Press Releases

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:

Think twice before taking a roadside shot

Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers deploy “artificial simulated animals” during hunting season to catch law-breaking hunters.

Magic Valley Region rainbow trout stocking schedule for October 2019

Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking nearly 37,000 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during October. All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate and may change without notice due to water or weather conditions.

F&G provides millions of acres of access

Hunting season is here, and a question commonly asked is “where can I go hunting?” Fish and Game helps answer that through its land access programs. 

Hagerman State Fish Hatchery announces new gate closure times

Officials with the Hagerman State Fish Hatchery have announced that effective immediately entry gates will close at sunset each day. Over the last several years the gates have closed at 10:00 p.m.

Hatchery highlights for October: Notable fish stockings around the state

Whether it is a large number of fish being stocked relative to the size of the water, a unique species, a new location, or a one-time-only stocking, hatchery staff point out stocking events of interest for anglers. 

Fish and Game Property Vandalized - Public's Help Sought

Fish and Game is asking the public for information regarding the recent vandalism of an access gate at the Birding Island North segment of the Payette River Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The segment is located about three miles north of New Plymouth, Idaho.

Clearwater Region’s Pheasant Release Program ready for 2019 Season

Idaho Department of Fish & Game will be stocking pheasants at the Palouse River Upland Game Area and the Peterson Loop Access YES site. Pheasant releases will occur during the youth-only season (October 5-11) as well as the general season (October 12-December 31).

Youth pheasant hunt runs Oct. 5–11

Youth 17 years old and younger with an Idaho hunting license can participate in the youth pheasant hunt so long as they're accompanied by an Idaho licensed hunter age 18 years or older. 

Market Lake implements wetland management for improved habitat and waterfowl hunting

Hunters may have noticed that several of the marshes at Market Lake Wildlife Management Area near Roberts are lower than in previous years.

Take a kid hunting: Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend is Sept. 28-29

Duck and goose hunting are among the coolest ways to introduce a youngster to the excitement of hunting.

Coho salmon fishing now open on the Clearwater River

Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently opened a coho salmon fishing season that will run until Oct. 13, or until further notice. Fishing is open on the Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to Memorial Bridge seven days per week, and from Memorial Bridge upstream to the confluence of the Middle Fork Clearwater and South Fork Clearwater rivers four days per week (Thursday through Sunday).

Southwest Region Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule for the Month of October

Personnel from Fish and Game's Nampa Hatchery will be releasing more than 29,500 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during October. Local ponds are the primary focus of this stocking effort due to milder weather and correspondingly cooler water temperatures.

Brush up on the trespassing laws before you go hunting or fishing

Hunters, anglers and other sportsmen and women should be aware of Idaho trespass laws before they head into the field. Trespass laws changed in 2018, but here are some basic things to remember: 

Bull moose left to waste near Mackay

Fish and Game is seeking information from the public on the illegal waste of a bull moose near the Park Creek Campground off Trail Creek Road north of Mackay. Reports from multiple individuals on Sunday, September 22, led Fish and Game Conservation Officers to the carcass of a bull moose that had been shot and left. The antlers and a small portion of meat had been removed with the majority of edible meat left to waste.

Youth pheasant hunts scheduled in Salmon and Challis Oct 5

Idaho Department of Fish and Game will host two youth pheasant hunts for Salmon and Challis-area youth on Saturday, October 5.

Designed for youth hunters ages 10-17, the hunts are free and will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Salmon and Challis.

Hunter Education Field Day offered in Salmon

A hunter education Field Day is scheduled in Salmon Sept. 21 for those who have completed or are working to complete the online hunter education course. The Field Day will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at Fish and Game’s Salmon Regional office at 99 Highway 93 North.

Commission closes steelhead fishery in Clearwater River basin

On Friday, Sept. 20, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to close all fall steelhead seasons on the Clearwater River because the number of returning adult hatchery fish is less than the number needed for broodstock, and there is no surplus to provide a fishery. The closure is effective at midnight on Sept. 29, 2019.