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 2376 - 2400 of 3534 questionsA:
It doesn't. You will be able to apply for tags the following year as usual.answered 10/24/2012
Q: can an Idaho resident obtain more than one deer tag?
I have harvested a whitetail and would like to know if there is any way i could harvest another buck.A:
Yes. Any hunter (resident or nonresident) can purchase a second deer or elk tag from the nonresident quota unless the quota is sold out. Since these tags are from the nonresident quota they are sold at nonresident prices (deer tags are $301.75 and elk tags are $416.75).answered 10/23/2012
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Nonresident Disabled Veterans Nonresident disabled veterans participating in a hunt in association with a qualified organization may be eligible for reduced fees for licenses and tags. To qualify, nonresident disabled veterans must meet the definitions and provide the three documentation items listed below to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game office in person or by mail to: License Supervisor, P.O. Box 25, Boise, Idaho 83707. A letter from the Veterans Affairs office verifying a service-connected disability rating of 40 percent or greater. Such documentation can bear any date prior to license application. A current letter from a qualified organization documenting that the license applicant is participating in a hunt in association with the organization. For the purposes of this program participation includes but is not limited to: arranging access for the hunt through a landowner or outfitter, connecting the participant with an outfitter, organizing a group of individuals to participate in the hunt, providing funds, equipment or other direct support for the hunt. Documentation of the participating organization's mission to offer opportunities, experiences, and assistance to disabled veterans (typically provided by including a copy of the organization's mission statement) and their nonprofit status under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the qualified organization is a government agency with a mission to offer opportunities, experiences, and assistance to disabled veterans. This documentation must be provided annually. Nonresident disabled veterans who meet these conditions may be eligible for reduced fees: hunting license $5; deer tag $10.75; elk tag $16.50; bear tag $6.75; and turkey tag $10.75.answered 10/23/2012
Q: Do I need to get the permit before I pick up the roadkill?
If I come upon or hit an animal, do I have to notify the IDF&G before I harvest the animal. If so, the roadkill may be taken by predators or spoil before I can return for it.A:
No. After picking up the animal, you have 24 hours to notify Fish and Game, and 72 hours to obtain a salvage permit. You may self-report online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkill or call IDFG to report. If contacting Fish and Game by phone outside normal business hours, it’s critical you leave your full name, phone number, address, and location of salvage so a permit can be issued and mailed to you within 72 hours. The Salvage permit is free.answered 10/23/2012
Q: Can I trade a regular deer tag for a whitetail only tag
I inadvertently boughtr a regular deer tag when I really wanted a whitetail only tag. Can I switch them out?A:
Since the seasons have been open for regular deer tag use, the tags can no longer be exchanged.answered 10/23/2012
Q: How does one report a (very small) buck taken during an antlerless only season?
I am asking this question because when I helped my daughter register her doe I noticed it said did you harvest a doe or buck. The following day, my wife and I were out hunting and saw a very small buck. We were within 50 yards and noticed it had very small antler on only one side. By the rules in the regulations, to be antlerless, they must be shorter than 3 inches. We did not shoot, but his small buck could have easily been mistaken for a doe and possibly legal to be considered anterless. I have also seen many yearling bucks that don't have any antlers just small bumps on the tops of their heads.A:
“How does one report a buck taken during an antlerless only season? I am asking this question because when I helped my daughter register her doe, I noticed it said “did you harvest a doe or buck?” The following day, my wife and I were out hunting and saw a very small buck. We were within 50 yards and noticed it had just one very small antler, only on one side. By the rules in the regulations, to be considered antlerless, they must be shorter than 3 inches. We did not shoot, but this small buck could have easily been mistaken for a doe and possibly legal to be considered antlerless. I have also seen many yearling bucks that don't have any antlers just small bumps on the tops of their heads." ---This is a good question about “spike” deer. Deer are considered “antlerless”, in the regulations, if both antlers are shorter than 3 inches long. This is indeed a small buck. If either antler is 3 inches or more, it is considered “antlered”. It is also legal for harvest under the two-point rule, if either is longer than 3 inches [Page 8 of the 2012 Big Game regulations]. Most male fawns that were born in the current year will not have any antlers at all, just little bumps where their antlers will grow next year. Some male yearlings (born a year ago) will still have only short antlers. Most mule deer yearlings have 2 antler points on each side, longer than 3 inches, but some have only 1 point (spike) on a side. Whitetail yearlings are more likely to have just 1 point on each side. It can be hard to see the little antlers so hunters need to be very careful, to stay legal. Still, it is pretty uncommon to see yearlings with only 1 point on a side. In the IDFG Mandatory Harvest Reporting form, which is online now, we ask for the sex of the animal and the number of antler points on the left and right sides. It would be acceptable to report “male with 0 and 0 antler points” or male with 1x1, or even 1x0, like the deer that you saw. We will be able to tell from the hunt that you have a tag for, if you are supposed to harvest an antlered or antlerless deer, and we will correctly calculate the harvest. Thanks for your question!answered 10/22/2012
Q: If I have a Minnesota fishing license and move to Idaho can I still use it in Idaho?
Purchased a fishing license in Minnesota,and moved to Idaho can I fish here without having to purchase a new oneA:
You have to obtain an Idaho fishing license to fish in Idaho. The 2 state's licenses are not interchangeable.answered 10/22/2012
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Muzzleloader rules are posted in the Big Game Rules Book on page 76 (along with weapon rules for any-weapon and archery rules). Seasons for deer and elk muzzleloader-only hunts are listed in the Big Game Rules Book also.answered 10/22/2012
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Possession and Sale of Wildlife Found Dead: Protected species of wildlife that have died of natural causes are generally considered property of the state and may not be possessed. But parts of big game species – hides, horns, bones, antlers, elk teeth, bear, lion and wolf parts – may be recovered and possessed for personal use if the animal died of natural causes. Lawfully recovered and possessed parts – except horns from bighorn sheep – may be sold, transferred, purchased or bartered, when accompanied by a statement on how it was obtained. Edible meat from game animals taken from the wild may not be purchased, bartered or sold. Recovery, Possession and Sale of Bighorn Sheep Horns: Horns from bighorn sheep that have died of natural causes may be recovered and possessed. All bighorn sheep horns must be presented to Fish and Game for marking with a permanent pin within 30 days of recovery. It is unlawful to sell, barter or purchase bighorn sheep horns obtained under these circumstances, or to transfer ownership of recovered bighorn sheep horns without a permit from Idaho Fish and Game.answered 10/22/2012
Q: I found a dead bull elk that is only hide and bones, can I take the antlers?
it is during hunting season and what will happen when I stop at a check station? I have a gps and can get the coordinateA:
Yes, you can. Shed elk antlers can be picked up and kept if the animal died of natural causes.answered 10/22/2012
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You can contact any of our Fish and Game offices or Fish and Game headquarters to obtain your hunter education number or a new card. Contact information is printed in every rules book that we publish. Due to privacy laws we can only give hunter education numbers to the hunter or a minor's parents.answered 10/21/2012
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First the requirement: Hunters are required to remove and care for the edible meat of big game animals, except black bears, mountain lions and gray wolves. This includes the meat from hind quarters as far down as the hock, meat of the front quarters as far down as the knee and meat along the backbone which is the loin and tenderloin. It does not include meat of the head or neck, meat covering or between the ribs, internal organs, or meat on the bones after close trimming. Then some recommendations: When you have removed the edible meat, we suggest as a courtesy to others that you not leave the rest of the carcass in a campground or on a trail. If you take the animal home to process the meat, the waste can be double-bagged, securely tied closed and left out for garbage collectors to dispose of. If you have bears in your area, keep the waste in a bear proof container until the garbage is picked up.answered 10/20/2012
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It is not legal to possess an owl carcass that you have found in the wild: 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. See page 44 for ground squirrel information. 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.answered 10/20/2012
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Pikeminnow are a native, nongame fish. There isn't a limit to the number you can catch or keep. They are edible but I have never heard anything about how tasty they might be.answered 10/19/2012
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You can get a duplicate tag from one of our region offices or by mail. Contact IDFG Headquarters for more information (208-334-3700).answered 10/18/2012
Q: Planning an elk hunt in the salmon zone.
Resident and non resident elk tags available in the salmon zone tags are they still available. Heard there are closures in that area--which areas are closed due to the fire?A:
Please call the Salmon Region office for detailed information. Their number is 208-756-2271.answered 10/18/2012
Q: Are deer drives legal?
I see folks doing deer drives on a regular basis, with both hunters and non-hunters participating in the drive portion. I don't think this was legal as it would be considered party hunting.A:
If you are referencing the typical deer drive by posting a few hunters at one end of a draw or ridge and other hunters walk the draw or ridge and push the deer towards the posted hunters, then yes, this method is lawful.answered 10/17/2012
Q: Hunting on the Snake River, when there is a no hunting sign..
i alway though that there was a high water mark rule. as long as you stay within the water mark, you can hunt.A:
Idaho Code Section 36-1601(b) says that: Navigable rivers, sloughs or streams within the meander lines or, when not meandered, between the flow lines of ordinary high water thereof, and all rivers, sloughs and streams flowing through any public lands of the state shall be open to public use as a public highway for travel and passage, up or downstream, for business or pleasure, and to exercise the incidents of navigation -- boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and all recreational purposes. http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title36/T36CH16SECT36-1601.htmanswered 10/17/2012
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No. According to IDAPA Rule 13.01.09.300.01.c: 300.UPLAND GAME BIRD METHODS OF TAKE. 01. Taking of Upland Game Birds. No person shall take upland game birds: c. From any watercraft.answered 10/17/2012
Q: Plans for fencing for brooding area for quail
Saw this several years ago, possibly in a magazine or publicationA:
Please see the attached for plans to build a quail thicket.answered 10/16/2012
Q: I heard there was a list of people willing to take meat from salvaged animals
A friend told me there was a list you could get on for fish and game to contact you if you were willing to take the meat from animals hit on road etc. I can't find a link for that anywhere in here, can you help?A:
Please contact the IDFG region office in your area. Some offices will refer you to a foodbank and others will refer you to a conservation officer who handles that.answered 10/16/2012
Q: How do I get a muzzleloading endorsment on my lisence?
I want to participate in the muzzle loading only season. I noticed that in order to do so, it was necessary to have a muzzle loading endorsement (like my archery endorsement) on my license. i have, however, been unable to find any class information. I am an NRA muzzle loading rifle instructor, so I really don't need more instruction, just endorsement. thanks for your help.A:
We don't require proof of muzzleloader education or previous use for a muzzleloader validation like we do for archery. Go into your local vendor--they can issue the muzzleloader validation on the spot.answered 10/15/2012
Q: Can I exchange a draw hunt for a regular open hunt tag?
My son drew on elk. He is not able to go right now. He is wanting to know if he can exchange his draw tag for a general season tag?A:
Controlled hunt tags cannot be exchanged for a general season tag.answered 10/15/2012
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It depends on whether you have the Weiser River Zone A tag or B tag. The elk seasons for those tags are listed below: Elk Seasons General A Tag Weiser River 8/1/12-11/30/12 Antlerless Elk Any Weapon Unit 32*²³ 8/15/12-9/30/12 Antlerless Elk Any Weapon Portion of Units 22 and 31²³ 8/30/12-9/30/12 Either-sex Elk Archery Weiser Zone*³ General B Tag Weiser River 10/25/12-11/3/12 Antlered Elk Any Weapon Weiser River Zone³answered 10/14/2012
Q: Hunting with a GPS to search for State, BLM, National Forest Etc.
I have purchased a high end GPS unit with all US Topo Maps downloaded, and is accurate to 10-20 feet. And I have some questions regarding its use while hunting. 1) What do I do if I encounter land that is posted, but my GPS says it is State, BLM, or NF? 2) What do I do if confronted by a property owner that says the land I am on is his, when my GPS says otherwise? 3) Is all State, BLM, and National Forest legal to hunt on? 4) If I am trying to gain access to State, BLM, or National Forest and there is road access shown on the GPS. Can a property owner keep me from accessing that land through his land?A:
GPS is a tool, a powerful tool, that will assist you when hunting, but does not replace the reality of what is on the ground. If a property is signed as No Trespassing or Private you must respect that until you learn more. It is difficult and time-consuming to keep property information up-to-date, especially in Idaho where there is no single statewide property layer and no standing agreement between counties, state and federal agencies to share these data (more info). Finally, GPS is not a perfect system. There is error associated with every location, often only feet or inches, but sometimes far more significant depending on time of day and conditions. With this background in mind, here is some specific answers to your questions. 1) What do I do if I encounter land that is posted, but my GPS says it is State, BLM, or NF? This land management information in your GPS, like the land management layer in the Huntplanner MapCenter, is most likely based on the BLM Surface Management Layer. This layer is updated constantly, but continually out of date, especially the copy in your GPS Unit which was made sometime back before being sold and packaged in your GPS Device. It has no way or receiving updates. So if it is posted, I would consider it private. If you have specific questions about a location, it is best to approach your local county assessors office who is ultimately responsible for this information. 2) What do I do if confronted by a property owner that says the land I am on is his, when my GPS says otherwise? Again, take the property owner at their word until you learn otherwise from your local county assessor. In addition to out of date information in your GPS Device, there are also many reasons why your GPS Unit, though it claims an accuracy of several feet may be off by hundreds of feet or even miles. Some of these factors include clouds, trees, topography or even time of day when satellites may be low on the horizon or not available. It takes three satellites high in a clear sky to get a reliable fix. If you read the owners manual on your GPS you can learn how to tell how accurate a positional fix is *estimated* to be at a given time. 3) Is all State, BLM, and National Forest legal to hunt on? Most BLM and National Forest land are open to hunting with the exception of some specific areas closed for public safety (e.g. Redfish Lake Public Beaches). State land varies by agency. Fish and Game owned lands are open to huning while many State Parks are not. 4) If I am trying to gain access to State, BLM, or National Forest and there is road access shown on the GPS. Can a property owner keep me from accessing that land through his land? The short answer is yes. However if it is a publicly owned road they may not block the roadway. A road on your GPS *does not* mean it is a public roadway. Public roadways include federal, state and county routes as well as National Forest roads with a forest road number. There are many isolated tracks of state and federal land that are only accessible via private property. In fact, there are several Access Yes properties which Fish and Game leases solely to open access to public lands.answered 10/14/2012