Salmon/Steelhead Electronic Validation

Idaho Fish and Game has implemented electronic verification of Salmon and Steelhead permits to allow anglers to validate their salmon or steelhead permit through the GoOutdoorsIdaho mobile app.

To get started:

1.	Download our Go Outdoors Idaho App directly on your smartphone and submit on the go.
	iPhone Android
2.	Go online at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com

Important Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q. IDFG is implementing electronic Salmon and Steelhead permits – what does that mean?
A. IDFG is creating the option for Salmon and Steelhead permits to be issued and stored electronically on the GoOutdoorsIdaho Mobile App, instead of printing a paper permit. This will allow the electronic permit holder to use “e-tagging” to tag their harvested fish. 

Q. Can I switch to e-tagging after choosing a paper permit (or vice versa)?
A. No. After an angler chooses their reporting method for the year, they will be unable to change to the other option until their next permit purchase. Note that anglers who purchased a paper permit before April 2024 will need to wait until 2025 to opt into the e-tagging program, if desired.    

Q. What is electronic tagging or “e-tagging”?
A. Electronic tagging (E-tagging) is a method for anglers and hunters to tag their harvested fish/game electronically rather than with the traditional paper permits or tags. E-tagging is being implemented for salmon and steelhead permits, and allows the angler to e-tag their harvested fish and electronically submit their harvest information, such as harvest date and river location code.

Q. Why is IDFG offering electronic tags?
A. IDFG is committed to improving the customer experience related to validating a permit or tag for harvested fish or animals, obtaining licenses, permits, and tags, and reporting after a hunting or fishing trip. Modernizing our tagging and reporting system provides convenience to our customers, and ultimately improves the quality of harvest data from which our biologists make management recommendations.

Q. When will e-tagging be available for hunters and anglers in Idaho? 
A. IDFG is expecting to make e-tagging available for salmon and steelhead permits beginning in April, 2024. Salmon and steelhead permits were selected for a pilot project to see if e-tagging is a viable option for IDFG license holders. If successful, the e-tagging program may be extended to other species in the future.  

Q. Is e-tagging available for other species like deer or elk?
A. No, not at the current time. Salmon and steelhead permits were selected for a pilot project to see if e-tagging is a viable option for IDFG license holders. If successful, the e-tagging program may be extended to other species. 

Q. Will I still be able to buy physical licenses, permits, and tags?
A. Yes, IDFG will still offer physical licenses, permits, and tags through all of our sales channels, including online, phone sales, vendor locations, and IDFG regional offices. During the purchase process, anglers will have the option to select a paper permit for traditional reporting, or an electronic permit to allow for e-tagging.

Q. Can I report harvest on a paper permit and use e-tagging?
A. No. During the purchase process, anglers will select either a paper permit for traditional reporting, or an electronic permit to allow for e-tagging. Anglers will not have the option to hold a paper permit and an electronic permit.

Q.  Can I pre-select an electronic permit before e-tagging is fully available? 
A.  No. The option to select an electronic permit for e-tagging will be made available all at one time. Anglers not needing to fish immediately, and wanting to use the e-tagging option should consider waiting to purchase until the e-tagging option is fully available. 

Q.  How do I use my electronic permit for e-tagging? 
A. Before heading out to the water, anglers will need to download the GoOutdoorsIdaho mobile app through the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Once the app is downloaded, anglers can locate their electronic permits, and select the new “Salmon/Steelhead E-tag” tile from their home screen. Once a fish is harvested, the angler should open the app, select the “Salmon/Steelhead E-tag” tile, answer the required questions, click submit – and they are done! A confirmation notice will populate to notify the angler that the e-tagging submission was successful. IDFG will provide more “how-do” information as we complete the process of implementing e-tagging.  

Q. Can I use e-tagging for my electronic Salmon/Steelhead permit if I am out of cellular service?
A. Yes. The GoOutdoorsIdaho mobile app allows anglers to record their e-tagging information while out of cell service, in low-service areas, and while the device is in airplane mode. Once an angler clicks “submit” for their e-tagging report, they will receive a confirmation number for each fish that was e-tagged and the record will be fully submitted once they are back in cellular service. 

Q. What if I forgot to download the app, or did not sync my electronic permit, and now I’m out of cellular service?
A. Anglers should always download the app, and ensure the app is fully synced with their electronic permit before leaving cellular service. The app cannot be downloaded or synced without cellular service, and an angler would be unable to legally fish for or harvest salmon or steelhead.

Q. How does e-tagging help fishery management?
A. Fishery managers will have access to more accurate and timely harvest information when e-tagging is utilized by anglers and this information will help better inform fisheries management.