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 2201 - 2225 of 3534 questionsQ: Gospel Hump Wilderness
I am looking into hunting the high country of the Gospel Hump next fall. Was wondering when the access roads to the North and Northwest typically get too much snow for vehicles. I notice the trailheads are fairly high up and the season is late enough there may very well be some snow. Wouldn't want to plan on access and find out its snowed in come hunting season. I do plan on finding some low elevation back ups. Getting the Archery/Muzzleloader tag rather than the Any Weapon tag might be a better choice. Is there winter range in unit 14? The late muzzleloader sounds interesting. My preference is high country wilderness where I can get away from the roads and some other people. Is there a way to find out how much outfitter activity there is?A:
Hunting access into the higher elevations of the Gospel Hump Wilderness in the fall is dictated by the timing of early snowstorms. As you might expect, it is difficult to predict with certainty when snow depths will be sufficient to make entry or departure difficult, but typically some snowfall has accumulated by mid- to late October. As a result, just to be safe, most hunters in the higher eleveations make ready for a quick exit as the end of the month approaches. The roads into the Gospel from the northeast from Orogrande Summit south to Hump Lake is rugged at best (traveled mostly by ATV users), as is the southeastern access from the Grangeville-Salmon River Road to Square Mountain. By November, hunters often focus efforts at lower elevations. Licensed outfitters operate throughout the area. For details on specifics, I would suggest you visit the websites for the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Licensing Board http://oglb.idaho.gov/ and the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association http://ioga.org/ for Game Management Units 14, 19, and 15.answered 2/4/2013
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Jackrabbits can be hunted year round and taken in any number; they are classified as an unprotected animal. You must have an Idaho hunting license.answered 2/4/2013
Q: Are there any bounty animals up for hunting?
such as whistle pigs, rabbits, rattlesnakes or even fish of any kind? and I would need a hunting license still for bounty hunts, correct?A:
The only bounty program that Fish and Game is involved in is the Angler Incentive Program in the Panhandle (Lake Pend Oreille). The information about it is online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=107. An Idaho fishing license is required.answered 2/3/2013
Q: atv use on federal land
Is it legal to drive an atv off road to reach a hunting area in unit 10? Any atv licenses required for a non resident?A:
Use of ATVs off of established roadways is regulated by the specific agency or landowner that owns the property. Most of Unit 10 is federally owned by the U.S. Forest Service, therefore they have the say with respect to motorized access; Potlatch Timber Corporation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also own land in the western end of the unit. There are only a limited number of maintained roads in the unit and off-road use is also limited due to the rugged nature of the terrain. For specific details on travel management, I suggest you contact the management agency directly. With respect to ATV licensing requirements, a valid Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) OHV sticker or current sticker from the owner's state of residence is required. If the home state of residence does not have an OHV registration program, then you must have an IDPR OHV registration sticker.answered 2/3/2013
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You can get a handicapped archery permit that will allow you to use a crossbow during the archery-only season. You need to use the IDFG form to apply for it; your doctor can sign it. Call 208-334-3700 (Fish and Game Headquarters); they will mail the application form to you.answered 1/31/2013
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Season dates for bobcat trapping or hunting are December 14-February 16. Bobcat Mandatory Check and Report Information: Any person taking bobcat whether by hunting or trapping must comply with the mandatory check and report and pelt tag requirements by: Presenting the pelts of all bobcats taken to a regional office, the McCall office or official check point to obtain the appropriate pelt tag and complete a harvest report. To have a pelt tagged, the pelt must be legally taken in Idaho and must be presented during normal working hours – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pelts must be thawed before they can be checked. A fee of $2 will be charged for each pelt tag. An additional $1.75 vendor fee will be charged to each license holder when pelts are brought in for tagging. No person, who does not possess a furbearer or taxidermist license and/or appropriate import documentation, shall have in possession, except during the open season and for 10 days after the close of the season, any raw bobcat pelt which does not have an official state export tag attached (either Idaho’s or another state’s). No person, who does not possess a furbearer or taxidermist license and/or appropriate import documentation, shall sell, offer for sale, purchase, or offer to purchase any raw bobcat which does not have an official state export tag attached.answered 1/31/2013
Q: Hunting marmots and ground squirrels
what is the best time to hunt marmots and ground squirrels to avoid shooting mothers with dependent young?A:
Reproductive timing is variable according to species and also varies by region and elevation. Most species breed soon after emerging from hibernation. Populations occurring at low-elevation may give birth as early as March and have dependent young through May. At higher elevation, breeding may not begin until May or June, and young may be dependent on mothers through the summer months. Also, please note that some ground squirrels are protected, and shooting in some areas may be prohibited. Please contact the IDFG regional office where to plan to hunt for more detailed information.answered 1/30/2013
Q: extra pole rule
how do i add an extra pole permit to my senion citizen combination permitA:
We have a two-pole permit that allows you to use two poles or rods at the same time on waters and during seasons specified by Commission Rule. This permit is valid for all open water and for salmon and steelhead fishing. NOTE: The two-pole permit is not valid for use while ice fishing and does not allow you to harvest two bag limits of fish in one day.answered 1/30/2013
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Please call us at 208-334-3700 so we can get your name and address. The 2013 rules will be online and in print in April. It is not necessary for you to pay for postage.answered 1/29/2013
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There are two instances in which you can fish without a license: 1). Free Fishing Day...you can fish anywhere without a fishing license 2). On a licensed, private pond. Landowners can go through Fish and Game to license a private pond and they can make any kind of requirements they want to for the private pond.answered 1/29/2013
Q: 2012 wolf season runs form Aug -Mar, is my 2012 tag good for that entire period?
2012 wolf season runs form Aug -Mar, is my 2012 tag good for that entire period or do I have to buy a 2013 tag to hunt after January 1?A:
You must have a 2013 tag to hunt in 2013. The tags (and your hunting license) expired 12-31-12.answered 1/29/2013
Q: Can hounds be used in all units to pursue racoons all year long even when there is no big game hound season open?
Provide as many specifics as you can to help better answer your question. Please omit personal information in this area.A:
Yes. Racoons are now classified in Idaho as a predatory species and can be hunted year round with the proper license. They can also be pursued with hounds year-round. The only species that can be pursued in Idaho with hounds are black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, red fox, and predatory and unprotected species. There must be either a take or dog training season going at the time in order to pursue these species. Detailed information on hunting with dogs is available in the big game brochure.answered 1/28/2013
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Please look at the Website for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board (http://oglb.idaho.gov/). They list outfitters by unit.answered 1/28/2013
Q: i got some road kill moose meat today. how do i get a permit for this?
your online site is not very helpful for this.A:
You may fill out the roadkill salvage form at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill Once the form is submitted you will receive a printable receipt to keep with the salvaged meat.answered 1/27/2013
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Idaho requires that all hunters have an Idaho hunting license to hunt. If you are hunting turkey or big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, sheep, goat, mountain lion, bear) you must have a tag for the animal in addition to the Idaho hunting license.answered 1/26/2013
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Area 3 is the following counties--Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette and Twin Falls and Washington . Please contact the Southwest Region office for information. Their phone number is 208-465-8465.answered 1/25/2013
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The first thing you need to do is to check with the police department in your town to see if it would be legal to use the pellet gun within the city limits. There is a crow hunting season (October 1-January 31) for areas outside of town. Fox squirrels can be hunted year round...again, outside of city limits.answered 1/24/2013
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Yes, there is a tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus, that occurs in wolves, other wild canids, and even domestic dogs, that can infect humans under some circumstances and result in Cystic Hydatid Disease. For information on this small tapeworm, the disease, and information on how to prevent infection, please see the information on our website through the following link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/?getPage=209answered 1/24/2013
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Yes, you can fish in an ice hut at night with a light. Many years ago (30+/-), we had a prohibition on the use of artificial light, when fishing. That rule was eliminated. The only fishing that has restrictions on hours of the day that can be fished is Chinook salmon fishing.answered 1/23/2013
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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. Once the animal is dispatched by an authorized official, you then can salvage the meat.answered 1/23/2013
Q: Do the Coho Salmon stocked in Cascade lake spawn and die as part of their life cycle as do Coho that go to the ocean?
Great job to Idaho fishery folks for making the Cascade Lake fishery very good these last few years.A:
We have not documented a spawning run/event on the stocked coho. We have seen females with ripe eggs over the years but don't really think they can complete their life history in Cascade. Unfortunately we have stopped using coho in Cascade Res. due to poor returns (the numbers of coho caught by anglers) and budget cuts due to the increasing cost of fish food. We have upped the number of rainbow we are stocking slightly. Thanks for the question.answered 1/23/2013
Q: Why is the fish species variety so poor in the Clearwater Region?
there is a lot of interest and curiosity as to why the fish and game haven't stocked walleye into the clearwater region of Idaho, and in fact the variety of fish stalked is poor. I just want to go fishing and not have to unhook deformed, half dead,and starving hatchery trout off my line every time I cast out while I am trying to target the few decent eating species of fish left...i know the hatchery trout serve a purpose with our youth because they are easy to catch and are prey fish in the VERY VERY few bodies of water in idaho that a predatory fish species....BUT does the fish and game have to stock them in every single body of water in this region....why cant there be a predator species and prey species in every lake ....and No the prey species doesnt have to be hatchery trout every time. mix it up a bit to give the people a variety of fish species to target. why cant we stock walleye somewhere in the clearwater region where there is little chance of them escaping and spreading in to other water systems....what happened to stocking catfish and crappie and tiger muskie, perch. and even throw in some golden trout and grayling in the alpine lakes in this region, as this region has ample ample alpine lakes with suitable habitat, but yet it is the only region that has no artic grayling or golden trout according to your historical fish stalking. I think the managers for this region need to start adding variety as every angler I know is tired of catching trout in every body of water, in fact a lot do not even fish this region any more because of this reason....most head south or out of state were there is more opportunity for a variety of fish species....thank you!A:
Actually, many wouldn’t consider the diversity of fishes in the Clearwater Region to be poor. The Clearwater, Snake and Salmon rivers all flow through the Clearwater Region. As a result, we have many fish species that don’t occur in other regions in the State. For example, we have anadromous runs of spring, summer, and fall Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, lamprey and shad that spawn in or migrate through the Clearwater Region. If you are wondering why there aren’t species such as golden trout, grayling, brown trout, and lake trout in the Clearwater Region, it is because of wilderness area restrictions and the desire to protect wild salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and bull trout populations. For the most part, in the Clearwater Region, we only stock those trout species in rivers, streams, and high mountain lakes where they already occur.answered 1/22/2013
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Yes, except in no-bait fishing waters (only flies or lures can be used in no-bait waters).answered 1/20/2013
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Season opening dates for salmon are predicated on projected run sizes. The forecasted salmon returns for 2013 are lower than in recent years and in some cases not too much more than what is required for broodstock at the hatcheries of origin. Because the forecasts are low IDFG has deferred proposing seasons or opening dates to our Fish and Game Commission until we get a pre-season glimpse in early April of what is actually coming back based on PIT tag detection data from Bonneville Dam on the lower Columbia River. Expect to hear an update in the third week of April.answered 1/20/2013
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The reason we require a nonresident hunting license purchase in order to put in for our controlled hunt tags is primarily to increase drawing odds for nonresidents. The effect of requiring a license did decrease the number of nonresidents applications, but the hunters serious about coming to Idaho for a controlled hunt continue to stick with the process. As for the draw odds, if you look at premiium hunts in other states the draw odds are even less than comparable hunts in Idaho. The nice thing is that Idaho, different from all other western states, has lots of over the counter tags for deer and elk, so you can always come hunt deer and elk without having to draw a controlled hunt tag.answered 1/20/2013