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 426 - 450 of 3534 questionsQ: Do i need to attend a trapping class to get a trapping license?
Do i need to take a general class in order to trap in Idaho other than the wolf trapping class?A:
We do recommend that trappers take a trapping course to learn important skills such as avoiding non-target catch, best management practices, ethics and responsibilities. Our trapping course includes both classroom time taught by a trapper and outdoor trap setting skills. A trapping course is not required in Idaho.answered 8/10/2015
Q: Controlled hunt
I just applied for the second chance controlled hunt tag for hunt 1083. I have never applied for any kind of controlled hunt. Where do I find information on these hunts. And when/ how will I know if i get one?A:
Information on the hunts can be found in our big game rule booklets or by accessing the Departments hunt planner at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntPlanner/. Results of the drawing will be posted on our website and we will mail a postcard to those individuals who are successful in drawing a tag.answered 8/10/2015
A:
Page 98 of the 2015-16 Big Game rules pamphlet states that a broadhead cannot measure less than 7/8 inch, and that the entire arrow must weigh at least 300 grains.answered 8/10/2015
A:
Yes. Any person hunting in an archery only hunt must have an archery permit in possession. The same rule applies for muzzleloader hunts too. Any person hunting in a muzzleloader only hunt must have a muzzleloader permit in possession.answered 8/10/2015
A:
No, you do not need a muzzleloader permit to hunt with your muzzleloader in a short range weapons hunt.
answered 8/10/2015
A:
Yes. You can use a bow in a general hunt without the archery validation. However, any archery-only hunt requires the validation.answered 8/9/2015
Q: Controlled hunt tags
I was drawn for controlled Elk hunt #2136 which is either sex elk in unit 1. The dates on the tag says September 6 - Oct 24. I am assuming that I can use it during the archery season and any weapon seasons during that time period. It seems to be a general tag and not specific for A or B tag seasons. Is that a correct assumption? Thanks.A:
Congratulations on your controlled hunt draw success. Your assumption about the dates for your hunt are mostly correct. Your tag has nothing to do with the A/B tag system. There is one item to take note of however. The actual seasons for your tag are Sept. 6 thru 30 for archery, and October 10 thru 24 for any weapon. The period of October 1 thru 9 is closed. Please see the regulations pamphlet for clarification.answered 8/9/2015
Q: Migratory Bird Approved Weapons
Can I use a MKA 1919 12ga Shotgun to hunt migratory ducks?A:
There are weapon restrictions for the taking of migratory birds. Code of Federal Reguations 20.21 prohibits the taking of migratory birds with any shotgun capable of holding more than 3 shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassebling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells. This rule does not apply in Idaho during the light-goose-only season (greater and leser snow geese and Ross's geese) when all other waterfowl and crane hunting seasons, excluding falconry, are closed. Any shotgun capable of holding more than three shells that did not meet this requirement would be unlawful for the hunting of ducks.answered 8/7/2015
Q: Can you use a semi-automatic assault rifle to hunt big game (deer, elk, bear, etc.)?
Can you use a semi-automatic assault rifle to hunt big game (deer, elk, bear, etc.)?A:
Yes you can, as long as it complies with the other restrictions in code and rule, (copied below). There is no restriction in idaho on the number of rounds a firearm can carrry, or restrictions against use of semi-automatics. 410.UNLAWFUL METHODS OF TAKE. No person shall take big game animals as outlined in this section. (7-1-93) 01. Firearms. (7-1-93) a. With any firearm that, in combination with a scope, sling, and/or any other attachments, weighs more than sixteen (16) pounds. (7-1-93) b. With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck. (7-1-93) c. With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, EXCEPT for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf. (4-4-13) d. With a fully automatic firearm. (10-26-94) e. With any electronic device attached to, or incorporated in, the firearm (including handguns and shotguns) or scope; except scopes containing battery powered or tritium lighted reticles are allowed. (4-2-08) - Josh Royse, Regional Conservation Officer, Magic Valley Regionanswered 8/6/2015
Q: Are turkeys "upland game animals" and can you use cross bow in general season?
Are turkeys classified as a upland game bird and can you use a crossbow to hunt turkeys during both the spring and fall?A:
Turkeys are classified as an upland game bird. Turkeys can not be hunted with a crossbow.answered 8/6/2015
Q: bow hunting weapons
Can you use a crossbow for archery huntingA:
Great question. The answer is it depends, so stick with me a moment and I will try and clear it up. During an archery only season crossbows are illegal. (Except, disabled hunters possessing a permit available at IDFG offices may use a crosbow) Crossbows are legal during short-range and any weapon seasons Page 98-99 in the 2015-2016 Big Game rules covers archery restrictions If you have any other questions please feel free to ask, thanks and good luck huntinganswered 8/5/2015
Q: The wildlife collision salvage rule
What statute under Idaho Code does violations of the wildlife collision salvage rule fall under? Where can I find the legislative rule that outlines the wildlife collision salvage rule?A:
General information about salvaging wildlife is at: idfg.idaho.gov/species/roadkill Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 13.01.10.300.02 contains the rules for salvage of certain types of wildlife found dead. You may view this rule at: adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/0110.pdf Please note that only some species may be salvaged. They are listed at: idfg.idaho.gov/species/roadkill/salvage/listanswered 8/5/2015
Q: squirrels disappeared
Hoping you can tell me why the squirrels have disappeared. I have fed them for years with no problems. I would say for months now they have not been at my feeder and I have not seen any in the trees around my house. I live along the Portneuf River in PocatelloA:
Hello, I'm thinking there could be some predation occurring in your neighborhood. Perhaps there is a neighborhood cat on the prowl. If you or your neighbors have an outside cat, they really can be problematic. Domestic cats kill millions of birds and small mammals, including squirrels, every year. Another explanation could be hawks and owls.There are a lot of large trees that support hawk and owl nests down along the Portneuf, and squirrels would be a good source of prey for those birds. It could be a combination of both. Please keep your cat or encourage your neighbors to keep their cats inside to help. Thanks for the question.answered 8/4/2015
Q: South Fork Boise River
When you say you are stocking the South Fork Of the Boise River do you mean below Anderson Dam or above over couch summit or both? ThanksA:
We manage the area below Anderson Ranch Dam as a "wild trout" fishery. Consequently, we don't stock hatchery produced trout in that area. When they refer to stocking the South Fork Boise River in our planting report, we mean the South Fork above Big Smoky Creek.answered 8/4/2015
Q: Deer crossing Chinden between Linder & Meridian Roads
Hi, I have seen deer crossing Chinden between Linder & Meridian road. Most recently a doe & two fawns. I have also seen them in the pasture that is becoming construction area east of Paramount subdivision. Do you have programs in place to move them to less dangerous areas?A:
There are hundreds of deer throughout Boise and surrounding areas that have become urbanized. We do not have any translocation programs for deer. Fortunately, most deer have figured out how to safely cross roads and when and where to feed to avoid most traffic. The greenbelt and surrounding lush green vegetation are very attractive to wildlife and is part of the charm of Boise. There is little we can do to discourage their use of the area as it will always pull deer from the dry foothills to the lush vegetation of the valley bottom. If you do find animals which have been killed or injured by cars, please report them, however. Emergencies where people are in danger, call 9-1-1 Animal in distress, please contact Idaho Fish and Game or your local Sheriff A dead animal safely on the side of a road, online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/roadkillanswered 8/4/2015
Q: Is there any exemption for older archery hunters to be able to receive the archery license with out a class?
I was told at fish and game I had to take the archery education class even though I am 42 and have been into archery for well over 30 years and belong to an archery class. I think it's a waste of money and is just red tape I already know safety well. I didn't have to take a hunter's safety class because of my age. Does everyone have to really waste time on repetivatly redoing the same stuff we already know? And pay for it? Or am I exempt because of my age and knowledge?A:
To buy an archery permit in Idaho, all bowhunters must possess a valid hunting license and show proof they have completed an approved bowhunter education course or show evidence of having been licensed for an archery-only hunt in Idaho or another state, or complete an affidavit to that effect.answered 8/3/2015
Q: Checking Traps
Do I need to check my traps every 72 hours if I have released them?A:
If your traps are not set then they do not need check within the 72 hour time frame. You must have closed them rather than some other method such as snow, debris, rocks etc. You will also note that traps are not allowed to be placed except during a current trapping season, you cannot leave them out after the season or place them prior to the season.answered 8/3/2015
Q: fishing at night with lights
Is it legal to fish at night with lights either in the water or hanging over? what page of the fishing regulations is this covered. Ive looked everywhere.A:
Idaho law is silent on fishing with artificial light, which means it is legal to do so.answered 8/3/2015
Q: Private property wolf harvest
The newer regulations allow year-round harvest (limited) on private property -- right? Where will these totals be reflected? It doesn't look like anything has changed in the 2014 totals, and nothing shows up yet on the 2015 spreadsheet. Does that mean no wolves have been harvested on private property outside the regular season dates, or they're just not posted yet?A:
All legal wolf harvest is updated in those tables as it occurs. If wolf harvest occurs on private land in a zone with a year-round harvest season, the harvest is legal and within an open season and will be updated in the table. The harvest table does not include illegal killings or other mortality factors. The 2014 wolf harvest on private land with an open season would have been entered into the table at the time it was originally reported. The table does not differentiate harvest by land ownership. As of August 3, there has been no wolf harvest reported for the 2015-2016 hunting season which opened July 1.answered 7/31/2015
Q: Super Tag
If I were drawn for say a Moose super tag do I have to pay the 175 dollars for the tagA:
No. If a hunter draws a super hunt tag, IDFG will issue the tag and mail it to the hunter. The hunter is responsible for purchasing the appropriate hunting or combination hunting and fishing license prior to IDFG issuing the appropriate super hunt tag.answered 7/29/2015
Q: Purchase of second "non resident" big game tag
Does IDFG plan to offer leftover non resident tags at a discount again for the 2015 hunting season?A:
Yes. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the sale of discounted second tags, but this year, for a limited time. Left over nonresident tags will go on sale August 1 and will be available at discounted prices during August only. Beginning September 1, leftover nonresident tags will still be available as second tags but at regular nonresident prices. Please visit the http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/tagdiscount for more information about the 2015 Second Tag Discount.answered 7/29/2015
Q: Chesterfield water level
What is the capacity /water level for chesterfield? Is it too low to dock a 19ft boat?A:
The ramp at Chesterfield is still usable. The last section of dock is in the water.answered 7/29/2015
Q: If drawn for a superhunt, do you then need to purchase a tag for the animal you were drawn for?
If you put in and win a super hunt for say deer, do you then need to purchase a deer tag to hunt?A:
If a person draws a super hunt tag, IDFG will issue the tag and mail it to the hunter. The hunter is responsible for purchasing the appropriate hunting or combination hunting and fishing license before we can issue the appropriate tag.answered 7/28/2015
Q: Personal identification
Is photo identification required when hunting big game with a valid hunting license?A:
No it is not required to hunt. however it is a good idea to carry photo identification with you to help indentfy yourself.answered 7/28/2015
Q: Big Horn Sheep in Craig Mountain WMA
Where do I find Big Horn Sheep in the Craig Mountain WMA?A:
Bighorn Sheep on Craig Mountain WMA, otherwise known as the Redbird Herd, can be found primarily along the Snake River from the river up to around 2500' in elevation. As expected, they typically prefer rocky crag-type habitat. If you're looking for wildlife viewing opportunities some of your better chances are south of Asotin, Washington. Between 5-10 miles south of Asotin, along the river road (on the Washington side) you can frequently see BHS across the river. For this you will want to have a decent pair of binoculars and/or a spotting scope. They are more active in the mornings and evenings where you will likely see some animals down next to the river. In the hot afternoons, they will often be resting in the shade of cliffs. At this time of the year, ewes, lambs, and young rams are together at lower elevations. More mature rams are typically at higher elevations. Another great opportunity to see bighorn sheep and see the Hells Canyon area is to buy tickets for a local jet boat tour. They offer full day and half-day trips (the half day is more like a 3/4 day) and very often come across BHS along the trip as well as providing an amazing experience with cultural, historic, geological, and other wildlife elements. Certainly a highly recommended experience! Good luck! Justin Barrettanswered 7/28/2015