Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes, Chesterfield Reservoir is open to waterfowl hunting during the established waterfowl seasons for the area in which it is located.  However, the upper portion of the reservoir is located within the Fort Hall Reservation and according to the Reservation biologist is not open for waterfowl hunting. 

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The rule governing the question you asked about the use of the RamCat braodhead is addressd in  IDAPA  13.01.08.410.02. The rule prohibits the use of  "arrows or bolts having expanding broadheads". Based on the description provided in the product literature, "if the head does not pass through the animal for whatever reason, the blades will rotate forward and the broadhead will cut its way back out “. sugggests that the broadhead is mechanical and expands.  Because of this feature, the RamCat broadhead is not legal for use.

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As a matter of public safety, Idaho Code Section 36-1508 prohibits discharging a firearm from or across a public highway (any government maintained road and right-of-way).  This prohibition covers archery equipment, shotguns, rifles, pistols, muzzleloaders, airguns, and other hunting weapons.

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Sir, We made a mistake.  Idaho Fish and Game is not aligned with HSUS and the press release has been removed from the Fish and Game website.  A well-meaning employee thought the reward offered by the organization would be useful in helping to solve the poaching case.  Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

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Yes.  During the 2012 Idaho Legislative session, new rules were approved which allow people to recover, posses, and sell commercially valuable wildlife that have been killed by accidental vehicle collisions.  You can go to our web site at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/species/roadkill to find out more details regarding the rule, obtain the online “salvage permit” and read a list of common questions and explanations.    However, we do not have lists to sign up for salvagable wildlife. 

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You can harvest crayfish with just a valid fishing license.  In Idaho, they are considered game fish, so they can be caught whenever a season is open for fishing on that water (even a catch-and-release season).  If you want to use a trap, you can set 5 per licensed angler.  Check the rules for trap dimension restrictions.  There is no limit on the number of crayfish you can catch and keep.  Just keep in mind, it's illegal to transport live crayfish. We haven't tested crayfish from the Portneuf River for contaminants - so I can't comment on health risk.  I will say, however, if you are comfortable eating other species of fish from the Portneuf - then you shouldn't be concerned about the risk from consuming crayfish from the same system.

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Living in the wild is something people probably think about from time-to-time.  However, the reality of such a life often does not match how we would imagine such a life.  Finding food and coping with the weather can be a daunting challenge.  In addition, a number of rules and regulations apply to public land use.   Public lands have regulations limiting the length of time a person may camp to 14 days.  This applies to an unimproved area as well as some established campgrounds.  In addition, there is a radius out of which a camp must be moved when the 14 day limit is over.  The general gathering of berries and other plants for food is not regulated, but knowing what is edible and what is not in a vital skill.  Endangered plants may not be gathered.  Both hunting and fishing are regulated by specific seasons, locations and species.  Hunting and fishing licenses and tags are required to hunt and fish in Idaho.  A good place to learn more is your local Forest Service District Office.          

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If a a private individual were to kill a dog at large it could carry criminal or civil liability.  The Fish and Game director or any peace officer, or persons authorized to enforce fish and game laws are authorized to destroy the dog at large when chasing big game.  Here is the section from Idaho Code 36-1101: Regulation of Dogs. (A)  No person shall make use of a dog for the purpose of pursuing, taking or killing any of the big game animals of this state except as otherwise provided by rules of the commission. (B)  Any person who is the owner of, or in possession of, or who harbors any dog found running at large and which is actively tracking, pursuing, harassing or attacking, or which injures or kills deer or any other big game animal within this state shall be guilty as provided in section 36-1401(a)1.(F), Idaho Code. It shall be no defense that such dog or dogs were pursuing said big game animals without the aid or direction of the owner, possessor, or harborer. (C)  Any dog found running at large and which is actively tracking, pursuing, harassing, attacking or killing deer or any other big game animal may be destroyed without criminal or civil liability by the director, or any peace officer, or other persons authorized to enforce the Idaho fish and game laws. The best thing you can do is contact your local sheriff or conservation officers.

A: 

There is nothing in Idaho Fish and Game code or rule that prohibits the feeding of games birds.  However, it is prohibited by rule to hunt upland game birds by use of bait, which is defined as "any substance placed to attract upland game birds".  Also, keep in mind that overcrowding issues can develop by feeding wild animals, which can cause unintentional problems. We do not encourage feeding wild animals.

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Yes you can use furs, feathers, and motion for a decoy. The only thing is you could not trap adjacent to the decoy. Also for the purposes of trapping you could not use feathers or fur.

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Elk populations in northern Idaho are mixed - too few in some areas and too many in others.  Perhaps the most important factor in managing an elk herd is management of cow and calf (antlerless) elk. Where elk herds have declined, Idaho Fish and Game has eliminated anterless elk hunting completely.  Monitoring has show that too few calves are surviving to replace the cows lost each year, resulting in a declining population. The current survival rate of cows in the Panhandle is 90%.  This was based on 58 adult cows in both the St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene River drainages, so cow survival seems to be holding up. Our primary concern is calf survival.  Bull elk survival is of concern, not because hunters are taking to many, but because too few calves are survivng their first year. While success rates have indeed dropped, the number of hunters pursuing elk has not been shown to be a driving factor.

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We are currently in the process of drawing names for the 70 nonresident hound hunter permits.  A letter notifiying successful applicants will be mailed out the beginning of next week. Good luck.