Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions. We post here answers to questions we're being asked frequently. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us. Urgent questions should be directed to your nearest office. Some answers change over time; please take note of the "answered" date.

Displaying 351 - 375 of 3534 questions

Q: water fowl hunting on mormon res?

Mormon Reservoir in Camas County including the shoreline area within 200 yards of the ordinary high water line is off limits to hunt. Is this due to the bridge being out? Being as the bridge is being repaired as we speak will this change to allow water fowl hunting? Any idea what season ?

A: 

The Mormon Reservoir waterfowl closure has been in place for many decades.  It was implemented to provide a sanctuary in hopes of encouraging Canada geese to stay on the Camas Prairie later in the season (until ice up).  Anecdotal reports suggest this closure has been successful in holding waterfowl longer into the season.  This closure will remain in place this hunting season, and cannot be changed or lifted unless it goes through the negotiated rule-making process. 
answered 9/23/2015

Q: smoking spawning kokanee

Hayden Lake is on fire right now with spawning kokanee. Are these fish still edible during this phase of spawning? I've read smoking them is ok?

A: 

Spawning kokanee are still edible, but the flesh quality is considerably degraded compared to non-spawning kokanee. Flesh quality continues to degrade during the spawning season, so fish later in the spawning period would be of lower quality. Kokanee deteriote quickly during spawning and die soon after as part of their natural life cycle. Smoking these fish is the most preferrred option to prepare them, but many kokanee anglers stop keeping them once the fish turn red and begin spawning. What is acceptable fish quality to you is a personal preference. Spawning kokanee still fall under normal bag limits and harvest methods. Snagging is prohibited. 
answered 9/22/2015

Q: does the parent have to buy a youth tag

Can I buy a youth elk tag and licence for my friends son or does the parent have to?

A: 

Adult residents age 18 and over have to purchase their own license because they need to show proof of residency. An adult may buy a license or tag for their minor child. Please check the current seasons and rules section for more details.
answered 9/22/2015

Q: can I kill a doe if I have a antlerless tag

I have a antlerless controlled hunt tag. Can I legally shoot a doe with that tag or does it have to be a buck with a spike smaller than three inches.

A: 

Antlerless deer are: Deer without antlers or with antlers shorter than 3 inches may be taken in a season open for antlerless deer or either sex. Please consult the current Big Game Seasons and Rules for seasons and specifics on hunting in each unit. Thanks.
answered 9/21/2015

Q: Do you have to have a trapping license to trap coyotes?

Is a trapping license required to trap coyotes?

A: 

You must have a trapping license to trap coyotes in Idaho.  This species can be trapped all year long and there is not a limit on the harvest amount.
answered 9/20/2015

A: 

The Portneuf Wellness Complex is a multi-use 80-acre facility located near the former North Bannock County Fairgrounds. The complex was generously donated to Bannock County by the Portneuf Health Trust to help promote both physical and mental well-being for those who use it. Among the amazing amenities available at the facility is a 6-acre lake stocked with thousands of rainbow trout and kokanee! A recent donation of over 80 large rainbow trout from Clear Springs Foods has made fishing at the lake particularly exciting. IDFG will stock this lake several more times with catchables this fall. Anglers 14 and older must hold a valid Idaho Fishing License to fish the lake. Because the lake was created after our last rules process was complete, general rules apply. Each angler may keep up to 6 rainbow trout and 6 kokanee of any size. However, because of the popularity of the pond, the IDFG in cooperation with Bannock County is recommending that anglers keep only two fish. Please note that this two-fish limit may be adopted by the Fish and Game Commission when they consider new proposals this fall. Anglers may fish from docks, from a float tube or other non-motorized vessel, or from the shore. However, no fishing is allowed in the swimming area which is separated from the rest of the lake by a rope. Fishing is allowed year-round during the complex's operational hours of 5:00 am until one hour after sunset. Dogs at the complex must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the lake.  Owners are required to clean up after their dogs.  Stations with plastic bags and garbage cans for waste disposal are located throughout the site. Anglers cleaning fish should not discard fish entrails in the lake or on the shore. For more questions about fishing at the lake at the Portneuf Wellness Complex, please contact the Fish and Game regional office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.
answered 9/20/2015

Q: Killing bears

What is the justification for killing bears or other species that are typically not eaten?

A: 

There are many reasons that animals are harvested throughout the world.  These reasons fall into some general categories such as for food and clothing, biological reasons (e.g., control disease, overabundance), and social (e.g., protect livestock or crops, to reduce wildlife/automobile collisions and human injury).  In Idaho, citizens have a voice in wildlife management including the development of species management plans, establishing harvest seasons, structures and rules.  One way citizens exercised this involvement was by a public initiative in 1938 which established the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.  The purpose of the Commission and responsibilities of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are set forth in the State of Idaho Wildlife Policy (Idaho Statute 36-103).  The Policy states- “All wildlife, including all wild animals, wild birds, and fish, within the state of Idaho, is hereby declared to be the property of the state of Idaho. It shall be preserved, protected, perpetuated, and managed. It shall be only captured or taken at such times or places, under such conditions, or by such means, or in such manner, as will preserve, protect, and perpetuate such wildlife, and provide for the citizens of this state and, as by law permitted to others, continued supplies of such wildlife for hunting, fishing and trapping.” If you have a specific question(s) regarding the management of any species in Idaho, we encourage you to contact your local Fish and Game office.
answered 9/19/2015

A: 

The legal definition of a drainage can be found in Idaho Administrative Rules (IDAPA) at 13.01.11.004.10 which says: 10. Drainage.     All water flowing into a common river or stream system, either above or below ground, due to area geography.   You can find other common definitions used to craft fish rules in this same section of IDAPA.
answered 9/19/2015

Q: Yankee Fork

Hi, Several questions. # 1- What species of fish are in upper Yankee Fork river? I have a 90 acre claim. ( Starlight Claim # 203588) The claim includes approx. 3/4 miles on Yankee Fork river. By law I own anything above ground ( Gold, minerals) etc. #2- Can I fish on my portion of claim without fishing license? I'm a catch and release fisherman.. Thanks Vaughn

A: 

Hi there Vaugh, The Yankee Fork is home to several species of fish, including Chinook Salmon, Steelead, Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Mountain Whitefish. At this time, the populations of salmon and steelhead are very low and no fishing is allowed for those species. Bull Trout and Cutthroat Trout are catch/release only and the season is open all year. Mountain Whitefish are also present, and they can be kept all year at 25/day.  Check out Pages 41-42 in the 2013-2015 Fishing Regulation for more information, which you can download here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/seasonsRules.pdf   Even though you have a mining claim, a fishing license is still required. All fishing in Idaho requires a fishing license, unless you are fishing a private pond where the owner has a valid private pond permit.  You can buy a license all over the state at many local vendors, or buy it online. Now you can even buy your license using your mobile phone! https://id.outdoorcentral.us/    
answered 9/18/2015

Q: Salmon elk zone

In the 2015 big game regs the general B tag in the salmon zone is capped for 2,507 tags but when I went online to purchase one it said sold out at 1,589 why is this?

A: 

The number of tags available listed in the big game rules booklet is the total number of tags available for that zone. The number of tags is distributed between three groups based on historical sales at the time the zone was capped. The rules for allocating the number of tags available can be found at http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/0104.pdf in section 505. For the Salmon B tags, the quota for residents is 1,589 tags, the quota for nonresident is 830 and the quota for outfitters is 88.
answered 9/18/2015

Q: Quail hunting on Wildlife Management areas.

Can you hunt Quail on the Wildlife Management Areas during the entire quail season, or do you need to wait for the Pheasant season to start? If you are able to hunt earlier do you need to have a Pheasant Permit on the area prior to Pheasant season?

A: 

Quail can be hunted on the WMAs as long as the quail season is open. A pheasant permit is only needed on a WMA that pheasants are released on and only if you are hunting pheasants.
answered 9/17/2015

Q: Can you use eurasian doves for trapping bait

Can you use eurasian doves for trapping bait, long as they can not be seen from the air?

A: 

Yes, however if any part of the dove up to and including feathers becomes dislodged or visable then it would be considered exposed bait and if the traps were closer than 30 there would be a violation of trapping too close to exposed bait.
answered 9/16/2015

Q: Bow hunting licenses

Since I am of the age of 65, I can purchase a combination at a reduce price. Why is it not available for a bow license, not a tag. If the state offers a a lower price for a senior license, why can't they offer it to a bow hunter for the age of 65 and older?

A: 

I want to thank you for taking the time to write about the tag and permit fees paid by those holding senior licenses.  The Department of Fish and Game does not receive any financial support from the state’s general fund. Therefore, the funding for Idaho’s fish and wildlife programs comes solely from you and other anglers and hunters through your purchase of fishing and hunting licenses, tags and permits. The fees collected through the sale of licenses, tags, and permits goes to pay for habitat improvement, population management, Wildlife Management Areas, hundreds of fishing and boating access sites, millions of fish stocked into some of your favorite fishing spots, conservation enforcement and much more. In 1998, the Idaho State Code was changed to reduce the age requirements for the senior combination license from age 70 to age 65 as long as the individual had domiciled in Idaho for the prior 5 years. Along with this change, the Idaho Code was also changed to reference the items that holders of a Junior, Senior or Disabled American Veteran licenses could purchase at a discount. These items were deer, elk, bear and turkey tags. Below is the Statute. TITLE 36 FISH AND GAME CHAPTER 4 LICENSES TO HUNT, FISH AND TRAP 36-409.  Game tags -- Permits -- Fees -- Penalty. (a) Resident Game Tags. A resident who has obtained authorization to hunt, as provided in section 36-401, Idaho Code, or has purchased or obtained a license to hunt, as provided in section 36-406, Idaho Code, upon payment of the fees provided herein shall be eligible to receive a resident game tag to hunt and kill a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion, bear, wolf, sandhill crane or turkey in accordance with the laws of this state and rules promulgated by the commission; provided further, that any person who holds a senior resident combination license or any person who holds a junior combination or hunting license or any disabled American veteran who holds a disabled combination license, may be issued a bear, deer, elk, or turkey tag for a fee as specified in section 36-416, Idaho Code; provided further, that resident game tags may be issued only to those persons who meet residency requirements of subsection (s) of section 36-202, Idaho Code. In the event an emergency is declared to open a season to protect private property as provided in section 36-106(e)6.(B), Idaho Code, the affected landowner or his designee shall be eligible to receive a resident deer, elk or antelope tag without charge; provided further, that resident game tags may be issued only to persons who qualify as residents pursuant to section 36-202, Idaho Code.   In the last legislative session, the residency requirements to obtain a senior license was lowered from 5 years to 6 months.   The Department appreciates your support and commitment to help us ensure that Idaho's wildlife will be there for our kids and grandkids to enjoy tomorrow. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions.
answered 9/16/2015

Q: Hunting license and hound permit required

I wanted to know if a hunting license and/or a hound hunting permit are required to pursue raccoons?

A: 

Both a hunting license and hound hunter permit are required to pursue raccoons.  Page 99 in the Big Game Rules covers Black Bear and Mountain Lions.  Page 47 in the Upland Game and Furbearer rules states, the following persons must have a valid hound hunter permit in possession when dogs are being used to hunt: Anyone who owns pursuit dogs Anyone having control of dogs owned by another person Anyone that harvests a blackbear, mountain lion, bobcat, raccoon, or fox with the use of dogs, (except clients of licensed outfitters are not required to have a hound hunter permit) Good Luck hunting!
answered 9/16/2015

Q: Caimans

Are caiman legal to own as pets in Idaho, Canyon county?

A: 

Caimans are wildlife and require an import permit be issued before the animal enters Idaho. At this time Caimans and all other crocadilians are not being allowed import into Idaho as personal pets. Some cities also have wildlife restrictions which restrict pet crocadilian.
answered 9/14/2015

Q: Nonresident archery elk permit purchase

Can I purchase a nonresident archery elk tag at any Idaho game and fish office or do I have to purchase it in the region I will be hunting?

A: 

You can purchase your elk tag at any Idaho Fish and Game office or license vendor in the state, regardless of location.
answered 9/14/2015

Q: Salvaging spawned kokanee

Can we catch the kokane that have spawned and will die without a license at anderson ranch res.

A: 

To legally catch or take gamefish from a public water in Idaho you need to have a fishing licenese.  They also need to be taken in a legal manner as defined by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in the 2013 - 2015 Fishing Rules booklet.  This does not include capture by hand or snagging - unless the water is open for salvage.
answered 9/12/2015

Q: chinook in lucky peak

Will chinook ever be planted in lucky peak? I caught one last week but would imagine it made its way down from anderson? Thanks.

A: 

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.
answered 9/12/2015

A: 

In Idaho, coyotes can be hunted by anyone possessing a hunting license (age 10 and up) or hunting passport (age 8).
answered 9/11/2015

Q: Have you considered adding a late archery or rifle season for whitetails in lower Sawtooth region?

I live in garden valley and i am 36 years old. I grew up hunting units 33, 34 and 35 from the mid 80's till now. In the early 90's there was a very small population of whitetail on the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Nobody knew where they came from and over the last 25 years they have really grown taken over. There numbers have not been regulated and i think a late archery or rifle season would help native species to this area have better odds of surviving harsh winters.

A: 

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.    
answered 9/10/2015

Q: mechanical broadheads

When will the commision be re-evaluating the use of mechanical (expanding) broadheads?

A: 

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission addressed the issue of lighted nocks, expandible broadheads, and other technology-related weapons restrictions a few months ago at their May 2015 meeting in Lewiston. At that time, the Commissioners voted unanimously to NOT accept any modifications to the current rules related to equipment for taking big game animals. I do not expect the Fish and Game Commission will be interested in considering this issue again for at least several years.
answered 9/9/2015

Q: jet boat salmon river

Can you drive a jet boat year round on the salmon river near Salmon, ID?

A: 

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. 
answered 9/9/2015

Q: Do I need hunters Ed

I went hunting in Oregon earlier this year and decided I would like to continue doing it in Idaho but Idaho requires hunters Ed even if you are older than 18, but the site says exception being if you have previously held a hunting license in Idaho or any other state and I still have my Oregon hunting license so I was wondering if I need hunters Ed.

A: 

If you can show proof of having a valid hunting license in another state you are eligible to purchase an Idaho hunting license.
answered 9/8/2015

Q: Out of State Salvage

I live in Washington State but work in Idaho. I was curious if I could salvage road kill or is that only for Idaho Residence.

A: 

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
answered 9/7/2015

Q: Can I hunt from the deck of my own private lake front property?

I live on Arrow Point on Coeur D'Alene. Can I hunt turkeys from my deck in season with a license? What about ducks or geese?I have neighbours but it is considered Harrison County?

A: 

Your question may be better answered by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.  Their general phone number is 208 446-1300.  Fish and game laws in Idaho are silent on the subject of shooting from the deck of your home.
answered 9/7/2015