Press Releases and Articles
Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)
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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I heard about a couple of situations where the Fish and Game Department issued citations to folks for having snakes. As a youngster growing up in Idaho, I always had snakes and reptiles as pets. Have the laws changed? Answer: Yes, like everything else… moreFishing the Boise River in Winter
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By Lance Hebdon - Idaho Fish and Game After the snow and icy roads last week, there is no doubt that winter is here. Yet despite colder weather and the appearance of Christmas lights, Treasure Valley residents have plenty of options for keeping cabin fever at bay with a close-to-home fishing trip to the Boise River.… moreHunting, Fishing Seasons Open During Holidays
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There's still time to bag that Christmas goose, or maybe a nice holiday season steelhead. For hunters and anglers itching to get out in the field or to wet a line during the holiday season, several opportunities are available. The pheasant season in Areas 1 and 3 is open through December 31. The forest grouse… moreSalmon Region Provides Ice Fishing Opportunities
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By Tom Curet, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Hey, folks - it's time to bundle up and get out on the ice for a day of fun; with the recent cold weather, conditions for ice fishing are improving daily. Recent angler accounts from Jimmy Smith and Williams Lakes indicate fishing is very good. Fish in Jimmy Smith… moreFish and Game Commission to Meet in Boise
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is expected to take up a proposed change to muzzleloader rules at its annual meeting January 16 - 18 in Boise. The proposed change would allow the use of some inline weapons during muzzleloader-only seasons. The annual meeting kicks off with a public comment period at 7 p.m.… moreState Wildlife Grants Program Applications Due
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Applications for State Wildlife Grant program funds for spring 2008 projects will be accepted until February 15, 2008. The purpose of the State Wildlife Grant program is to meet the needs of "at risk" wildlife species by focusing conservation efforts on these species and their habitats before the need develops to list… moreVolunteers Break Fish and Game's Seed Collection Record
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Volunteer sagebrush seed collectors for Idaho Fish and Game this year shattered a record set 15 years ago. Nearly 1,000 volunteers collected more than 3,500 pounds of raw sagebrush seed during 18 outings in southwest Idaho and the Magic Valley, donating nearly 4,800 hours. The previous record was set in 1992, the… moreAsk Fish and Game: Roadkill
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Q. If I hit a deer while driving, what's the proper thing to do? Can I keep it? A. No, you can't keep it. It is not considered a legal method of take. But if you hit one and it is still alive, call the local Fish and Game office or sheriff. If it is dead, pulling it off the roadway is helpful but only if it is safe to… moreCraig Mountain Gates Will Open
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With snow accumulating, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) will begin opening access gates on the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area south of Lewiston. The gates will remain open until March 15, 2008 or until snow depths recede below 16 inches. The area opens annually to snowmobiles… moreIDFG TO HOLD BREAKFAST MEETINGS IN ST MARIES AND ENAVILLE
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Topics to include hunting season results and muzzleloader hunting equipment The Idaho Fish and Game Department will hold breakfasts in St. Maries and Enaville in early January to share preliminary results of 2007 hunting seasons and begin discussions on 2008 hunting seasons. The first of the no-host (buffet style… moreEgin-Hamer Area to Close January 1
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For the 10th year, the Egin-Hamer Area closure places nearly 500 square miles of land off-limits to human entry to protect wintering deer, elk, and moose herds. The closure begins January 1 and lasts through March on lands south of the Egin-Hamer Road and until April 30, north of it. The signs marking the northern… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I have read several articles in a couple of newspapers about the Department's meetings to discuss wolf management. I was unable to attend. What's the gist of the meetings?" Answer: Sometimes our public open house meetings become a forum for special… moreFish and Game seeks bids for 2008 Access Yes! program
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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is looking for landowners interested in providing access for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities in the Magic Valley Region. Access Yes! is in its fifth year and continues to gain popularity with landowners and hunters and anglers. The program compensates private… moreCommission to Consider Muzzleloader Rules
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is expected to take up a proposed change to muzzleloader rules at its annual meeting January 16 - 18 in Boise. The proposed change would allow the use of some inline weapons during muzzleloader-only seasons. In January 2007, the commission adopted new equipment rules for… moreBighorn Working Group to Meet Again in January
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On October 12, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter asked the Idaho Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to assemble a working group to develop a statewide policy addressing issues of domestic sheep and bighorn sheep in Idaho. To start discussions, the two agencies invited the following list of… moreNo Penalty for Filing Harvest Reports Early
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Why wait? File mandatory harvest reports now, save yourself some hassle and save Fish and Game expenses by filing early. All deer, elk and antelope hunters must complete and submit a report for each tag issued within 10 days of harvest or within 10 days of the close of the season for which their tag was valid. The… moreThe Gift That Keeps on Giving
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Want to find your outdoor enthusiast a gift that's always in style, never the wrong size or color, and useable every day of the year? Go to any Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional office around the state and buy them a gift certificate for a 2008 hunting and fishing license. They make good stocking stuffers… moreNew Year Means New Rules For Ririe Reservoir
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Ever since 1995, the winter fishery at Ririe Reservoir has been restricted to fishing through the ice only, but all that is about to change thanks to rules that take effect on January 1, 2008. Often, anglers complain that Idaho Fish and Game never listens to them, but the recent streak of nearly iceless winters… more