Press Releases

Hunters should check for wildfires in their hunting areas before their trips

Large fires are currently burning in Central and North Idaho and are likely to be burning when archery season opens at the end of August. Fires have created large closure areas that will temporarily curb hunters’ access to some areas.

Attend the Hunt and Fish Idaho Expo Aug. 24-25 in Lewiston

Dust off your firearm and come ready to expand your hunting and fishing knowledge!

Warm weather hunters can avoid meat spoilage with extra preparation

Early season hunters should know how to quickly get the animal out of the woods and where to take the meat so it can cool and age. 

New rules in effect to prevent chronic wasting disease from entering Idaho

At its July 26 meeting in Idaho Falls, Fish and Game Commission approved several new rules to prevent chronic wasting disease from entering Idaho, or managing the disease if it ever is found in Idaho. 

New rules include: 

Young grizzly trapped and relocated in Eastern Idaho

On Aug. 8, Idaho Fish and Game personnel captured a yearling grizzly bear in a research trap near Big Springs. Grizzly bears typically stay with their family group until they are two years old.

Habituated black bear lethally removed from Island Park area in Eastern Idaho

Idaho Fish and Game officials lethally removed a black bear on Aug. 9 at Bill’s Island in Island Park. The bear had been spotted by residents for at least two weeks and could not be safely relocated because it had become habituated to searching for food at residences.

Get your hunter education course completed in time for fall hunts

If you were born on or after January 1, 1975, you must complete a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license, or show proof of a previously held license in Idaho or another state.

Application period is Aug. 10-17 for second controlled hunt drawing for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear

It's not too late to apply for the second controlled hunt drawing for over 2,250 unclaimed, controlled hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear. 

Chinook salmon season near Ellis ends August 12

Idaho Fish and Game recently announced that the Chinook salmon season on the upper Salmon River near Ellis will close at the end of fishing hours on Sunday, August 12.

F&G seeks comments on proposal to extend check times for winter wolf snaring in two units

Currently trappers are required to check all snares or traps placed for gray wolves at least once every 72 hours; proposed rule would extend that time period for snares only and in limited areas

Spring/summer Chinook seasons end, but fall Chinook starts Aug. 18

All remaining Chinook salmon fisheries on the Snake, Clearwater, South Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Clearwater and Upper Salmon rivers will close at the end of fishing hours on Aug. 12

Fish And Game implements fire restrictions on lands it owns or manages

Restrictions apply to campfires, smoking, and more. Fireworks and exploding targets are always illegal on F&G lands. 

Unsold nonresident tags go on sale as second tags August 1

On August 1, all hunters can buy nonresident deer and elk tags as second tags for an additional hunting opportunity this fall.  Tags are sold at the full nonresident price of $301.75 for deer and $416.75 for elk. 

Sandhill crane tags available August 1

Hunters are reminded that Sandhill crane will be available first-come, first-served starting at 10 am MDT, August 1 at Fish and Game offices, license vendors, online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/buy-online, or by calling 800-554-8685.

Last chance for second Super Hunt drawing

Friday, August 10 is the last day to enter the second Super Hunt drawing in 2018 and a chance at winning the hunt of a lifetime.

Hunters have extra time to pick up controlled hunt tags

Hunters who successfully drew controlled hunts in Idaho this year have until Monday, August 6, 11:59pm Mountain Daylight Time to pick up their tags for elk, deer, antelope, fall turkey and fall bear.   

F&G Commission plans to decide in November how to allocate Sawtooth Elk Zone tags

F&G Commissioners agreed to set November as a deadline to decide the fate of the coveted Sawtooth Elk Zone tags. The popular tags have been available on a limited, first-come, first-served basis for many years, which has created high demand at license vendors and online sales.

F&G Commission approves Aug. 18 for fall Chinook fishing opener

Fall Chinook fishing on the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon rivers will open Aug. 18 and Idaho Fish and Game fisheries managers expect 18,126 adult fish to return to Idaho, which compares with 24,780 last year.