Frequently Asked Questions

A: 

The majority of the ducks in the southeast region are along the Snake River corridor.  This is not to say there is not great hunting elsewhere, just that most of the ducks are here.  From the mouth of the Little Blackfoot River (near Tilden Bridge) downstream into American Falls Reservoir, the south side of the Snake River is Fort Hall Indian Reservation.  A permit from the Tribe is required to hunt on the reservation. Duck movements are also weather dependent.  Cold weather brings in northern flights and often improves waterfowl hunting.  Most birds are usually on American Falls reservoir until it freezes, which forces them onto the Snake River.  Hunting downstream of American Falls Reservoir is usually good when the reservoir is iced up.  Hunting above the reservoir upstream to Blackfoot is also good, with many people opting to hunt around the Sterling Wildlife Management or McTucker access areas.  Hope this helps and good luck

A: 

They will be online and in print in April before the application period for deer, elk, pronghorn and fall bear controlled hunts (May 1-June 5).

A: 

Send your question to idfginfo@idfg.idaho.gov.  Your question can then be forwarded to the region offices for information.

A: 

Idaho Residency Requirements Thursday, March 14, 2013 Proof of residency is required to buy any resident license. A resident is anyone who has been domiciled in this state with a bona fide intent to make this their place of permanent abode, for a period of not less than 6 months immediately preceding the date of application for any license, tag or permit. A senior resident is anyone over 65 who has lived in the state at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of application for a senior license or tag. A driver must prove residency with a valid Idaho driver’s license. Nondrivers may use other suitable proof of residency, such as: An Idaho Identification Card issued by the Department of Transportation. Two documents bearing his or her name and address, not issued by himself or herself, such as:- rent receipts or mortgage statements for the previous six months- home utility bills for the previous 6 months- a notarized statement from an employer on business letterhead- proof of voter registration dated 6 months prior- in the case of a child under 18, identification from a parent. A previous year’s hunting, fishing or trapping license is not proof of residency. A member of the military of the United States or of a foreign country, or a member of the Idaho National or Air National Guard, together with spouse and children under 18 residing in his or her household, on active duty and permanently stationed in Idaho for 30 days preceding application shall be eligible to buy a resident license, as long as such assignment continues. Idaho residents, who are in the U.S. military and maintain Idaho as their official state of residence, together with spouse and children under 18 residing in his or her household, shall be eligible to buy a resident license. The service person himself or herself is eligible to buy a furlough license from any vendor while on leave. Other permits and validations must be attached as required. Please see the Options for Active Military Personnel section for more information. Owning real property or paying property taxes within the state of Idaho is not a qualification for residency. No one can claim Idaho resident privileges while claiming resident privileges in another state, except military personnel.  

A: 

Seasons will be approved in mid-March and the books will be posted online and in print in April. 

A: 

The results are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/controlledHunts/lookupLicense.cfm?tab=SPRG_BT.    

A: 

You can purchase a mountain lion tag for that hunt at any time.  It is a general season hunt so tags are available for sale for 2013. The current season information is copied below.  There will also be a season next fall and your tag will  be valid through December 2013 (unless you harvest before then).   General Any Weapon Regular Tag 8/30/12-3/31/13 Either-sex Mountain Lion Any Weapon Unit 73³  

A: 

There are no restrictions on wading below Henrys Lake.  While there are many redds visible, and many anglers wading through the stream (and even through redds), it is rare for impacts from wading to have enough of an impact on egg to fry survival to reduce fish populations.  In general terms, the number of fish living through their first year of life is dictated by other factors aside from egg survival success.  In many instances (and particularly in a harsh environment like Island Park) winter conditions dictate how many fish survive their first year of life.  As such, anglers wading through redds won't decrease the number of trout that eventually recruit to the population. If you are fishing the Outlet, please remember that the upper 1/2 mile flows through private land on both sides of the river.  As such, it is important to stay in the water, and not get out on the river banks. 

A: 

  It is legal to catch them but they must be released or killed:   Game Fish: Brook, brown, bull, cutthroat, golden, lake (Mackinaw), rainbow (including steelhead), splake and Sunapee trout; trout hybrids; Chinook, coho, Atlantic, and kokanee (blueback) salmon; grayling; whitefish; cisco; crappie; perch; bass; catfish; bullhead; sunfish; sturgeon; northern pike; tiger muskie; walleye and sauger; and burbot (Ling). Bullfrogs and crayfish are also defined as game fish. Holding Live Fish: No permit is required to keep game fish alive that have legally been reduced to possession, in a live well, net or on a stringer while at the body of water from which they were taken. All fish must be killed or released prior to leaving the water body. However, anadromous salmon and steelhead must either be killed or released after landing. Movement and Introduction of Live Fish: It is illegal to release or allow the release of any species of live fish (including crayfish and bullfrogs),  

A: 

You are not required to report your upland game harvest (or nonharvest) online.

A: 

Yes, you can.  Here is some information about it: LEAD AMMUNITION INFORMATION Hunter Information: Lead can be toxic if ingested. The toxicity depends on the level and frequency of exposure. Lead can have physiological effects. Lead shot is banned in U.S. for waterfowl hunting, but is still used for other purposes. Lead ammunition is still used for purposes other than waterfowl hunting. Wildlife can be poisoned from ingesting lead. People can ingest lead particles from bullets in hunter harvested game animals. Lead particles in venison may be too small to detect by sight, feel or taste.   Risk Reduction Tips: Use non-lead, copper or other high-weight retention ammunition. Liberally trim around the wound channel. Discard meat that is bruised, discolored or contains hair, dirt, bone fragments, or plant material. Use caution when rinsing the carcass to avoid spreading lead fragments. Ground game meat has more lead fragments than steaks and chops. Ask commercial processors not to combine meat from other hunter’s game with yours. Avoid cooking game with acidic substances like vinegar or wine. Practice good marksmanship. Practice clean field handling techniques. Source: 2013 Big Game Rules, page 52      

A: 

Idaho Department of Fish and Game has an official policy regarding hunting and fishing activities. All Department personnel are encouraged to participate in hunting and fishing activities and become familiar with the fish and wildlife resources and the areas of the State that support these activities so they might be better able to discuss hunting and fishing intelligently with the license-buying public. Occasional hunting and fishing activity, with a primary emphasis on familiarizing employees with specific areas or training activities, is permitted during duty hours.