Press Releases and Articles
Interim Bighorn Policy Adopted
| idfg-lfrench
Thursday, February 14, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted an interim strategy on bighorn sheep to ensure separation from domestic sheep in Idaho. The strategy would identify and establish buffer zones between wild and domestic sheep to reduce interaction and the potential for transmitting disease. The… moreFish and Game Disability Licensing Procedure Changed
| idfg-estansbury
By Viki Harber, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Hunters and anglers who qualify for Social Security or veteran's disability may benefit from new licensing procedures at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. In the past, permanently disabled persons applying for hunting and fishing licenses were required to bring… moreAsk Fish and Game: Radio Controlled Boats
| idfg-estansbury
Q. What's up with radio controlled toy boats that have fishing gear attached? Are they legal in Idaho? A. Yes, they are legal. Idaho Fish and Game rules require that a fishing line or lines must be attended by and under the immediate surveillance of the person fishing. But they are not required to hold it. The boats… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
| idfg-staff
by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I saw some dogs chasing elk in the deep snow. Is there anything I or you can do to protect the elk from these dogs?" Answer: When we experience what I describe as a "more normal winter" and several feet of snow accumulates in many areas, big game animals… moreFish and Game Commission to Consider Wolf Plan
| idfg-mcoleman
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will consider a proposed Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan during its March meeting. The Boise meeting, March 5, 6 and 7, will be at Fish and Game headquarters, 600 S. Walnut St. A public comment period is planned at 7 p.m. March 5 at the DoubleTree Riverside on Chinden Boulevard… moreNew Upland Rules Book to Include Turkeys
| idfg-mcoleman
Turkey hunters looking for the new rules won't find them in a separate turkey rules book anymore; the turkey rules have been combined with upland game and furbearers. Idaho Fish and Game officials decided that since turkeys are classified as upland game birds, combining the rules into one book would save time, effort… moreEmergency Winter Feeding
| idfg-mcoleman
Idaho Fish and Game is preparing for emergency winter feeding of deer in the Boise County area. Winter conditions have become extreme in the South Fork of the Payette River drainage from Banks to Lowman, and portions of the Boise River drainage. In concurrence from the Regional Winter Feeding Advisory Committee,… moreIdaho Needs Your Help Again
| idfg-mcoleman
Last fall when Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter asked Idahoans to help restore sagebrush habitats that went up in smoke during the summer's wildfires, nearly a thousand people volunteered. They collected 3,500 pounds of sagebrush seed for the Murphy Complex and Warm Springs Fires. "The volunteer sagebrush seed… moreSuper Hunt Tickets on Sale Now
| idfg-mcoleman
It's time to apply for a chance at the hunt of a lifetime. Entries in the first Super Hunt and Super Hunt Combo drawing must be received at the Fish and Game headquarters by May 31 with the drawing set for June 16. So what's a Super Hunt? It is a fund-raising drawing for 40 big game tags. The tags are handed… moreBighorn Sheep Tag Auction Brings Record Bid
| idfg-mcoleman
The winning bid in an annual auction for an Idaho Special Bighorn Sheep permit set a record this year. Frank Miles of Cecil Lake, British Columbia, bid $65,000 for the tag in the auction Friday, February 8, at the annual convention of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep in Salt Lake City. That's the most… moreAsk Fish and Game: Deer Patrols
| idfg-mcoleman
Q. What is Fish and Game doing to help prevent the slaughter of deer on Highway 21? A. Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers have teamed up with Ada County deputies and the Idaho State Troopers in an educational effort designed to reduce deer-auto collisions. Over the next couple of weeks, officers will be… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
| idfg-staff
by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "In last week's column you described several hunting and fishing opportunities available this time of year. You left out numerous shooting clubs and the shooting preserves. Does the Department maintain a list of those opportunities?" Answer: I apologize to… moreFinal Mule Deer Plan Ready for Review
| idfg-mcoleman
The final Mule Deer Plan is complete and ready for public review. Idaho Fish and Game has completed a final statewide Mule Deer Management Plan for consideration during the Idaho Fish and Game Commission's March 5-7 meeting in Boise. The final plan was developed after soliciting public comments on a draft during… moreCommission to Consider Big Game Seasons
| idfg-mcoleman
Big game hunters may want to set aside some time in the first week of March, when the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is expected to set the seasons for big game hunts. The Boise meeting, March 5-7, will be at Fish and Game headquarters, 600 S. Walnut St. Commissioners are expected to set seasons for deer, elk,… moreFish and Game Closes Boise River Wildlife Management Area
| idfg-mcoleman
The Idaho Fish and Game has closed the Boise River Wildlife Management Area to public access to protect wintering big game. The closure includes Fish and Game lands in Ada, Elmore, and Boise counties known as the Boise River Wildlife Management Area. The area was closed to prevent wintering wildlife from wandering off… moreHuman Activity Can Harm Wintering Wildlife
| idfg-mcoleman
Winter can be a tough time for wildlife. Fortunately, Idaho's native big game animals are adapted to surviving the extreme winter conditions that occasionally occur in the Intermountain West. Some individual animals die even during the mildest winters. Extended harsh conditions mean greater losses. Weather is one… moreWeather Becoming Critical For Big Game
| idfg-mcoleman
When it comes to precipitation, it's often feast or famine. Winter storms have brought much needed snow to recharge reservoirs and provide hope for next years irrigation needs. But things are starting to look tough for certain herds of deer and elk. As part of its annual monitoring program, the Winter Feeding Advisory… moreFish and Game Director to be Guest on Public Television
| idfg-mcoleman
Idaho Fish and Game Director Cal Groen will be a guest on Idaho Public Television's Dialogue at 8:30 p.m., MST, Thursday, February 7, 2008.