August 2018

Idaho Fish and Game recently trapped and released a sub-adult grizzly bear that was spotted several times in North Idaho. F&G conservation officers hauled a trap to a location near where the bear was spotted digging up and eating a goat that had been buried on private property near Chilco. 

Officers caught the bear in a culvert trap baited with a portion of the goat. The bear was then   transported to McArthur Lake WMA where it was fitted with a transmitter collar. Biologists also took DNA samples, then transported the bear to a remote area of the Cabinet Mountains near the Montana border.  

After release, the bear had moved down toward the eastern end of the Kootenai Valley, and biologists are monitoring it and preparing to trap it if it appears likely it will get back into trouble. 

Fish and Game officials became of aware of the bear on Aug. 11, after a citizen reported it chasing sheep near Garwood. It was also photographed raiding a chicken coop about five mile north of where it was earlier reported, and officials assumed it was the same bear. Other citizens later reported a bear getting into their chicken coops. 

Because grizzly bears in North Idaho are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, there are specific guidelines to follow when a bear is captured and released. 

Early season hunters should know how to quickly get the animal out of the woods and where to take the meat so it can cool and age. 

Dust off your firearm and come ready to expand your hunting and fishing knowledge! Idaho Fish and Game is hosting the Hunt and Fish Idaho Expo on Friday, August 24th from 2pm-7pm at the Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club Shooting Range at 27007 Tom Beale Road near Lapwai and Saturday, August 25th from 8am-4pm at the Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) regional office at 3316 16th street in Lewiston.

If you are new to hunting or fishing, have hunted or fished for many years and would like to try a different aspect of the sport, or even if you have been away from hunting or angling for years, this is the event for you!

Idaho Fish and Game and Lewis-Clark range staff will be available on Friday starting at 2pm to mentor participants as they shoot shotgun or try various rifle calibers.

Saturday, August 25th outdoor events will be held all day at the regional IDFG office. “Participants of the event will become connected to the tradition of hunting and fishing through a series of educational, hands-on workshops,” says Jen Bruns, Region Communications Manager. “It can be overwhelming for a first-time sportsman as they learn where to hunt, what to pack, how to choose the right weapon, and techniques and regulations for the fish and wildlife they wish to pursue,” says Bruns. “Our goal is to help make the learning process easier by providing information within a series of workshops offered throughout the day. Come for part or all of the day to learn more!”

Emphasis will be given to hunting and fishing techniques and equipment; how to safely use, care for and select a firearm or rod and reel, as well as how to properly clean, fillet, field dress, process and cook your meat. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to taste wild fish and game meat cooked in a variety of ways. Lunch will be served by the boy scouts and 4H shooting sports from 11am-2pm.

On Aug. 8, Idaho Fish and Game personnel captured a yearling grizzly bear in a research trap near Big Springs. Grizzly bears typically stay with their family group until they are two years old. Biologists were uncertain why this young bear was not with its mother, but it was in good condition and making it on its own.

This was not a management or conflict capture, but the young bear had been seen near Mack’s Inn on a couple of occasions and it was always alone. Biologists fitted it with a GPS collar and relocated it to an area with less human activity.

The bear was moved to a location near Huckleberry Ridge about 6 miles east of Warm River, where it should have plenty of natural food to eat. Not all bears are good candidates for relocation, but a young bear that is not severely habituated or food conditioned has a good chance of living a normal life and avoiding future conflict.

If you were born on or after January 1, 1975, you must complete a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license, or show proof of a previously held license in Idaho or another state.