Frequently Asked Questions

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You can purchase your elk tag at any Idaho Fish and Game office or license vendor in the state, regardless of location.

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I wouldn't rule-out fall Chinook being stocked in Lucky Peak Reservoir because it's a fish management tool we often use on other bodies of water to control Kokanee populations.  The difference with Lucky Peak Reservoir is there is very little natural Kokanee reproduction that occurs in tributaries to the reservoir, so we have tight control over the Lucky Peak Kokanee population. The fall Chinook fishery in Anderson Ranch Reservoir has become very popular over the past few years.  These are the same fish we use in Lake Coeur d'Alene to provide a fishery.  If public desire for this type of fishery grows, we may consider expanding stocking into other waters with Kokanee as a forage fish.

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Thank you for sharing your observations and your idea for consideration.   There has been an increase in the number of white-tailed deer seen along the middlefork and southfork of the Payette.  Currently, white-tailed deer can be harvested by anyone who has a valid general any weapon, regular deer tag from Oct 10 - Oct 31.  They can also be harvested by anyone with a valid general any weapon, white-taileded deer tag from Oct 10 - Nov 8.  They may also be harvested with a valid tag during the archery season earlier in the fall (Aug 30 - Sep 30).   IDFG observations in the area indicate that in general the white-tailed deer use more of the river bottom and surrounding ag field interface, whereas most mule deer move further into the forest for the spring, summer, and fall period.  It appears that white-tailed and mule deer overlap the most on winter range.  A late season hunt in late November or December may allow more harvest of white-tailed deer but it would also mean that mule deer could also be impacted by hunting activity on winter range.  Also a fair amount of the river bottom where white-tailed deer concentrate in the winter is private so access to hunters may be limited.  These are just two considerations that need to be weighed in the balance for any future season change.   One of the best things that would improve mule deer odds of surviving harsh winters in those units would be an improvement to the winter range.  Currently, many of the south facing lower slopes have been over-run by invasive weeds that provide no benefit to mule deer.    

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While jet boats are allowed on the Salmon River near Salmon, ID, it is not recommended during much of the year. Low water levels and other hazards make some sections very hazardous.          In addition, a permit is required year round for all types of approved watercraft to be on the Wild and Scenic Main Salmon River. The permitted area begins at the Corn Creek Launch Site and ends at Long Tom Bar (about ½ mile above Vinegar Creek boat ramp) for a total of 77.6 miles.  Non-commercial powerboats are limited to no more than six (6) boats on the Main Salmon River at one time, with a maximum length of 7 days per boat. Permits are allocated using a reservation system centered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations and payments are accepted beginning the 1st of June through the end of the control season by calling the Salmon River Ranger District, (208) 839-2211. 

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Yes, salvage is legal to residents and nonresidents alike. Be sure to fill out the required paperwork. https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/question/non-resident

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No as long as you are not hunting any live animal, you do not need a hunting license.

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The holder of a controlled hunt tag for big game or permit for turkey may transfer that tag/permit to his or her minor child or grandchild under the age of 18 who is otherwise qualified to participate in the hunt. The form at the link below must be used to transfer the tag/permit. Visit any Fish and Game office, or send by mail. The tag must accompany the form. The child or grandchild may receive only one controlled hunt tag/permit per species, per calendar year. The transfer must be made before the opening date of the hunt. For more information, please contact your local Fish and Game office or call our licensing section in Boise at 208-334-2592. . The form is available here: Designation/Transfer Of Control Hunt Tag Or Control Hunt Permit Form

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I'm not sure.  I would talk with the Meridain Police about discharge of a bow in their city, they may consider a bow a dangerous weapon and have restrictions.

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Thank you for your question.  Idaho is a member state of the Wildlife Violator Compact (WVC) as are many other states including Utah.  If an individual’s hunting privileges are suspended in any of the member states, every state belonging to the WVC honors that suspension.  If your hunting privileges are still suspended in Utah, your hunting privileges are also suspended in Idaho and the purchase of an Idaho hunting license while suspended constitutes a misdemeanor violation.  However, unless there are additional restrictions placed on your suspension in Utah prohibiting you from accompanying anyone in the field while hunting, you can accompany others while they are hunting in Idaho as long as you do not kill, or attempt to kill any wildlife.

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Yes ladder stands are considered a portable stand. This rule applies only on Fish and Game property, for use on BLM, Forest Service, or Department of Lands property consult their regulations for clarification.

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Hello, I can provide answers to your questions.  I listed your questions below with my responses. 1.Are these Kokanee's that were recently stocked at Honeysuckle beach wild or farmed? The kokanee are raised in a Fish and Game fish hatchery and stocked into Hayden Lake every year.  The get stocked as juveniles in June and are about 3-4 inches long when released.  It takes about a year before they are large enough to be caught by anglers.  The largest kokanee in the lake (typically 14-17") are two years old. 2. Are they safe to eat? Yes, they are safe to eat.  In fact, kokanee are one of the finest tasting fish in our area and are hugely popular with anglers for this reason. 3. I saw some people fishing them with corn, isn't that illegal to use corn? Corn is legal to use as bait.  In fact, corn is the most popular bait to use when kokanee fishing.  Kokanee are caught primarily by trolling from a boat in open water.  There are differnent types of trolling gear you can use to catch them.  However, corn is commonly placed on the hook of the lure.  Maggots can also be used. 4. I caught one and when I held it, the eggs were pouring out of it, can you use these eggs for fishing, like for trout? It is legal to use fish eggs for bait.  However, I would not recommend this as an effective bait for kokanee fishing.  Corn or maggots is much preferred. If you are interested in learning more about kokanee fishing, there are some good websites with information on fishing techniques.  Also, local sporting goods stores are usually good about helping, too. I hope this helps.  Have a good day. Andy Dux

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“It is illegal to fish in any waters of Idaho with more than one handline or pole with a line attached; …..or by archery, spearfishing, snagging, hands and netting except as permitted. “ If you observe a violation I would encourage you to report it to your local Conservation Officer, Sherriff’s Office or the “Citizen Against Poaching” CAP hot line at 1-800-632-5999 – this phone number is also on the back of your fishing license.  The limit for kokanee varies from region to region so you will need to consult your regulations for kokanee limits in each region.  For Hayden Creek and its tributaries the Kokanee limit is 15 and this information is found on page 13 of the printed fishing regulations.  Kokanee can provide some excellent table fare when smoked but they must be harvested using legal methods.  Catching Kokanee by hand is not a legal method of take or harvest.