Ask Fish and Game: Controlled Hunt Process

Mon, 05/18/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

Q. How does the controlled draw hunt system work? A. Here is a simplified version of how the controlled hunt drawing system works: The procedure has been computerized since 1973 and was certified random by Boise State University professors in 1977. Every applicant has the same chance of drawing. Officials verify that… more

Apply Now for Controlled Hunts, Win Big Bucks

Mon, 05/18/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

There's still time to be eligible for Idaho Fish and Game's annual early application contest for 2009 controlled hunts. The application period for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear and turkey controlled hunts continues through June 5. Hunters must have a 2009 Idaho hunting license to apply for… more

South Fork and Upper Salmon Chinook Fishery Set

Fri, 05/15/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday, May 14, adopted Chinook fishing seasons on the South Fork Salmon and Upper Salmon rivers, and changed the limits on parts of the lower Salmon, Little Salmon and Snake rivers. South Fork Salmon River On the lower South Fork, the season opens June 20 and runs through July 5… more

Lowered Chinook Forecast Results in Season Changes

Fri, 05/15/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday, May 14, approved changes in Chinook salmon seasons and limits on the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers. A greatly reduced Chinook salmon run this year - from one half to one third of the predicted numbers - will also affect Chinook seasons in Idaho. Effective Monday, May 18,… more

Gearing Up for Kokanee Fishing

Mon, 05/11/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

By Martin Koenig, Idaho Department of Fish and Game The warm weather may finally be here to stay, and to many anglers across the state, warm weather means kokanee fishing. With kokanee fisheries scattered across the state, opportunities abound for anyone to experience these exciting game fish. But before talking… more

Three-Day Birds of Prey Festival Starts Friday

Mon, 05/11/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

The new Snake River Birds of Prey Festival, celebrating the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, is set to be launched Friday. The festival, a three-day birding event on Friday through Sunday, May 15-17, at Reed Elementary School in Kuna, recognizes one of Idaho's hidden gems near Boise in the Snake… more

Ask Fish and Game: Family Fishing Waters?

Mon, 05/11/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

Q. Where is a good place to take a youngster fishing? A. Family Fishing Waters are great places to take the family fishing. They are easy to get to and have plenty of fish to catch. Each of Idaho Fish and Game's seven regions across the state can answer your questions and get you and your family started on the road… more

Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

Tue, 05/05/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

By Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "You haven't had any Ask the CO articles in the paper for a couple months. What's been going on?" Answer: I must apologize I occasionally run out of ideas for articles or struggle to meet media deadlines. However, there has been a lot going on this spring… more

Wolf Delisting Rule Becomes Final

Mon, 05/04/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

The federal rule that removes gray wolves in Idaho from the endangered species list became final today, Monday, May 4. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's delisting rule affects wolves in Idaho, Montana, parts of Washington, Oregon and Utah. Wolves in Wyoming will remain on the endangered species list. Idaho has… more

Spotlighting Grangeville Poacher Sentenced

Mon, 05/04/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

With the white-tailed deer in his spotlight, William Gerten, 24, of Grangeville, shot it several times with a .22-caliber rifle on a cold night about a week before Christmas in 2008. He hit the deer, but he didn't kill it. Using the rifle as a club, he beat the deer to death, breaking the stock on its head. Nearby… more

Fish and Game Seeks Comments on Sandhill Changes

Mon, 05/04/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

This year, Idaho Fish and Game proposes to simplify regulations and encourage participation in sandhill crane hunts. There would be no controlled hunts for sandhill cranes. Instead tags would be sold over the counter first come-first served for $15 each. Fish and Game is seeking comments on the proposal. Changes… more

Application Period for Controlled Hunts is Open

Mon, 05/04/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

The application period for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear controlled hunts is open and runs through June 5. Note to hunters: An error in the big game rule book left out a portion of three controlled elk hunts. Hunts 2021, 2090 and 2116 include all of Units 45 and 52. The 2008 harvest statistics and… more

Fish and Game News Available

Mon, 05/04/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

Just in time for the official delisting of gray wolves in Idaho, the Idaho Fish and Game News quarterly tabloid is now available at license vendors and Fish and Game offices statewide. This issue is a special report on wolves and wolf management in Idaho when they are no longer under the protection of the federal… more

Ask Fish and Game: Chinook Season, Late or Weak?

Mon, 05/04/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-mcoleman

Q. Spring Chinook salmon fishing seasons opened April 25 on the Clearwater, the lower Salmon, Little Salmon and the Snake rivers. So where's the fish? A. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission sets spring Chinook seasons based on preseason forecasts. But forecasts are just that. The actual numbers may be higher or lower… more

Three Calves Killed Near Ashton by a Large Canid

Fri, 05/01/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Officials are not certain whether the animal that killed three calves south of Ashton the evening of Friday, April 24 was a wolf or a large domestic dog. One fact is certain; some type of large canid killed three calves. "I think it is important for everyone to realize that anytime an incident occurs that could be… more

New, Nonresident Fees Go up May 1

Wed, 04/29/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-lfrench

New fees for nonresident hunting and fishing licenses, tags and permits go into effect Friday, May 1. Nonresident Licenses Hunting - $154.75 Season Fishing - $98.25 Hunting/Fishing Combo - $240.00 Daily Fishing 1st Day - $12.75 Daily Fishing Each Consecutive Day - $6.00 Nongame (Expires August 31) - $35.50… more

F&G Seeks Comments on Sandhill Crane Changes

Tue, 04/28/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

For more than a decade, Idaho has been able to offer controlled hunts for sandhill cranes in portions of Eastern Idaho. While these hunts provide a hunting opportunity, they have been part of a larger plan to help reduce agricultural damage caused by sandhill cranes as they stage by the thousands in preparation for… more

Comment Online on Sandhill Hunt Changes

Tue, 04/28/2009 - 00:00 | idfg-nnokkentved

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking comments on a proposal to simplify regulations and encourage participation in sandhill crane hunts. Controlled hunts for sandhill cranes would be eliminated. Instead tags would be sold over the counter first-come-first-served for $15 each - up to nine per person. Changes include, an… more