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 176 - 200 of 3534 questions

Q: Can I use gamefish for fish bait ?

Can gamefish or parts of gamefish ( flesh, innards, heads, tails, ect. ) be used as bait to catch other fish ? I.e can I use a bass I caught for catfish bait ?

A: 

Yes, you may use game fish parts for bait (no live fish may be used except for crawfish that are caught in on the waters being fished)  Good Luck fishing
answered 2/5/2016

Q: Depredation Hunts Southwest Region

How Many Tags For Depredation Hunts in the Southwest Region 2015 /2016 where given out?

A: 

Thanks for your question: There are a variety of tools Idaho Fish and Game utilizes to help landowners prevent damage on their property due to wildlife causing damages. One is Depredations Hunts. There are three different depredation style of hunts I will go through so there is no confusion. 1. Depredation Hunt; a hunt where 50% of the hunters are chosen by the landowner and 50% of the other hunters are chosen from a list of sportsment that fill out an application. These are controlled hunts that count as an extra tag and the hunters are able to keep the meat. In the Southwest Region, we had one depredation hunt this year. 2. Kill Permit; This is an emergency hunt that is used in a specialized situation. Some stipulations would include weapon type, methods, sex, and shooting hours. Hunters are very restritictive and are typicllay just the landower and a ranch hand.  The meat from these permits are donated to food banks, chruches, and local families in need. We have issued 14 kill permits this year; this includes revision of previous issed permits. 3. Landowner Permission Hunts; To address multiple depredations over a large scale area IDFG created some Landowner Permission Hunts, called LPHs. For example, the Wieser River Area. There are 35 landowners with large agricultural operations that have reported damages from elk. Insted of having 35 individual depredations hunts, we try to address the issues as a whole with one hunt.These hunts give landowers permission slips they can use to address the depredations on their peorerty. These permisson slips are redeemed in a Regional Office for an elk tag. The landowner can choose to give the permission slip out if they desire. These are classified as controlled hunts where the hunters can keep the meat. A few LPH hunts are extra tags. In the Southwest Region, there are 450 extra LPH tags and 525 regular controlled hunt tags. The primary areas for these hunts are Untis 31, 32, 39, and 41.   If you have futher question, please email me Katie Oelrich Idaho Department of Fish and Game Landowner Sportsman Coordinator Southwest Region Nampa, Id 83686 w. 208-465-8465 ext.1034860 c. 208-409-9481 katherine.oelrich@idfg.idaho.gov  
answered 2/5/2016

Q: How does my tackle shop become a licensed vendor?

How does my tackle shop become a licensed vendor?

A: 

Please send a letter expressing your interest in becoming a license vendor for the Department of Fish and Game. Include in your letter:      Your Name     Business Name     Mailing Address     Phone number You can send the letter through the mail to: IDFG License SectionP. O. Box 25Boise, ID 83707 or send it via e-mail to licenses@idfg.idaho.gov.    
answered 2/5/2016

Q: Whistle pigs/ground squirrels

Is it legal to hunt whistle pigs in Southwest Idaho/Kuna area?? Am aware of the Birds of Prey restrictions. If this info can be found in the hunting regs., please reference the page number. Thanks!!

A: 

Ground squirrels (sometimes called "whistle pigs") in southern Ada County are predominately the type called "Piute ground squirrel."  This species is considered to be Unprotected Wildlife in Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA 13.01.06).  IDAPA 13.01.06, Section 300.03 states: "Those species of wildlife classified as Unprotected Wildlife and Predatory Wildlife may be taken in any amount, at any time, and in any manner not prohibited by state or federal law, by holders of the appropriate valid Idaho hunting, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing licenses, provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances, or regulations."  Additional information can be found on page 39 of the 2016-2017 Upland Game, Furbearer, and Turkey regulations brochure, as well as the IDFG website at:  idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/ground-squirrel .  Shooting regulations for the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area can be found on the Idaho BLM website.  Currently, these regulations can be found at this web address: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/NLCS/MNSRBP_NM/management_and_research/...  
answered 2/4/2016

Q: Fort Boise snow geese?

There are certain sections of fort Boise that are not specified as closed from Feb 1st to March 10th. Can you hunt these areas for snow geese? I've heard of people hunting these open areas.

A: 

The central portion of Fort Boise WMA is closed from February 1 – July 31 for waterfowl nesting. Remaining areas of the WMA are still open to public access, but the hunting of white-fronted and light geese (Blue, Ross’s, and Snow) on any portion of the WMA is not allowed after January 31st. On page 10 of the Idaho 2015 Waterfowl Seasons and Rules, under Closures, it states: “In the Southwest Region, Fort Boise and Payette River WMAs and that portion of the Roswell Marsh Wildlife Habitat Area south of Highway 18, and the Snake River Islands Unit of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge will be closed February 1 – March 10 2016.” The ponds at Fort Boise WMA are a primary roosting area for snow geese as they pass through our region on the spring migration. Shooting them where they roost would just induce them find somewhere else to roost. This would not only provide a very limited hunting opportunity, but would deny the opportunity for hundreds of wildlife viewers to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of geese at Fort Boise heading out to or returning from daily feeding forays.  Providing a place for snow geese to roost keeps them in the general vicinity at least, so local fields can continue to offer hunting opportunity.    Areas of Roswell Wildlife Habitat Area north of Highway 18 are open to light goose hunting.  The harvested grain in those fields can provide a hunting opportunity when they feed there.  For a map of the Roswell Marsh Wildlife Habitat Area, go to the Idaho Fish and Game website (fishandgame.idaho.gov) and search “Roswell Marsh Wildlife Habitat Area map” to download a copy.
answered 2/3/2016

Q: Understanding the meaning of "Taking" big game animals

I have not been able to find a clear definition of what "Taking" means for birds, animals, fish etc. I would assume it means the same thing as harvesting or killing or trapping or catching the animal as opposed to the act of just hunting or fishing?

A: 

"Take" is defined in statute (Idaho Code 36-202(i)). ""Take" means hunt, pursue, catch, capture, shoot, fish, seine, trap, kill, or possess or any attempt to so do."  http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title36/T36CH2SECT36-202.htm    
answered 2/3/2016

Q: Steelhead

What month do they run in 2016?

A: 

In the late winter and spring, steelhead can be found in the upper sections of most rivers open to steelhead fishing. This is usually February - April, but check the closure dates. In February-April, steelhead will be found in the Clearwater, South Fork Clearwater, Salmon River near Riggins, and the upper Salmon River from Salmon to Stanley. The Snake River bellow Hells Canyon dam is also popular at this time of year. In the fall, steelhead begin to appear in Idaho in September. Lower sections of the Clearwater, and Snake rivers are best. Fishing picks up in October and November and steelhead can be found in the Salmon River near the towns of Riggins and as high as North Fork and Salmon. 
answered 2/2/2016

Q: Land owner tag

If I acquire a landowner tag for elk am I able to buy an elk tag at the general price that same year?

A: 

If the landowner controlled hunt tag you get is for a limited controlled hunt, you cannot have a general season tag for the same species. However, you would be able to purchase what we call a RES-NONRES general season tag as a second tag at the nonresident price. The RES-NONRES general season tags are those general season nonresident deer and elk tags remaining from the nonresident quota after August 1. These general season tags can be purchased by both residents and nonresidents as a second tag at the nonresident price. For example: If you are a resident of Idaho and are given a landowner limited elk controlled hunt, you cannot purchase another resident general season elk tag. If we have nonresident elk tags available as of August 1, you may purchase a RES-NONRES general season elk tag at the nonresident price. If you are a resident of Idaho and are given a landowner extra limited elk controlled hunt, you can purchase a resident general season elk tag because the landowner controlled hunt given is an extra tag.
answered 2/1/2016

Q: When do they stock Sego Prairie pond in Kuna?

When do they stock Sego Prairie pond in Kuna?

A: 

For the most part, Sego Prairied Pond is stocked once per month during March, April, May, and June as well as during October and November.  During each of the months, about 225 catchables are stocked. We do not publicize the day of stocking, but the week of stocking may be found at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=230  
answered 2/1/2016

A: 

Yes, page 14 in the fishing regulations only restricts fishing to single point barbless hooks while fishing for salmon and steelhead.  Barbed hooks are allowed while fishing for trout, although cutthroat are catch and release only; and if you caught a salmon or steelhead while using a barbed hook they could not be reduced to possession.  Good Luck fishing
answered 1/31/2016

Q: Can you fish a electric motor only lake when a gas motor is mounted to boat, but not used?

If the gas motor is not started or used on the lake. Can the boat be used on the lake with a electric motor?

A: 

Yes, as per Page 50 of the fishing regulations, "When fishing waters listed --electric motors only-- gas (internal combustion) motors may be attached to the boat; but use of the gas motor is prohibited.  Good Luck fishing
answered 1/31/2016

Q: How do I get a license to own a wolf?

I am planing to own a pure bred wolf, though in law, I must obtain a license to merely own one. Therefore, what must I do to get this license?

A: 

Pet/Domestic wolves are usually not pure wolf.  They may be close in heritage to thier wild cousins but usually show some sign of domestic dog. The permit is to allow personnel to identify domestic wolves from wild wolves, if they show all primary wolf characteristics and no domestic dog characteristics. The permit is issued by Fish and Game through the regional offices. Contact your nearest regional office for a wolf permit application and to schedule a visit by fish and game personnel to take photos and evaluate the animal for primary wolf characteristics. Primary wolf characteristics are found in IDAPA 13.01.10.600   a. Eyes shine greenish orange b. Ears rounded and smaller in proportion to those of the coyote c. Snout is broad with nose pad wider than one (1) inch d. Legs are long, an adult would stand at approximately twenty-six (26) to thirty-two (32) inches at the shoulder e. Length is four and one-half (4.5) to six (6) feet from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail f. An adult weighs at least eighty (80) pounds h. Fur is long and coarse, varies from white to black but is generally grayish in coloration resembling the coyote.            The underparts are not as white and the legs and feet are not as red as those of the coyote.    
answered 1/31/2016

Q: Brook trout or Sunapee Trout in Sawtooth Lake?

I have been researching the history of sunapee trout in the sawtooths and realized that I caught some fish in sawtooth Lake about 7 years ago that I assumed were brook trout, but when I re-examined these pictures I realized they might be sunapees. According to what I have been able to find, the only two lakes with established sunapee populations are Alice Lake and Sawtooth Lake, and these lakes aren't listed under the bodies of water that contain brook trout in the Salmon region. Are there other char species in Sawtooth lake such as brook trout and/or lake trout, or did I in fact catch sunapee trout?

A: 

Your question is interesting and timely. Sunapee (which are a type of char and related to lake trout, brook trout and bull trout) were stocked in several lakes in the Sawtooths over 50 years ago.  Over the years we've had anglers catch Sunapee and bring them to our offices for identification.  We don't advertise this unique fishing opportunity because of the risk of over exploitation. This past year, the Forest Service started collecting water samples from various lake outflows in the Stanley Basin area and running eDNA analysis in an attempt to identify the various fish species in each waterbody.  This process is new and evolving.  In a very basic sense, unique DNA markers or sequences from aquatic organisms can be isolated and identified, so we can tell what fish species exist in a water just by analyzing a water sample and analyzing DNA. In Hell Roaring Lake, it showed a positive eDNA sequence for lake trout.  This was baffling because lake trout have never been stocked in the lake and have not been stocked upstream.  Our records did show Sunapee being stocked in a lake just upstream of Hell Roaring Lake and both waters are connected by a surface stream.  Because genetic eDNA markers haven't been developed for Sunapee, and they are a close relative of lake trout, we suspect a reminant population of Sunapee are being detected in the sample. Stay tuned because our fisheries staff will conduct focused sampling on Hell Roaring Lake in 2016 to verify the fish community.   
answered 1/30/2016

Q: Shed Hunting: can I use an antler trap?

I was wondering if there are any restrictions using baited antler traps in the Boise foothills? This is a simple antler trap using a salt lick or any other bait, that is surrounded with stretched out bungee cords to drop the antlers that might still be on any deer trying to get at the bait. I've seen them before but wanted to know if they were legal in the state.

A: 

Antler traps are legal as long as the animal is not harmed by the "trap". If placing an antler trap on public ground, check with the land management agency, they may have restrictions on placing items that are left unattended. One word of caution, if using bait to attract animals to the antler trap, it is unlawful to use bait to attract wildlife (turkey, deer, elk etc.) and then hunt them.  
answered 1/29/2016

Q: waterfoul hunting the clearwater river in Lewiston

I've seen quite a few fishing access signs on 95 heading south out of Lewiston along the clear water river. Can you duck hunt at these access points or is it fishing only?

A: 

The access sites along the Clearwater River east of Lewiston are mainly to provide boating and fishing access.  Be aware that all hunting is closed in the Lewiston Preserve, from Lewiston east to the railroad bridge at Spaulding. The Nez Perce National Historical Park in Nez Perce County is also closed to hunting of all game birds. Please contact the Clearwater Fish and Game office in Lewiston at 208-799-5010 for more details.   
answered 1/27/2016

Q: motorized hunting rule

What are the fines/license revocation penalties for violation of motorized hunting rule? I was told by a friend there is a 1 year loss of hunting license plus a fine. That is true for trespass, correct?

A: 

A violation of the Motorized Hunting Rule is Misdemeanor in Idaho, which comes with a penalty of a fine of $25-$1,000, and or up to 6 months in jail. It also comes with the potential of a license revocation of up to 3 years. there is no mandatory minimum for the fine or the license revocation as there is with a Trespass to hunt and Fish conviction. Where the se4ntence ends up within those ranges is up the Judge's discretion.  
answered 1/25/2016

Q: Are crappie being removed from Lake Lowell

I haven't caught any crappie from Lake Lowell this past year. The year before I only caught 2 Crappie. Another angler told me that Fish and Game were removing the large crappie from Lake Lowell and placing them in ponds? Is this true. We need large crappie in Lake Lowell. The only other lake that produces good crappie is CJ Strike, which is a long drive from Caldwell. Lets us keep our fish.

A: 

There is absolutely zero truth to that rumor. Over the last couple of years, IDFG has been capturing, tagging, and releaseing channel catfish and largemouth bass at Lake Lowell to gain a better understanding of use and harvest rates. In addition, we also occassionally (about once every couple of years) collect a couple hundred bluegill and lesser numbers of largemouth bass to stock new ponds or drought-stricken waters that have refilled. During these efforts, we rarely sample crappie and have never removed or translocated crappie. In fact, we translocated nearly six thousand crappie to Lake Lowell during 2009 in an attempt to increase abundance. This effort did not achieve the intented result likely due to the extremely high abundance of common carp. 
answered 1/23/2016

Q: If I draw a controlled hunt for bear is that my only bear hunting opportunity for the year?

If I were to apply and draw a controlled spring bear hunt would that be my only bear hunting opportunity for the year or would I still be able to participate in general spring or fall hunts if I did not harvest?

A: 

Even if you harvested a bear on a controlled hunt tag, you could purchase a second bear tag.  This would allow you to hunt the spring or fall general season.   However, if you were to harvest during the general spring bear season on the general season bear tag, you would be done for the year.
answered 1/22/2016

Q: Does Fish and Game consider trapping Steelhead for Boise River from Riggins instead of Hells Canyon?

I have fished Hells Canyon for years, it is remote, quiet and a beautiful place to fish for this prized fish, every year extra steel head are trapped in addition to the hatchery needs to plant the Boise River as well as other locations. I know this is to sell tags but the fish put in these systems are at best caught for only a couple days, myself and many of my friends see a huge decrease in fishing as hundreds of these fish are removed from Hells Canyon, has fish and game ever considered sharing the pain and trapping a portion of these fish from the Salmon river?

A: 

Yes, we have considered many options for how we operate the steelhead trapping and translocation program as it seems to receive an inordinate amount of scrutiny. For Idaho's share, we try to find a balance between meeting broodstock needs, and providing harvest opportunity downstream of Hells Canyon and in other locations. Currently, we purposefully delay the opening date of the Hells Canyon trap to meet the needs of fishermen downstream of Hells Canyon. After November 1, we usually begin trapping efforts to capture fish for the Boise River. As for the notion that we are doing this simply to sell tags and that translocated fish only last a couple of days, I don't agree. We operate the translocation program to provide a unique fishery to a large number of people that might not find the time to travel to do so. Plus, this program reminds people of what was once in the Boise River and other systems that no longer provide anadromous fishing opportunity. Sure, the fact that these anglers buy tags is a bonus, but it certainly is not the reason why we choose to provide this fishery. As for residence time, it is true that a lot of the harvest and effort occur within the first few days. However, we see steelhead-related fishing effort for several weeks after the last stocking event and stocked steelhead live for several months after being translocated. Last weekend, we received a report of one angler catching 2 steelhead in the Boise River in one day, around three months post translocation. These reports are not uncommon. As for utilizing Salmon River fish, I don't see that this option is feasible.  As you probably know, almost Salmon River trapping locations are located much farther upstream and steelhead do not begin to show up at the facilities until the spring at which time they are in much worse condition to the point that translocating wouldn't provide decent fisheries.     
answered 1/22/2016

Q: is there an age restriction on hunting coyotes without an adult and ive heard you can get a spotlighting permit,is there an age restriction on perchesing one?

im 16 and was wondering if there is an age restriction on hunting coyotes without an adult?i have also heard you can get a spotlighting permit,is there an age restriction on perchesing one?

A: 

If you are 16 there are no age restrictions for hunting coyotes. There is currently no age restriction for a spotlight permit.
answered 1/21/2016

Q: What Baits ARE legal to use for trapping in idaho?

If it is unlawful to use any part of a DOMESTIC or WILD origin game bird, big game, upland game, game fish, protected nongame wildlife, unprotected wildlife, or predatory wildlife for bait in trapping furbearing animals, then what CAN i use? a gold fish? no its domestic! A mouse? no its unprotected wildlife! A butterfly? no its unprotected wildlife . . . etc. PLEASE HELP ME!

A: 

Domestic or wild origin game animal refers to any game species whether it is raised in captivity (like a pheasant or elk) or is a wild animal that you have meat for.  You can use fish that are not game fish in Idaho, furbearer meat, chicken, beef, pig, etc. (they are not game animals in Idaho), lure, scent, etc..
answered 1/20/2016

Q: Will wax worms work for whitefish in the Boise River?

Will drifting a wax worm with a split-shot work for mountain whitefish? Been wanting to catch them and just wondering if wax worms are a good bait.

A: 

Wax worms and fly maggots are both used to fish for Whitefish in waters that are open for use of bait.  Use just a heavy enough splitshot to allow your bait to bounce along the bottom of the stream. Whitefish are good smoked or pickeled.  They are a white-meated fish.  Watch for small bones.
answered 1/20/2016

Q: Golden Trout in Pass Lake

I saw on USGS website that there were Golden Trout caught in Pass Lake in Custer County as recently as 2011. Does Idaho F&G still stock these waters with Golden Trout and does this lake tend to experience a lot of winter kill?

A: 

We stock Golden Trout in select high mountain lakes as the fish become available.  California Dept. of Game and Fish, every few years, have Golden Trout eggs that are excess to their needs.  When that happens, they make them available to other western states including Idaho.  Idaho has tried on a couple of occasions to develop their own egg source but it has proven to be too expensive for the small number of eggs (less than 100,000) we need for our mountain lake stocking program. Mountain lake winter-kill of fish are difficult to predict.  As you would guess, drought years followed by sever winter conditions can lead to complete freezing and loss of a fish population.  The other condition that will cause a mountain lake to winter-kill is when a lake has a high organic load from plant growth; freezes early; becomes snow-covered and remains that way for longer than a normal year.  As the organic matter decays it uses oxygen from the water and creates what's called an anoxic condition. Trout require a minimum of 4 parts per million in the water to survive.  Under certain conditions, plant decomposition has lead to 2 or less parts per million oxygen in some high elevation lakes.  
answered 1/19/2016

Q: Hunting license for target practice

Do you need a hunting license to target practice on public land?

A: 

No
answered 1/17/2016

Q: Feeding white tail deer in the winter.

Is it OK to put out food for the deer in the winter? My grandchild likes to put carrots out in the snow banks and watch them.

A: 

We have no laws prohibiting feeding of wildlife though we recommend against it.  Attracting wildlife to one's house usually causes problems.  Deer will begin feeding on shrubbery, defecating on lawns, chasing pets, and attracting predators and spreading diseases and parasites (like ticks and worms) to each other and pets.  Additionally, wildlife does not do very well on new foods and can cause gastrointnestinal distress.  The bacteria in their stomachs that helps digest is very specific to their winter foods.  Also, feeding causes wildlife to lose their fear of humans and become habituated which can lead to aggressive behavior.  So, long story short, we highly recommend against it.  You very likely would call us shortly to ask to move a few deer that have become overly aggressive.
answered 1/16/2016