Press Releases and Articles
More "Stubbies" Show Up in Steelhead Waters
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For about 20 years now, Idaho anglers have had an easy way to know if a steelhead is a wild fish or a hatchery fish. A steelhead with its adipose fin intact is a wild steelhead and has to be released. But a fish without an adipose fin is a hatchery fish and anglers can keep it. The adipose fin, the small fin nearest… moreHatchery Chinook Smolt Mortality in Pahsimeroi River
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Hatchery personnel were scrambling throughout the weekend to determine the reason for a hatchery summer chinook smolt (juvenile) kill on the Pahsimeroi River. An estimated 30,000 smolts died in the event, representing about 3 percent of the 1.1million smolts released from the hatchery. On the morning of April 16,… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. I see that all the reptiles in Idaho are protected now. Does that mean I have to be nice to the rattlesnake I find in my hunting boot when I get up in the morning? A. It is true that all of Idaho's reptile species are specifically on the list of protected animals now. However, there is a provision in the law for… moreMagic Valley Region Deer Populations Increase
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JEROME - Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists are seeing more mule deer this spring in the Magic Valley Region. Aerial counts show an increase of 45 percent more deer compared to data collected in 2003. Biologists in 2003 counted 7,778 deer, while this year's count showed 11,304 deer. The increase is… moreFish & Game, state agencies prepare for West Nile Virus
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JEROME - Nobody likes being bitten by a mosquito. This summer, residents in Idaho are likely to have another reason to avoid them, West Nile Virus. This is a new disease to North America that can be passed onto people, horses, birds and other wildlife through a mosquito bite. Most people exposed to the virus will not… moreSpring Chinook Seasons Open Soon
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Meeting by conference call April 13, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to open seasons for spring chinook salmon April 24 on the Mainstem and North, South and Middle forks of the Clearwater River, the Lower Salmon River and Little Salmon River, the Upper Snake River and Lower Snake River. The Lochsa River is set… moreDon't feed the animals
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JEROME - Along with the green grass and flowers, spring often produces several uninvited guests to neighborhoods throughout the Magic Valley Region. Skunks, raccoons, bears, foxes, and coyotes can often become spring and summer nuisances if trash and food sources aren't handled correctly. Skunks and raccoons are… morePreparing young fishermen
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JEROME - Warm weather and long spring evenings are giving Magic Valley residents a great reason to go fishing. But like most outdoor activities there are always a few safety precautions to take before heading out. Some of the most common events associated with fishing excursions, include: insect bites, scrapes,… moreAnxious Anglers - Give Trout A Try
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LEWISTON - Anglers anxious for the spring chinook salmon season to arrive are reminded that many local lakes and reservoirs can provide plenty of great fishing action. "Grab your fishing pole and go catch some trout close to home, " says Robert Hand, fisheries biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. "… moreTalking Turkey
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John Nelson - Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Clearwater Region Before we know it, the April 15 general season opener will be here and we can again match wits with those elusive toms. Over the past few years, opportunity for people to hunt these magnificent birds has increased, as has the turkey population. Please… moreBid on the Wild Side
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Contact: Gayle Valentine, Executive Director Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation or Lynnea Compton at (208) 334-2648 If fishing, river floating, backpacking and bird watching are on your "to do" list this year, you may want to tune into the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation's fourteenth Annual Radio Auction on April… moreProtected Species List Altered
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All of Idaho's bats, reptiles, amphibians and a few ground squirrels have been listed as protected nongame species with the approval of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. The Commission acted at its meeting in Boise March 24-26 to alter the list of species protected in Idaho by the Department of Fish and Game.… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q. I am 21 and in the military. I want to apply for a controlled elk hunt this year. Do I have to take hunter education? A.That depends. If you can show that you have had a valid hunting license in Idaho or another state, no. If you are a first-time hunter born on or after January 1, 1975, Idaho law requires you to… moreUpland Game, Falconry, And Trapping Seasons To Be Discussed
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The public is invited to comment on this year's upland game, falconry, and trapping seasons at an open house hosted by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The open house is slated for Wednesday, April 14, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Fish and Game's Coeur d'Alene office, 2750 West Kathleen Avenue. Individuals with… moreAsk Fish and Game
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Q . When will the deer and elk regulations be available? I want to apply for a drawing. A. They are going to be a little late this year, because of the timing of the commission meeting where the seasons were set. They are due for delivery at Fish and Game on April 26, and will be distributed to vendors after that. You… moreFish and Game seek public comment for upland game bird, trapping seasons
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JEROME - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will be taking public comment on the 2004- 2005 and the 2005 -2006 upland game bird and furbearer regulations April 8, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Jerome regional office, 868 E. Main. Some of the issues, include: PHEASANTS - The Department proposes to make hunting… moreFast Food Eats First Place
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Fast Food: A Predator's World took top honors in the children's program category at the twenty-seventh Annual International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF). The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, along with Wide Eye Productions, produced the 10-minute video to educate school children about predator-prey relationships.… moreFish And Chips
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By Scott Putnam, Idaho Department of Fish and Game While last year's chinook salmon season is only a memory to most anglers, Idaho Fish and Game is already working towards future salmon seasons by counting young salmon smolts as they make the trip west. As part of the smolt monitoring program lead by senior… more