Press Releases and Articles
F&G surveying mule deer across southern Idaho units, here's what they're looking for
| idfg-bpearson
Beginning at the end of January and for the few weeks, wildlife biologists from several regions in southern Idaho will be flying a mule deer abundance survey on winter range in the Smoky-Boise DAU, which includes portions of Units 39, 45, 48, 49, 50, 52, 52A, and 53.
Two to three helicopters will be used because… more
Bureau of Reclamation enforcing vehicle restrictions on Hot Springs Wildlife Management Area of Lake Cascade
| idfg-jmessner
January has been very cold and has brought virtually no snow to Valley County, which has been great for ice conditions on Lake Cascade but has created issues for unauthorized use of Bureau of Reclamation land surrounding the reservoir. Anglers have begun creating a parking area on the Hot Springs Wildlife… more
Nonresidents need a valid Idaho big game hunting license to gather antlers in Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
This time of year, shed hunters get excited about hitting the hills looking for antlers dropped by Idaho’s big game animals. However, it is important to remember that those who are not legal Idaho residents are now required to purchase a nonresident Idaho license for hunting big game in order to legally pick-up… more
Aerial seeding in Valley Fire burn area will take place on Jan. 30
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game will be using a helicopter to aerially seed sagebrush on the Boise River Wildlife Management Area on Thursday, Jan. 30 – part of the ongoing habitat rehabilitation efforts following the 2024 Valley Fire.
The area being seeded is within the portion of the WMA that is closed to the public… more
River otter trapping closed for the season in the Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
The river otter trapping season in the Panhandle Region closed on Jan. 27 after the harvest quota was met on Jan. 24.
River otters must be presented at the Panhandle Region office in Coeur d'Alene to obtain the appropriate pelt tag within 72 hours of harvest. Any trapper who has already reached their… more
Calling all anglers: South Fork Clearwater River localized broodstock program kicks off again!
| idfg-staff
Hi folks! February is fast approaching, and that means another season of localized broodstock collection on the South Fork Clearwater River. Since 2010, Idaho Fish and Game has relied on assistance from the public to capture broodstock and help fuel the next generations of steelhead bound for our region.
… more
Statewide trout stocking highlights for February 2025
| idfg-cliess
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 12,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this February. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most… more
What a difference the stream makes for juvenile steelhead
| idfg-lreinhardt
Anybody who’s spent some time in Idaho’s wild spaces can tell you that our stream systems come in many different varieties. We have small brooks that trickle over cascading rocks. We have roaring rivers that meander through valleys and slice through canyons. Most streams, however, fall somewhere in between and one of… more
Unlocking the story of Chinook salmon using dorsal fin rays
| idfg-Maddie.Myers
You may be aware that Chinook salmon return from the ocean to their spawning grounds in Idaho, but what you might not know is the Idaho Fish and Game uses Chinook dorsal fin rays to obtain their saltwater age.
Chinook salmon are born in streams throughout Idaho and emigrate to the ocean to spend most of… more
River otter trapping season closed in Clearwater Region
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game was notified that the Clearwater Region's limit of 20 river otters was met on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. The otter trapping season for the entire region closes 72 hours after the harvest quota has been met. As a result, the otter season for the Clearwater Region closed at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan… more
F&G to host spring/summer Chinook salmon public meetings in February
| idfg-cliess
Idaho Fish and Game will be hosting six public meetings for anglers to provide comments and opinions for spring/summer Chinook salmon fisheries. The meetings are slated for February, are free to attend, and (best of all) complimentary pizza and beverages will be provided.
Fish and Game fisheries biologists will… more
Applications for spring turkey controlled hunts open Feb. 1
| idfg-cliess
Turkey hunters looking to apply for 2025 spring controlled turkey hunts can apply from Feb. 1 to March 1. Information on the spring 2025 controlled turkey hunts can be found in the 2024-25 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules booklet.
Hunters must have a 2025 hunting license in order to apply for… more
Haven't tried ice fishing yet? Here's what you're missing
| idfg-rphillips
If you haven't tried ice fishing, you're missing out on a fun, inexpensive winter activity that's a great way to catch lots of tasty fish. Prime ice conditions for fishing varies by region depending on climate, elevation, and other factors, but typically late December through mid February are good times.
… more
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant application period open Feb. 1 through April 30
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 grants cycle. The grants program provides funding on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
Grants up to $10,000 per project are available. In addition, in 2025, IFWF will award $5,000 to fund a… more
18th Annual Sportsmen Against Hunger Event Scheduled Jan. 25 and 26 in Chubbuck
| idfg-jjackson
Do you want to do something “wild” to benefit the Idaho Foodbank in southeast Idaho? Head on over to the 18th Annual Sportsmen Against Hunger event on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 at the C-A-L Ranch store in Chubbuck. This free event runs from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. Funds raised will help feed… more
F&G Commission meeting Jan. 28-29 in Boise
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will hold the public hearing and business meeting at Idaho Fish and Game’s headquarters office at 600 South Walnut Street in Boise. A public hearing will begin on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. MST at the same location. Those wishing to speak to the Commission during the public hearing will have a… more
F&G Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee to meet Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. MST in Boise and virtually
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. MST at Fish and Game's headquarters building at 600 S. Walnut Street in Boise. The meeting will be streamed live via Zoom. However, members of the public in attendance or online can observe the meeting,… more
Meet the artists behind your 2025 Fish and Game hard cards
| idfg-cliess
In the world of hunting, fishing, and trapping, experiences are often the highest form of reward for the time spent pursuing fish and wild game and connecting to nature. Sportsmen and women—similar to artists—collate their own personal book of experiences, enthusiastically shared at the dinner table or around the… more