Press Releases

Make the call to catch poachers, (800) 632-5999

With many hunting seasons underway, the Idaho Fish and Game asks the public to call the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline if they witness a violation of wildlife laws.

Irrigators asked to contact Fish and Game before turning off water

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

Oct. 10 is new opener for wolf trapping in some units

Idaho Fish and Game Commission in August extended hunting and trapping seasons for wolves in many units for fall/winter hunts.

F&G assumes management of Hagerman steelhead hatchery

Idaho Fish and Game recently reached an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assume operations of the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, which raises about 1.6 million juvenile steelhead for release in the Upper Salmon River Basin.

Tips for a safe hunting season

Some people have the mistaken impression that because firearms are involved, hunting is a dangerous activity. There is the potential for a firearm accident, but statistics show a hunter is more likely to be seriously injured while driving to a hunting location than while actively hunting.

Waterfowl hunts open in portions of the state Oct. 6 and most others open Oct. 13

Idaho hunters can expect waterfowl populations similar to last year with some improvements due to a wet spring that provided good nesting conditions for local birds. 

Updated Oct. 4: Please buy your deer tags early; nonresident general deer tags sold out, whitetail tags available

Please don’t wait until the last minute to buy your hunting license and deer tags. Fish and Game is anticipating high volumes of sales immediately before the opening day of deer season on Oct. 10. Avoid the long lines and potential wait by buying your tags early. 

Check your licenses and tags for fading, and here's what to do if they're faded

Hunters and anglers who have poorly printed licenses and fading tags can get a replacement tag or license free of charge.

Survey finds most mule deer hunters satisfied, but hunting management could improve

Most mule deer hunters are satisfied with hunting in Idaho, and their attitudes and preferences have not changed much over the last decade, according to a survey conducted by Idaho Fish and Game in 2017. 

Clearwater pheasant releases prepare for upcoming youth and general seasons

Pheasants will be released at both the Palouse River upland game area and Lloyd Ranch access site prior to the Oct. 6 through Oct.12 youth pheasant season. Birds will continue to be released throughout the general season Oct. 13 through Dec. 31.

Whitetail hunters should anticipate shorter season in Unit 10A

Dworshak area hunters should be aware that the Idaho Fish and Game commission shortened the deer hunting season in Unit 10A for 2018. Whitetail hunting will end on Nov. 20 this year instead of the traditional date of Dec. 1. Commissioners also disallowed the use second, non-resident deer tags in unit 10A in an effort to reduce harvest.

Hunting, trapping, licensing and other proposed rules up for comment until Oct. 24

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public comment on proposed rules adopted by the Fish and Game Commission, published in October in the Idaho Administrative Bulletin.

Reduced steelhead limit extended until Dec. 31

To continue reduced harvest on hatchery steelhead and protect wild steelhead, Idaho Fish and Game is continuing the one-fish bag limit for steelhead until Dec. 31.

Youth pheasant hunt runs Oct. 6 through Oct. 12

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.  

The youth hunt runs from Saturday, Oct. 6 through Oct. 12. 

Getting ready to buy your hunting license? Consider a three-year license

Idaho hunters can buy a three-year hunting license or three-year hunting/fishing combo and not have to worry about buying another license until 2021.

Hunters may be affected by prescribed fires near Gibbonsville

Hunters planning to pursue game in the Gibbonsville area this fall should beware that prescribed fire activities may occur from October through December on both sides of Highway 93 from Lick Creek north to Lost Trail Pass.

Mountain lion captured and euthanized in Coeur d'Alene

Idaho Fish and Game officials on Monday, Sept. 24 captured and euthanized a mountain lion that was found in a tree in Coeur d’Alene near the Kootenai Medical Center. The cat was euthanized to protect public safety.

Grizzly bear hunt canceled after judge orders federal protection for the bears

A federal district court judge in Montana on Monday, Sept. 24 ordered federal protections restored for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes portions of Idaho.