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 2301 - 2325 of 3534 questionsA:
This is under the Outfitter's and Guide's Licensing Board's jurisdiction, not IDFG. You can contact them at oglb.idaho.govanswered 12/10/2012
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Minnow, as it's used in the fishing rules booklet, refers to fish in the Order Cypriniformes. Common names include common carp, all shiners, chub, dace and suckers. Perch are not minnows and are listed seperate from minnows in the discussion on "seining and minnow trapping" in the 2013 Fishing Rules. Perch can be used as a cut bait when fishing for other species of fish.answered 12/10/2012
Q: What is the best time of year to fish for steelhead?
What section of the Rivers are best for producing quantity of Fish? Is it better to fish by Salmon or further downstream by Riggins or Lewiston or over by Orofino?A:
Because there are so many places to fish steelhead in the state over such a long period of time, it's really hard to say there is a best time and place. If an angler has a chance to follow the run upstream, the best time could be any month from July or August through May. The first part of each year's fall/spring steelhead run starts swimming into the state in July and the Clearwater River seasons open then (most areas for catch and release fishing, be sure to check the regulations). As the run builds, fishing gets better and catch rates can be pretty good all the way through to December. Colder water does slow down fish activity though. Snake River fishing is probably best in September and October but is good through December but most of that is accessed only by boat. Because it's a little further upstream the Salmon River doesn't start fishing good until usually in October in the lower and mid-reaches but anglers can be catching fish all the way to Salmon by the end of October. It's the same as the other rivers, as the water temperture gets colder the fish are less active and bite less but they are still there and do bite. January and February can be times to fish with a little more solitude. The days are shorter and colder and there are fewer anglers out but the fish are out there and can be caught. Things start to pick up again in mid to late February. The Salmon River upstream of Salmon, the Little Salmon River and the South Fork Clearwater all provide the best fishing in spring - March, April and May for those areas that stay open until then. Catch rates can be really good then; the fish are stacking into the smaller rivers at the end of their migration. The best time to fish steelhead - the long days of September on the lower Clearwater, a warm October day in the Salmon River canyon, a colder January day in a drift boat near Riggins or Orofino, or enjoying the spring thaw in the Stanley Basin in April - is just a matter of personal choice. Each month of the year and each location provides a completely different fishing experience.answered 12/10/2012
Q: What portion of trophy tags ,such as sheep moose and goat, are allocated for non-resident hunters and what is the drawing process?
I am interested in hunting sheep in idaho but as i went through the draw odds it seems some units have more nonresidents apply than residents but no out of state hunters drew a tag .Is it a percentage of total tags ordo only some units allow nonresident hunters?If it is just a percentage would knowing the order of the draw,such as the order in which the units were drawn , be helpfull in being at the "front of the line"?A:
Up to 10% of the tags alloted to every controlled hunt can go to nonresident hunters--we don't guarantee that 10% will, but up to 10% can. If a controlled hunt has less than 10 permits, only 1 can go to a nonresident. Each application is given a unique application number. Before the drawing takes place the applications are mixed up by the computer so the first applicant has the same chance as the last one to draw. Idaho doesn't have a preference point system. 2013 Moose, sheep and goat rules will be out in March and the application period for those hunts is April 1-30.answered 12/9/2012
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The red ear slider turtle is an invasive species, (not native to Idaho) which potentially could spread disease to native turtles if released to the wild. Please contact the Idaho Dept of Agriculture if you have further questions. The number is 332-8620.answered 12/9/2012
Q: Is their a safe way to dispose of old ammunition
Is their a safe way to dispose of old ammunition, I have some old ammunition I will never use. Is their a safe way to dispose of this?A:
Idaho Fish and Game does not maintain facilities for disposal of hazardous materials, including old ammunition. We recommend contacting your local police department, which generally are responsible for collection of hazardous materials.answered 12/8/2012
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Up to 10% of the tags alloted to every controlled hunt can go to nonresident hunters--we don't guarantee that 10% will, but up to 10% can. If a controlled hunt has less than 10 permits, only 1 can go to a nonresident. Each application is given a unique application number. Before the drawing takes place the applications are mixed up by the computer so the first applicant has the same chance as the last one to draw. Idaho doesn't have a preference point system. 2013 Moose, sheep and goat rules will be out in March and the application period for those hunts is April 1-30.answered 12/8/2012
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The best place to hunt late season waterfowl in southeast Idaho would be on the American Falls Reservoir and surrounding Snake River area. When hunting in this area, you do need to be aware of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation boundaries as hunting on the Reservation requires special permits from the Reservation.answered 12/8/2012
Q: Hunting with short range weapons
Can I use a rifle that shoots pistol ammo, in short range weapon hunts ? Also can you use a muzzle loader that would not meet the general criteria for a muzzle loader ? By that I mean inline--scoped etc.A:
Short-Range Weapons In big game seasons restricted to short-range weapons, it is unlawful for hunters to use any weapon other than a muzzleloader, archery equipment, crossbow, a shotgun using slugs or shot of size #00 buck or larger, or a pistol using straight-walled cartridges not originally developed for rifles.answered 12/8/2012
Q: How many total deer tags did idaho sell in 2011?
I am doing some research and was wondering what the total number of deer tags sold were in 2011?A:
In 2011 we sold 121,924 resident deer tags and 11,662 nonresident deer tags for a total of 133,586 sold.answered 12/7/2012
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There isn't a magazine size restriction for hunting big game. The restrictions we do have are listed below: IDAHO WEAPON RESTRICTIONS Rifle and Shotgun In any hunt, including any-weapon seasons, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals: • By any means other than approved firearms, muzzleloaders and archery methods. • With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated on, the firearm or scope; Except scopes containing battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed. • With any firearm that, in combination with a scope, sling and/or any attachments, weighs more than 16 pounds. • With any fully automatic firearm. • With any shotgun using shot smaller than #00 buck. • With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun, or muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion. Short-Range Weapons In big game seasons restricted to short-range weapons, it is unlawful for hunters to use any weapon other than a muzzleloader, archery equipment, crossbow, a shotgun using slugs or shot of size #00 buck or larger, or a pistol using straight-walled cartridges not originally developed for rifles. Muzzleloader Caliber Requirements In any hunt, including general any-weapon seasons and short-range hunts, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals: • With any muzzleloading rifle or musket that is less than .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion; or is less than .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear. Muzzleloader-Only Season Any person hunting in a muzzleloader-only season, including controlled hunts must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be: • Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle. • Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited. Except hunters with a visual disability may apply for a permit to use nonmagnifying scopes. (Applications are available at Fish and Game offices). • Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited. • Equipped with a single or double-barrel. • Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited. • Loaded with a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy. • Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited. • Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire.answered 12/6/2012
Q: Waterfowl hunting near Chesterfield.
I have been waterfowling hunting near chesterfield reservoir and I have noticed alot of "no hunting" signs on access points on the Portnuef River that haven't been there in the past. I was wondering if these were placed there by the Fish and Game or if someone just thinks they are being funny.A:
Downstream of Chesterfield Reservoir off Kelly Toponce Road along the Portneuf River, we were able to locate some new "No Hunting" signs that had been posted at the access site owned by the King Creek Grazing Association on Croney Road. IDFG has an agreement with King Creek to allow access through their land for fishing. We contacted King Creek to determine if they had closed this access to hunting and we were informed that it has not been closed to hunting for upland game and waterfowl, but that without express and prior permission it is closed for big game hunting. The signs are being removed. You can continue to hunt waterfowl at this location. If your question pertains to a different part of the Portneuf River, please contact your local office for additional information.answered 12/5/2012
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His name is Charles Corsi. You can contact him at the Panhandle Region office at 208-769-1414.answered 12/5/2012
Q: can a person have more than one salvage permit in a season? more than one of the same species?
A large number of mule deer are hit and killed by motor vehicles each year near my home. Am I allowed to salvage more than one in a year?A:
Yes, a person can obtain more than one salvage permit in a season. A salvage report is required for each animal that is salvaged (example: 2 deer, 2 permits) Yes, a person can obtain more than one salvage permit for the same species.answered 12/5/2012
Q: Nevada Bow hunter information
I have bow hunted in my home state of Nevada for mule deer. I was not required to take any additional class for the archery tag. I was wondering if I will still have to do a archery class in Idaho to be able to hunt with my bow. If so how would i go about doing this since I live so far out of state.A:
When you purchase your Idaho archery permit you can fill out an archery affidavit stating that you have hunted in Nevada in an archery hunt. These are available at vendors and a copy is also online.answered 12/5/2012
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The wildlife collision salvage rule went into effect in Spring 2012. The rule allows for the legal salvage of some game animals killed by auto collisions: By notifying the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game (IDFG) and completing reporting requirements, people can now: Recover and keep wildlife species classified as upland birds, upland game animals, big game, furbearers, unprotected wildlife, and predators that may be lawfully hunted or trapped that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. A list of wildlife species that CAN be salvaged can be viewed by going online at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill. Protected non-game wildlife, Threatened or Endangered species, migratory birds (which are federally protected), and other wildlife species not lawfully hunted or trapped may NOT be recovered, possessed, or salvaged. Purchase or sell wildlife parts, except the edible flesh, of wildlife species classified as big game, upland game, upland game birds, furbearers, or rattlesnakes that may be lawfully hunted or trapped that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. Bighorn sheep cannot be purchased, bartered, or sold. Retain and consume the meat of wildlife species classified as big game, upland game animals, upland game birds, and furbearing animals which may be lawfully hunted or trapped, that have been killed by accidental vehicle-collisions. Persons salvaging and consuming this meat do so at their own risk. You can learn more about it online at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill Specifically, you can follow these links for more information: What do the new roadkill/salvage rules allow? What are the reporting requirements? Do I need to contact Fish and Game to report any animal that I salvage? Can I salvage a road killed duck or hawk? Can I sell salvaged bighorn sheep heads? If an animal is not killed by a vehicle but injured during the collision can I dispatch it? Do I need to have a valid hunting license to salvage road kill? Do the new salvage rules only apply to road killed animals? What about other man caused mortalities such as crippling loss, train collisions, fence kills, and others? Can I stop on Interstate highways to retrieve or to salvage wildlife? Can I stop on highways to retrieve or to salvage wildlife? Can I eat the meat of an animal that I salvaged? Can I sell the meat of salvaged wildlife? Are there special reporting requirements for the sale of black bear and mountain lion parts? How much do road-kill salvage permits cost?answered 12/5/2012
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Stocking steelhead is over for this year (2012).answered 12/4/2012
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Any person who has harvested an antlered moose in Idaho may not apply for any moose tag except an anterless tag. Any person who has harvested an antlerless moose in Idaho may not apply for any moose tag except an antlered moose tag. A resident cannot apply for a nonresident moose hunt.answered 12/4/2012
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The simple answer is yes! The new salvage rule does not authorize anyone to dispatch or put down injured wildlife that have been involved in a vehicle collision. If you have been involved in a wildlife-vehicle collision and the animal is only injured, the responding law enforcement officer may have to put down the animal. In this case you can ask the officer for the meat. If the responder is a Fish and Game employee, they will issue you the salvage permit on site. Other Law Enforcement Officers may not have our permits to issue and it will be your responsibility to report the salvage to Idaho Fish and Game at a regional office or through the online salvage reporting web site within 24 hours. In the note section you should mention that the animal had to be dispatched by Officer _______ of the _____________agency.answered 12/2/2012
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No. I checked the bobcat hunting season in the Upland Game rules book (see pages 34-36); the bobcat season is December 14-February 16.answered 12/2/2012
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We estimated mountain whitefish abundance at a couple sites in Boise River during 2009 as part of long-term monitoring. All sites were upstream of Glenwood bridge. We have no recent sampling data farther downstream, but whitefish inhabit the river at least as far downstream as Middleton. During our survey work, we saw very high abundances (2400-2800 whitefish over 6") at the two "town"sites. These sites were approximately 1000 m in length. These sites were in the reach you mention but a little farther downstream from Barber Dam downstream to downtown Boise. Mountain whitefish are highly abundant throughout the Boise. I wouldn't recommend one area over another as long as you stay above Glenwood and below Barber Dam. We also have very high whitefish abundances in the Payette River downstream of Black Canyon Dam, near the town of Horseshoe Bend, in the SF Payette near Garden Valley, and in the SF Boise downstream of Anderson Ranch. If you have additional questions, please contact fisheries personnel at the southwest regional office at 465-8465.answered 12/2/2012
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Short-Range Weapons In big game seasons restricted to short-range weapons, it is unlawful for hunters to use any weapon other than a muzzleloader, archery equipment, crossbow, a shotgun using slugs or shot of size #00 buck or larger, or a pistol using straight-walled cartridges not originally developed for rifles.answered 11/30/2012
Q: I am a resident non-member indian, and hunting on the Cd'A Reservation, I am I able to hunt their hunting dates and what are the restrictions?
I am a member of a federal recognized tribe from another state, but a resident of Idaho. I purchased my Idaho hunting and fishing combo licence, and the hunting permit to the Couer d'Alene reservation. The Cd'A tribe says I can hunt with their dates for the season, and only need to hunt with the permit. What are the restrictions to hunt on the reservation and are there special tags to use?A:
The tribes set their own rules and seasons for hunting on their land. We recommend that you contact them directly for correct information. The Coeur d'Alene tribes website is http://www.cdatribe.org/. In your question, you mention that you have talked to them already so you should be good to go.answered 11/30/2012
Q: Deer Disease
Hello, I was wondering if the deer have become diseased around unit 8a. I was in Orofino the other day, and the ones in town look terrible. The reason I ask though, is the place I was hunting would usually have around 20 whitetail per day in the direct area, every day. This year I haven't seen more than 2 does. I expanded my area of where I hunt, and there just isn't any sign. I was just wondering because it seems like the last 2 years the deer populations have taken a drastic decline. Would there be a reason deer would entirely leave the area? There aren't wolves in the location I am talking about, all I could think of is disease has taken them out. Is there any signs I should be looking for one the ones I do see?A:
I am not aware of any specific issues with the health of deer in the Orofino area. We do get reports from folks within the city limits that the deer there do often look a bit scraggly in the spring, but this is not unusual for that time of year when the effects of winter are most evident and the deer are losing their winter coats. There are a number of parasites or bacterial infections that are commonly found in white-tailed deer, but none that are having population level or even significant localized effects. However, in 2003 white-tailed deer in the Clearwater Region were affected significantly by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and as a result we lost several thousand deer. Since that time, deer numbers have recovered and reports of EHD have been relatively slight since then. I am not sure what dates you hunted, but reports from other hunters this year indicated that the deer did not appear to be moving around much, migration was delayed, and rut activity did not appear to be very strong. This may have been related to the extremely dry weather we experienced this summer and the lack of colder temperatures and snow even after we finally received rainfall later in the fall.answered 11/29/2012
Q: Status of Fish in Priest Lake
Is there a review done periodically on the status of fish in Priest Lake? How are the kokanee salmon doing? What are the levels of other fish in the lake? Thanks for taking my question.A:
Each year we count spawnng kokanee around historical shoreline spawning areas. It gives us a rough index of the adult kokanee population. This year we saw close to 30,000 fish, which is about 10 times higher than the average of the past 15 years. That's encouraging, but unfortunately, it doesn't tell us much about what to expect in coming years. We hope to use a midwater trawl survey this coming year to estimate the population of the younger age classes of kokanee. We don't have estimates of other species on the lake, but we're planning to do a large-scale lake trout population estimate in 2013-14 as well. Stay tuned.answered 11/29/2012