Press Releases

Repair work will close Fort Boise WMA boat ramp Feb. 6-8

With waterfowl season drawing to a close, and the spring fishing season right around the corner, staff at Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area is taking advantage of the seasonal lull to conduct much-needed maintenance work.

Nearly 650 acres of sporting access added to Market Lake WMA

The Idaho Fish and Game recently finalized a land acquisition of 649 acres that will now be incorporated into the Market Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and accessible to the public.

Nonprofit wildlife group offers up to $10K grants for habitat and conservation

The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation is accepting applications for its 2021 grants cycle. The grants program provides funding on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. 

Living with mountain lions

Though encounters with mountain lions are typically rare, it seems there are always a few interactions with these big cats near homes and livestock in southeast Idaho communities each year—and that can raise concern with residents.  To help reduce conflicts with mountain lions where you live, work, and play, there are a few things you can do.

Chinook season proposals are now available and a virtual open house is Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. MST. 

Anglers can view and comment on the proposed seasons at idfg.idaho.gov/chinook. During the virtual open house, fisheries staff will give an overview of forecasts and season proposals for each of the state’s Chinook salmon fisheries, and there will be a question-and-answer session for each fishery.

Proposals for 2021-22 big game season now available for public comment; deadline is Feb. 25

Hunters can now see proposed big game season proposal at idfg.idaho.gov/big-game and provide comments. The comment period deadline is Feb. 25. There will also be a series of virtual open house Feb. 16–25. 

Clark Fork Driftyard access site on Pend Oreille WMA open for year-round use

The Driftyard access site on the Pend Orielle WMA will be open for year-round use. Whether you want to take an afternoon hike on Peninsula road or fish the Clark Fork River, this change in management will provide increased opportunity for early season fishing and recreational non-motorized use.

Upland Game Bird Permit: do you need one to turkey hunt this spring? Do you need one to hunt upland birds next fall?

With spring turkey season less than three months away and the controlled hunt application period for spring turkey beginning on Feb. 1, turkey hunters have already been asking if they are required to purchase an Upland Game Bird Permit (formerly known as the “WMA Permit”).  Read this article to find out!

F&G wildlife managers keep a watchful eye on fawns and calves during winter

Fish and Game biologists capture deer and elk in December and January and fit them with collars so they can track how many animals survive winter and into spring. It’s critical data that helps biologists ensure there’s healthy, sustainable big game populations for the future.

Southeast Region Winter Feeding Advisory Committee to meet Feb. 2

The Southeast Region winter feeding advisory committee will hold its next conference call on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

Private trout farms continue to stock surplus rainbow trout into the Snake River

Magic Valley anglers have another opportunity to pursue a new unique winter fishery for rainbow trout following the stocking of large rainbow trout into the Snake River at Centennial Waterfront Park, near Twin Falls.

Hunters will see big reduction in antlerless moose tags, similar sheep and goat tags for 2021-22 seasons

Fish and Game Commission on Jan. 28 set moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons for 2021-22 during its meeting in Nampa.

Public’s Help Sought in Second Waterfowl Carcass Wasting Case

Fish and Game is asking the public for information regarding the recent dumping of more than 25 whole waterfowl carcasses north of Emmett on Van Deusen Road. The mix of birds included mallards, teal and northern pintails.

WMA Nesting Closures Begin February 1

After providing countless days of outdoor recreation for hunters this fall and winter, Fish and Game’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are ready for a rest and a refocus.

Safety tips when living in proximity to mountain lions

Reports of mountain lions in the Wood River Valley are down considerably from the winter of 2019-2020. Last year, Fish and Game reported nearly 100 incidents involving mountain lions in the Wood River Valley, which included several attacks on pets.

Southwest Region Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule - February

Personnel from Fish and Game's Nampa Hatchery will be releasing more than 9,800 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during February. Two of the treasure Valley’s newest ponds are including in the schedule; Dick Knox Pond in Emmett and Star City Pond West in Star.

NEW TIMESHEETS available now!

A new and improved Idaho Master Naturalist Timesheet is available. It won't look too much different than the old one, except for the ADDED feature of being able to see your entries after you enter them. You are also able to download your entries into Excel, if you choose.

BCR Ammo Amnesty Program On Now

BCR shooters, do you have a stockpile of Wolf or TulAmmo that you’ve been unable to shoot at BCR due to the steel ban?

Well, here’s some good news.