Press Releases

Birders can flock to southeast Idaho to see fall migrations

As a birder, there is almost nowhere I would rather be than southeastern Idaho in the fall. In the later summer, migrant birds begin their southward journeys, stopping over along the way to rest and refuel.

Hunters: Buy deer tags early to avoid the last minute rush

Deer hunters have a lot to look forward to this season, but standing in a long line waiting to buy a tag should not be one of them. Fish and Game is anticipating high volumes of sales immediately before the opening day on Oct. 10. By buying tags early, hunters can avoid the last-minute rush. 

Magic Valley hunter ed graduates participate in mentored youth pheasant hunt

“Watching the kids using the skills learned in our hunter education classes is extremely rewarding” event organizer and Hunter Education Coordinator TanaRae Alberti said. “Being able to offer a hands-on event after their hunter education classes both reinforces what they learned." 

Ten tips for safe firearm handling while hunting

While there is always the potential that a hunter will be involved in a firearm accident, statistics from the National Shooting Sports Foundation show that hunting with firearms is actually one of the safest recreational activities in the country.

Calling all hunters: Please fill out your hunter reports if you're done for the season

You can submit your harvest reports online or by calling (877) 268-9365. The phone option is available 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Please have your hunting tag number when calling.

Dress for the weather and you'll be more comfortable during your hunt

Hunting takes place in all weather and conditions, so don’t overlook your hunting clothing because it may determine how long you’re able to stay outdoors, and how comfortable you are when you’re out there.

Fall into fun with the youth pheasant opener Oct 5 through Oct 11

The first weekend in October marks the Youth Pheasant Hunt Season opener statewide!   All licensed hunters 17 years of age or younger can participate in the 2019 youth hunt season from October 5 through October 11 provided they are accompanied in the field by an adult 18 years or older.   In the Southeast Region, one of the best places to hunt pheasant is the Sterling Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Aberdeen which offers excellent pheasant habitat and premier opportunities for both the beginner and seasoned hunter.

Conservation Officers seek assistance regarding bull elk shot and left to waste near Orofino

A local landowner reported hearing a shot off of Harmony Heights Loop Road near Orofino, ID on Tuesday, October 1 around 9 p.m. The landowner discovered a wounded elk in the field early the next morning. There currently is no open hunting season for elk in that area. 

F&G announces restrictions on harvest of unclipped Chinook on the Snake and Salmon rivers

Starting Oct. 5, Idaho Fish and Game will end harvest of unclipped adult fall Chinook salmon on the Snake and Salmon rivers to protect naturally spawning populations.

People can comment on proposed Fish and Game rule regarding wolf trapping

People can comment on proposed Fish and Game rule changes for legal methods of take for trapping wolves. Under the proposed changes, diverters for wolf snares would no longer be required, but all wolf snares would need both a break-away device and a cable stop incorporated within the loop of the

Hunt safe: Survival tips for big game hunters

Every hunting season, hunters get lost in the woods, and while most escape no worse than tired, chilled and hungry, the hazards of being lost in Idaho's woods shouldn't be underestimated, and here are ways to avoid it. 

Pheasant season opens Oct. 12 in northern Idaho, Oct. 19 in balance of state

The 2019 pheasant hunting season gets underway Saturday, Oct. 12 in northern Idaho, and on Oct. 19 for the rest of the state. The season runs through November 30 in eastern Idaho and through December 31 in southern and northern Idaho.

Salmon Region irrigators asked to contact Fish and Game before turning water off

With efforts to keep fish out of irrigation ditches, irrigators in the Salmon Region who divert water from rivers and streams are asked to call Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Anadromous Fish Screen Program at 208-756-6022 several days in advance of shutting off their ditches for the season.

October trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region

Something fishy is going on in southeast Idaho!  Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 150,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during October.  This is no trick… it’s all treat!

Motorized Watercraft Restriction on Gray's Meadow Segment of Coeur d'Alene River WMA

Effective October 1, 2019, and until further notice, the Gray’s Meadow segment of the Coeur d’Alene River WMA is posted against public use of motorized watercraft on a year-

Respect and courtesy to landowners are essential when hunting private land

With many of Idaho's hunting seasons in progress or to begin soon, Idaho Fish and Game urges hunters to be conscious of their actions and act responsibly when hunting private land.

Salmon Region waters to be stocked with trout in October

Idaho Department of Fish and Game will stock 1,200 rainbow trout in the 10-12 inch range in late September-early October at the following locations:

Location; Week Stocked; Number of Trout

Waterfowl forecast: Total duck numbers down from last year but most populations above long-term averages

While hunting success will ultimately be determined by myriad local conditions during the 2019-20 season, this year’s North American Waterfowl Breeding and Population Habitat Survey offers hunters a glimpse of what the fall migration and hunting seasons might look like. Here is a look at the numbers: