Frequently Asked Questions

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The reduced bear and mountain lion tags are only valid in specific units. See the current years big game proclamation booklets for a list of the units where reduced bear and mountain lion tags are valid. The full price bear and mountain lion tag can be used in any big game management unit that has an open season.

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Idaho Code 36-1107 talks about when wild animals can be destroyed and it does not cover destroying a moose because it attacks your dog.

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The parasites are fairly common, and they are a particular species of nematode that lives in joint areas of deer. The parasite is likely either in  the genus Onchocerca (several species) or the genus Wehrdikmansia (species cervipedis).  These parasite are transmitted by various biting insects inlcuding horse flies and gnats.  The presence of the parasites pose no health issues for humans.

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Tag levels are set based on harvest data, aerial survey data, and a need to minimize elk depredations on agricultural crops.  Our most recent survey (2013) found around 3800 elk in Unit 22, with healthy calf:cow ratios (about 28 calves per 100 cows) and bull:cow ratios (about 17 bulls per 100 cows).  These numbers indicate a stable to growing elk population. For the past several years, instances of elk causing problems in ranchers' crops have increased, and occur every year.  Therefore, our management goal for the Weiser River Zone (which 22 is a part of) is to decrease cow numbers a bit to help minimize the depredations to agriculture.  We do realize that elk distribution changes from season to season.  This fall was unseasonably warm, and it's likely that elk stayed much higher for much longer than they usually do.  We appreciate your input on tag levels, and we evaluate them every year to see if overall harvest rates are stable and match our management goals.  We'll do the same this year prior to setting tag levels for 2015.  Feel free to call or email any time if you have additional questions. Regan Berkley Regional Wildlife Manager, McCall office regan.berkley@idfg.idaho.gov 634-8137

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The answer to that question depends on the problems they are causing. If they are damaging your property in a monetary way, you have the right to defend your property. If they are simply an annoyance, we can rent you a trap to remove them. Skunks are classified in Idaho as predators. As such, they may be taken in any numbers year round by holders of and Idaho hunting license. We would caution you to ensure you are in compliance with any city or local ordinances regarding shooting, however.   - Josh Royse Regional Conservation Officer

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The changes to Bent Lane access to the Boise River near Star have resulted in a lot of confusion and disappointment for past area users who go there now.  First, it is important to clarify that the entire access is on private land.  Although a previous landowner posted the public access easement as a "Sportsman Access" at one time, it has never been owned by or associated with Idaho Fish and Game. The existing easement is a conditon of Canyon County's approval of the subdivision and covers only the road to the point where it contacts the Boise River, and no land on either side of the road.  The purpose of the road easement to provide access to the river for Flood Control District 10 and public access to the river bank.  There is private land on both sides of the road to that point, even though peple historically crossed that private land to get to the public land adjacent to the river. The landowner's action to limit public access across private land other than on the deeded easement is within his right as a landowner.  You may confirm the location of the road easement, private land, and any public land in the area by investigating land ownership plats in the Canyon County Assessor's office, but I think you are incorrect in your assumption that the small lake associated with the development is on public land.   

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Yes he does, A Federal Migratory Bird Stamp is required for any waterfowl hunter 16 years or older.

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There are quite a few opportunities around this area.  One place to start would be to look at Idaho Fish and Game's wildlife management areas in the Panhandle Region.  Another more direct way might be to call the Panhandle regional office and ask to talk to someone in wildlife and we can help you locate some area.

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INL is in between Arco and Idaho Falls on both sides of Highway 26

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If you are talking about filing a 2014 hunter-harvest report, you're in luck. (opens January 2014, closes June 2015). You will still be able to hunt in Fall 2015. (Question submitted 11/25/2014) Just to repeat the regulations -- Each hunter is required to file their report, within 10 days after harvesting, or after their hunt is over.   If you missed that date, please file as soon as you can.  We are glad to have your report as soon as we can. It saves us money, to not have to track down missing reports.  Also, the sooner we receive the data,  the sooner we are able to get the results out, which benefits both the hunters and the wildlife managers. By the way, there will be a drawing for 10 special hunt tags in February 2015, for the hunters who turned in all of their reports. You can file your report on this IDFG web site, to go right to the reporting page. Or call our toll-free number 24/7. http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=106

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Idaho laws and rules regarding “road hunting” focus on public safety and hunting principles of fair chase. For public safety reasons, it is illegal in Idaho to shoot from or across a public highway. It is also generally illegal in Idaho to hunt from motorized vehicles and to molest game with motorized vehicles.  However, driving around looking for game or sitting in a vehicle looking for game do not by themselves violate Idaho hunting laws. Whether a person is “hunting” from a motorized vehicle typically depends on a combination of factors.  Law enforcement looks at what the people in the vehicle are doing: are they actively shooting; do they have firearms ready to use at hand; are they driving erratically or overly slow for road conditions; are they following particular animals; are they actively calling game animals and using optics, and so forth. If you see conduct that may be illegal, please call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline as soon as possible at 1-800-632-5999. Our conservation officers and other staff can also discuss hunting laws and ethics with you if you’ve got questions about your own hunting activities.

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No it is not legal to hunt in a posted area that includes shooting from an unposted area to a posted area. Title 36-1602 refers to hunting on posted land; Title 18-7011 refers to even entering another’s property by causing any object, substance or force to go upon or over real property.