Frequently Asked Questions

A: 

Yes, so long as supplies last. Nonresidents can purchase an over-the-counter license and tag in Idaho beginning December 1st for the upcoming year. There is a cap to the number of elk and deer tags avialable to nonresidents. Many elk zones sell out quickly in popular areas so you'll want to be ready if your hunt is in one of those zones. If you find a controlled hunt that you're interested in, you can also apply for that and exchange your general tag if you draw. You can learn more about where to plan your "do-it-yourself" public land hunt using our Idaho Hunt Planner and seasons and rules books.  Our 2015 Deer and Elk Outlook may provide some additional information about our hunt opportunities and we're planning a 2016 outlook next late summer.

A: 

A resident youth (ages 10-17) can hunt both the A and B seasons of an elk zone.  However, the rules of each season must be followed as specified in the seasons and rules. Per your example, the B tag season on the Boise River zone tag is for antlered only.  Therefore, either sex would not be allowed during the period of November 1-9.

 

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If you are referencing the General Regular Deer Short Range Weapon Season in GMU 38, you can harvest a doe on a General Regular Season Deer as long as you have not harvested yet.  The last day for harvest would be November 24, 2016.

A: 

First, a very good and timely question.  As you know, the either-sex portion of the general elk season was eliminated several years ago in the Panhandle, primarily due to low calf:cow ratios that were observed during our winter helicopter surveys.  This was especially true in Units 4, 6, and 7.  In areas with good elk numbers and good calf ratios we started controlled hunts for either-sex or antlerless permits. During last year’s helicopter surveys (January 2015) we saw an increase in calf:cow ratios, especially in Unit 6.  In previous years they were around 13 calves per hundred cows (13:100).  During last year’s surveys they averaged 32:100 in the St Joe drainage.  That was encouraging.  Unfortunately we were not able to fly Unit 4 because of weather and snow conditions.  During this year’s check stations we heard a lot of what you are saying – hunters reporting lots of cows and lots of calves in both the St Joe and N Fk C’da River units. This was the first year that we saw really encouraging data and I didn’t feel it was enough to change seasons yet.  Remember that we are trying to rebuild the herd after several years of low calf survival.  If we see good calf:cow ratios during this winter’s helicopter surveys it will be time to look at adding some cow harvest to those units where it was eliminated.  We are now in a 2-year season setting cycle so seasons won’t be changed until the 2017 hunting season.  But if things continue to look good I think it will be time to have some antlerless harvest in those units, probably initially in the form of controlled hunt permits.

A: 

Yes, as long as supplies last and the season is still current where you're hunting. Learn how many tags are available and other facts about second tags at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/second-tag

A: 

This issue is addressed by state law in Idaho Code 36-1101 http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title36/T36CH11SECT36-1101.htm.   Idaho Code 36-1101(3) addresses communication of information to persons on the ground, making it unlawful to make use aircraft in any manner to spot or locate game animals, game birds, or furbearing animals from the air and communicate the location of those animals by any signals whatsoever (including radio, visual, or other means) to any person on the ground.   This statute prohibits the use of drones in the manner and for the purpose you described.   Further, Idaho Code 36-1101(5) prohibits the use of aircraft as an aid to hunting big game, making it unlawful to make use of any aircraft to locate any big game animal for the purpose of hunting those animals during the same calendar day those animals were located from the air.   This is certainly becoming a hot topic as drones, or "Unmanned Aerial Systems," are becoming more readily available and affordable for consumer use. There will undoubtedly be further evaluation and scrutiny of both ethical and definition of legal use of these aircraft in the future.  

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Yes, a resident may purchase a fishing license and steelhead permit for a nonresident.

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The situation you describe, as two juveniles age 16-18 desiring to go hunting alone, does not require you to be with an adult in order to go hunting as long as you are residents of the state of Idaho and you hold the correct license and or tag.  You may be thinking of restrictions placed on "hunting passport" holders and "mentored nonresident youth" or resident  hunters under the age of 12 which do require an adult license holder to be present with them while hunting. 

A: 

You cannot hunt a general season period with a controlled hunt tag.   The controlled hunt tag only allows you to hunt the species and sex in the area with the weapon for the period stated in the Seasons & Rules for the particular controlled hunt.   Controlled Hunt 2136 is only good for either sex elk with archery 9/6/15 - 09/30/15 or any weapon 10/10/15-10/24/15 in Controlled Hunt Area 1 (all of Unit 1). 

A: 

Thank you for your interest in the Idaho Conservation Officer Job or Game Warden as we are sometimes called. You may want to view a recruitment video at https://youtu.be/25IQal5VKgI.  Although a degree is not required, you must have at least 4 upper level college courses in wildlife/fish management.  These courses may include Wildlife Management, Fishery Management, Population Ecology, Mamalogy, Ornithology, Wildlife Ecology, etc. Some of these courses might be available on line.  Without a degree you need a minimum of the 4 upper level college courses and job experience with a natural resource agency or law enforcement agency that requires law enforcement certification.  Applicants with a BS degree in Wildlife/Fish Management are most competitive during the application process.  Conservation Officers are Idaho Fish and Game’s front line to local communities.  It is important they can communicate to sportsmen the principles and reasons why seasons, bag limits, and rules exist.  They must also communicate their field observations to fish and wildlife managers in a credible manner.  In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for Conservation Officers who demonstrate the following characteristics or talents: Good communication skills that allow you to visit with landowners, sportsmen, the public and agency personnel.  CO’s interact with all these people, understanding that each group may have a different culture and require communication in terms they understand and can relate to. CO’s need to learn and adapt quickly to understand complex information in order to be problem solvers. CO’s need high energy levels; they are self-starters with the capacity to self-motivate and must be able to multi-task. CO’s need to be somewhat assertive:  When the situation calls for quick action and decision making, CO’s have to be assertive.  But they also need to understand and be diplomatic.  This is a tough line to understand and walk. CO’s must be able and willing to communicate/interact with all types of people while on the other hand be somewhat skeptical.  In LE situations, some people are going to hide things from you.  Diplomatically, you need to interact with them, knowing they may be violating and hiding something from you. CO’s work alone with little or no supervision. They work in remote areas by themselves; this is tough.  CO’s must interact with others and be comfortable with working alone for many days in a row.  CO’s are independent and adventurous. CO’s have to be decisive, make the right decisions quickly, and accept those risks associated with quick decisions. For more information on current job announcements, go to this web site.  https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=IDFISHGAME You can choose to sign up for notifications.  It allows you to select topics in which you wish to receive email notifications.   Thank you again for your interest.  For answers to specific question’s regarding employment as a Conservation Officer feel free to visit our web page http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ or contact Assistant Chief of enforcement Blake Phillips at blake.phillips@idfg.idaho.gov.

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It depends on whether or not the river has been defined as Navigable.  If the river has been defined as Navigable then you are allowed to stay within the high-water marks of the river. If you know its private property you should always get permission first.

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This gun is legal for Idaho muzzle loader hunts as long as all other rules are followed