light. (4-7-11) d. Persons may hunt raccoon with the aid of an artificial light without a permit from the Director but no person hunting raccoon at night shall: (4-7-11) i. Hunt from a motorized vehicle. (7-1-93) ii. Use any light attached to any motor vehicle. (7-1-93) iii. Hunt on private land without obtaining written permission from the landowner or lessee. (7-1-93) 03. Trapping. No person trapping furbearing animals or predatory or unprotected wildlife shall: (7-1-93) a. Use for bait or scent, any part of a domestic or wild origin game bird, big game animal, upland game animal, game fish, or protected nongame wildlife. (4-7-11) b. Use any set within thirty (30) feet of any visible bait. (4-6-05) c. Use a dirt hole ground set with bait unless the person ensures that the bait remains covered at all times to protect raptors and other meat-eating birds from being caught accidentally. (4-7-11) d. Use live animals as a bait or attractant. (4-6-05) e. Place any ground, water, or other sets on, across, or within five (5) feet of center line of any maintained public trail. (4-7-11) f. Place any ground set on, across, or within any public highway as defined in Section 36-202, Idaho Code; except ground sets may be placed underneath bridges and within and at culverts that are part of a public highway right-of-way. (4-7-11) g. Place any ground set incorporating snare, trap, or attached materials within three hundred (300) feet of any designated public campground, trailhead, or picnic area. (4-7-11) h. Place or set any snare without a break-away device. (4-7-11) Because airguns are not prohibited as a method of take for Predatory, permissible Furbearers, or Unprotected wildlife, the use of an airgun to hunt coyotes is allowed in Idaho.answered 3/21/2013
Q: Chinook season on the main Salmon?
Is there usually a chinook season on the main Salmon around the area of Mackay Bar?A:
The most current Chinook salmon season information is posted on our website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=110. Please check this information for the answer for your question about what is open or call the Salmon Hotline (Toll Free): 1-855-287-2702 for information.answered 3/21/2013
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If you are hunting fox, a hunting license is what you need. You only need a trapping license if you are trapping them.answered 3/20/2013
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Beginning August 1, unsold general season deer (and elk) tags are available for any hunter to purchase for use as a second tag.answered 3/20/2013
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Please contact Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 1-800-247-6332. They can answer your question. Thanksanswered 3/19/2013
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A combination license is included in the Sportsman's package.answered 3/19/2013
Q: Is jugging legal
Wondering if its legal to do.A:
It is legal as long as you remain with the jug. You can have one fishing line in Idaho (or 2 lines with a two-pole permit) and it must be tended. So, if you teather a line to float/jug, you must remain with the float/jug for as long as you are fishing.answered 3/18/2013