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  • Raynolds Pass Prescribed Fire Project -May 19, 08 The Ashton/Island Park Ranger District, plans to burn 150-acres of the 465-acre Staley unit just west of Henry’s Lake on Saturday May 17, 2008.
  • Rifles Number One Choice for Deer Hunters -May 16, 08

    An April 2008 survey by Southwick Associates of 3,700 deer hunters nationwide showed that 28% of those who pursued America’s top big-game quarry used rifles to harvest their deer.

  • Looking for Swardfish -May 08, 08

    Dean and Capt. Joe McGivern go for a Swardfish at night..




    Watch the … VIDEO...!

  • Increasing Bear Activity -April 19, 08

    Both forest and fish & game officials report seeing bears tracks in the snow in the Island Park area. Bears are emerging from their winter dens

  • McCall Subregion Fishing Information -April 19, 08

    Horsethief is owned by the Fish and Game Department and is kept full of water throughout the year and is managed strictly as a family fishing water.

  • Upper Snake Region Fishing Information -April 19, 08

    Ice fishing is becoming increasingly difficult with the warmer weather. Anglers should use caution if attempting to access ice, as shorelines are likely to be dangerous.

  • Eftta Appoints New Chief Executive Officer -April 16, 08

    the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association – is an organisation with over 200 members in Europe, representing the interests of tens of thousands of fishing tackle employees.

  • 2008 Spring Fire Season -April 15, 08

    Yesterday, was a good indication of springtime and the long overdue seasonal changes. We can enjoy the warmer temperatures, longer days and grass underfoot—a perfect combination for outside activities.

  • Southwest Region Fishing Information -April 11, 08

    Yellow Perch: Fishing for yellow perch is excellent. Anglers are catching perch throughout the reservoir in about 15 of water. Use small pieces of cut bait and fish close to the bottom.

  • Is Reloading Becoming a Lost Art? -April 11, 08

    The vast majority of American shooters do not reload their shotshells or centerfire rifle and pistol cartidges, according to a recent survey.

  • Will robust snowpack mean a good water year? -March 17, 08

    La Nia has delivered as advertised in Idaho this winter, leaving robust snowpack levels across the state and giving farmers hope that rivers and reservoirs will have ample

  • Employment Opportunities -March 10, 08

    If you are considering becoming a State of Idaho employee, have just joined the team of state employees,

  • Spring's arrival -March 07, 08

    From one City of Rocks to the other, spring is up and running here in the Magic Valley. And that means even more outdoors splendor for enthusiasts to enjoy.

  • Pit of contention -March 03, 08

    Canyons are usually known for their scenic beauty and local wildlife, but in an area of Upper Rock Creek Canyon, immediately surrounded by more than 40 residents…

  • Game and Fish: No imminent wolf slaughter -February 26, 08

    State wildlife officials are dismissing warnings by critics of Wyoming’s wolf management plan of the imminent slaughter of up to two-thirds of the state’s wolves after the animal loses protection under the federal Endangered Species Act next month…

  • Chlorine Leak Kills Fish in Grace Hatchery -December 14, 07

    About 200,000 young rainbow trout were killed Tuesday afternoon, December 11, at the Idaho Fish and Game hatchery in Grace when a chlorine pipe began to leak….

  • Fish and Game Seeking Public Input on Mule Deer Management Plan -December 11, 07

    The draft plan identifies 12 management goals, developed from a series of public involvement efforts over the past 10 months. Last winter the University of Idaho and the Department conducted a survey of more than 4,500 mule deer hunters. Public meetings were held throughout Idaho during September and October. A Mule Deer Workshop was held in Pocatello in August with more than 100 participants. Results from all of these public involvement efforts were used to draft the management goals in the plan.

  • Fish and Game Seeking Public Comment on Draft Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan -November 27, 07

    Fish and Game is seeking public review and comments on the draft wolf management plan, which will guide post-delisting wolf monitoring and management. The Department is proposing using regulated harvest to help manage wolf populations, provide harvest opportunity, and to help reduce conflicts. Additionally, the plan proposes management to provide viewing opportunity.

  • Roads and ATVs Increase Buck Vulnerability -November 20, 07

    Buck vulnerability – or how susceptible a buck is to harvest during the hunting season – is not a new concept. Many situations lead to increased vulnerability, including habitat fragmentation, decreased hiding cover, liberal seasons, hunting during the rut, advances in weapon and equipment technology, and gentle terrain.

  • Idaho Fish and Game releases draft wolf management plan -November 20, 07

    The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has developed a draft wolf population management plan that includes provisions for hunting wolves – in anticipation of wolves in Idaho being removed from the endangered species list.

  • Agencies Extend Waiting Period an Additional 30 Days -November 09, 07

    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Falls District and the U.S. Forest Service (FS) Caribou-Targhee National Forest have extended the BLM required waiting period for the Smoky Canyon Mine Panels F and G, Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for an additional 30 days. The purpose of the additional 30-day extension is to ensure adequate time for the public to review and consider the document.

  • Fish And Game Seeks Public’s Help in Solving Poaching Cases -November 01, 07

    Many poaching cases are reported and solved because of information provided by concerned members of the public. That is why the CAP hotline is so important. It provides an anonymous means for getting valuable information to investigating officers, and through the CAP program, rewards are often possible.

  • S.E. Idaho Pheasant -October 12, 07 The season starts October 20th – November 30th in Area 2 which is the S.E. Idaho area.
  • S.E. Idaho Deer -October 12, 07 “You’re going to see a lot of two pointers taken this year and some very good four pointers coming through the check station,” says Toby Boudreaux of I.F. &G. I believe Toby hit the nail on the head with this statement, I have seen more four points this season than any other and some with spreads approaching 30 inches.
  • Ruffed and Sharp tail Grouse -October 12, 07

    Concentrate on agricultural fields especially on the upper wind swept ridgelines. We found almost 90% of the birds on the crest (top of the agricultural fields

  • Portneuf River -October 12, 07

    “We fished from the Pebble Creek Bridge south to the lower river west of Lava Hot Springs and landed over 30 fish within a few hours,” says long time Pocatello angler Dave Boyd.

  • PUBLIC MEETINGS FOCUS ON TRAVEL MANAGEMENT AT CRATERS OF THE MOON -October 09, 07

    According to Doug Neighbor, NPS Superintendent for the Monument, the Travel Plan will identify a system of all motorized and non-motorized access within the Monument. “This travel planning effort will focus on identifying the types of use and seasons of use appropriate on roads, primitive roads, and trails within this desert environment,” Neighbor noted. “We are seeking public input at this initial stage of the process as we shape the future of travel within the Monument.”

  • Volunteers to Help Clean Up Sand Dunes Saturday -September 25, 07

    Hundreds of volunteers will descend upon the St. Anthony Sand Dunes Saturday, September 29th to help the BLM clean up a popular section of the dunes as part of National Public Lands Day.

  • Caribou National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps -September 25, 07

    Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) for the Caribou portion of the Caribou-Targhee National Forests are available free to the public. There are two separate maps available: Westside RD North (Pocatello) and Westside RD South (Malad) are on one map – back-to-back & Soda Springs RD and Montpelier RD are on one map – back-to-back.

  • Fish and Game Seeking Volunteers to Help Mule Deer -September 24, 07

    On Saturday, September 29th, Fish and Game and volunteers will be headed to Stone in southern Idaho to remove approximately 4 miles of fence on BLM land near the Black Pine area. The fence which stands over 8 feet high is currently impeding access to habitat by mule deer.

  • Unit 69 & 66 Elk / Fishing -September 06, 07

    Wildlife biologist Daryl Meints of region 6 Idaho Fish and Game 208-525-7290 says that although the herd is holding stable at 4200 animals, unit 66 is a top bet holding the largest density of elk in the Tex Creek unit during the spring, summer and fall time periods.

  • Ruffed Grouse -September 06, 07

    Coming into the October season deer hunters will be covering the hills in a show of orange. Please be considerate during the season and respect each others hunting areas. As a side note, cattle are still in many of these areas and ranchers have been reporting cattle with shot in them. If you get caught doing this you can expect a stiff jail sentence with thousands in penalties, it’s not worth it.

  • S.E. IDAHO RESERVOIRS -September 06, 07

    Chesterfield near Bancroft is cranking out trout up to 23 inches long from the 2005 stocking. “I just got off the phone with an angler and he did manage to hook into some of these larger fish. As the weather cools, the fishing here will get hotter,” exclaims Teucher.

  • Unit 76 Deer & Elk Preview -August 27, 07

    According to Idaho Fish and Game (208)-232-4703 P.R. spokesperson Jennifer Jackson, elk are at all time highs across the board. “We have more elk in the state than anytime before, this year should be a fantastic one for elk hunters,” she says.

  • Predators in good supply S.E. Idaho -August 27, 07

    Raccoons have become more and more prevalent in the south end of the state. Shawn Sayer of Pocatello reports coons along the South Fork near Heise to be in fair numbers. “During deer season I have seen some decent coons along the river. It is thick country and provides excellent habitat for a growing population,” he says.

  • Johnson and Lamont Reservoirs -August 27, 07

    “We scored on bass up to 17 inches using rapalas and grubs,” says Witt. The reservoir is a classic setting with wood and weed patches near deep water ledges and points.

  • Upland Birds S.E Idaho -August 27, 07

    “Birds do not cycle as some may think, birds depend on habitat conditions for numbers,” says Anderson. “We had a mild winter and spring allowing birds to have successful hatches. The majority of the birds we hunt are young 1st year birds and if all fairs well this could be a good year,” he adds.

  • Sage Hen and Sharp tail Grouse -August 27, 07

    “It is hard to say the effect the virus has had on our bird population. Carcasses have been difficult to locate making the study a difficult one,” says Carl Anderson of I.F. &G.

  • Unit 71 Deer Hunting -August 27, 07

    “We are expecting a fair crop of young bucks being harvested this year. The past year was not to hard on the herds and this should mean a better fawn survival rate and fair numbers of one and two year old bucks in the field,” say officials.

  • Pocatello Wildlife Film Festival -August 25, 07

    The Pocatello Wildlife Film Festival is being sponsored by numerous local wildlife enthusiasts, sportsmen’s groups, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies. For more information about the PWFF, please call Karrie Schmidt at 232-9306 or Alicia Tauscher at 282-4579; weekdays, 8 am.- 4:30 pm.

  • Global Warming is a Concern for Most Hunters and Anglers -August 20, 07

    According to a national poll of 2,602 sportsmen and women conducted by AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com in July, 2007, 58 percent of hunters and 66 percent of anglers reported they consider global warming to be threat.

  • Visitors Advised to be Bear Aware -August 07, 07

    “Black bears are remarkable animals; it is always a thrill for me to see one, but their well-being requires a little effort on our part,” Sawtooth National Recreation Area Ranger Sara Baldwin says.

  • Super Hunt Deadline Approaching -August 07, 07

    The winners may participate in any open hunt in the state, and any animal they shoot will be in addition to any other tags or controlled hunts the hunter may hold. All other rules of those hunts apply.

  • Twin Lakes fishing well, Winder fish salvage. -July 27, 07

    The sportsmen are stepping up to help out Fish and Game knowing that their sportsman’s dollars are going down the drain by letting fish die in these reservoirs deemed for salvage.

  • Weston Reservoir -July 27, 07

    Pocatello angler James Butler says the fishing is the best he has seen in years.

  • Fish and Game Hosts Free Mule Deer Management Workshop -July 09, 07

    All hunters and wildlife enthusiasts are invited to participate in the upcoming Mule Deer Management Workshop scheduled for Saturday, August 4th, at Idaho State University in Pocatello. This free workshop sponsored by the Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsman’s Warehouse will run from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm

  • Why Salmon Seasons are Closed -June 27, 07

    Once the fishing season begins, Fish and Game monitors harvest closely to ensure that the quota is not exceeded—an error that could jeopardize a hatchery’s maximum production and affect fishing opportunities four years later.

  • Super Hunt Winners Announced -June 27, 07

    A second drawing will be August 15. Tickets for two elk, two deer, two antelope and one moose along with another Super Hunt Combo will be drawn.

  • Rattlesnake Warning Idaho -June 27, 07

    Killing a rattlesnake in the state of Idaho is an illegal offense as they are now protected by federal law.

  • WOLF REPORT: Wolves Kill Sheep -June 19, 07

    Representatives of various interests, including livestock owners, outfitters, hunters, environmental and wildlife advocates met with Idaho Fish and Game officials June 14 in Boise to discuss a wolf harvest management plan.

  • Rinehart 100 event in Pocatello -June 14, 07

    On June 9th and 10th Rinehart opened the gates up at the Pocatello Field Archers range off of Pocatello Creek road and 450 archers from around the country flooded in to participate on the event of a lifetime

  • Salmon Season Closed on Clearwater, Lochsa -June 13, 07

    The only spring Chinook fishery that remains open is on the Upper Snake River from the Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to Hells Canyon Dam. Fishing remains open Friday through Monday only until further notice.

  • Super Hunt Drawing This Week -June 11, 07

    Money from the sale of tickets for the Super Hunt – described as “the hunt of a lifetime” – supports the Access Yes! Program, which compensates landowners to provide hunter and angler access to or across private land.

  • Application for Crane Hunts Begins -June 11, 07

    Sandhill cranes are hunted in Idaho as an attempt to limit depredation to crops in eastern Idaho counties. Cranes are fully protected outside the three hunt areas, all in southeast Idaho.

  • Women’s Archery Clinic Planned near Orofino -June 11, 07

    “The clinic is intended to expose women and their daughters to archery hunting and shooting techniques in a non-competitive environment,” said Jill Green, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game hunter education instructor coordinating the event.

  • Winder Reservoir -June 11, 07

    “It was slow going during the day, once the sun went down though the water came alive,” says James Butler of Pocatello.

  • BECOME A HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR -June 11, 07

    New Instructor Orientation outlines how to organize the class, select meeting sites, how to order supplies and how to get students registered and finally certified. Instructors learn how to use lesson plans, how to teach using various methods, and how to employ effective teaching styles.

  • Governor Wants to Protect Working Lands, Wildlife Habitats -June 08, 07

    “While Idaho’s growth brings many benefits to our state, we need to balance growth with stewardship to ensure Idaho remains a place where farmers, ranchers and loggers can earn a living and where hunters, anglers and all Idahoans have access to our lands and our wildlife,” Otter said.

  • Avoiding Dog-Wolf Conflicts -June 07, 07

    Most trouble with wolves can be avoided, however, by taking a few precautions and by understanding a little bit about wolves.

  • Early Hunt Applicants Win Cash -June 07, 07

    They were the winners drawn from early applicants in the big game controlled hunt application period, which ends June 5. Those who applied by May 10 were eligible to win $550. The $450 prize was awarded for filing by May 25.

  • Fish Fest Planned for Free Fishing Day -June 07, 07

    Join Idaho Fish and Game employees at Park Center Pond for a fish identification game and our macro invertebrate—bugs—table for a closer look at aquatic life.

  • Go Fish, No License Needed -June 07, 07

    Free Fishing Day is the one and only day each year that a fishing license is not required to fish.

  • Noted European Wolf Expert to Speak at BSU -June 07, 07

    The presentation is sponsored by the University of Idaho and Boitani’s Boise visit was arranged by Steve Nadeau, large carnivore manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

  • Mormon Reservoir, hot spot for yellow perch -June 06, 07

    “Most people fish for yellow perch by jigging a worm just off the bottom of the reservoir,” said Gutknecht. “If you are planning to bank fish, try along the North West shore around the boat ramp due to the easy access.

  • Alexander Reservoir/Bear River Cats - June 6th, 2007 -June 06, 07 According to fisheries biologist David Teuscher, fish up to 10 pounds were shocked up last year. “I remember that some of the fish we checked were in excess of ten pounds or better, but most were smaller in the 1 – 3 pound class,” he says.
  • GROUPS WORK TO PASS FARM AND FOREST PROTECTION ACT -June 06, 07

    “You think about what people in Idaho value, they value the wildlife,” said Soulen. They value the large open landscapes, they value the ability to be outdoors and have room to recreate on.”

  • Twin Lakes - May 29, 2007 -May 29, 07 Bluegills are currently holding in the ten-foot area. They are in a pre spawn mode not quite ready to go into the shallows to spawn. Worms, grubs and micro jigs are working well fished under a bobber. You’ll find that most bluegills are in the five – seven inch range with a few eight – nine inches.
  • McTucker Ponds Management Area - May 24, 2007 -May 29, 07

    Warm water anglers can look towards McTucker ponds management area for another bass and pan fish fishery thanks to region 5 Idaho Fish & Game 208-232-4703. With an aggressive stocking program, look for warm water fish like bass, bluegill, sunfish and catfish to be tugging at your line throughout the summer months.

  • Glendale, Foster, Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs - May 29, 2007 -May 29, 07

    The far southeastern corner of Idaho is a warm water anglers dream. With small bodies of water dotted across this region, anglers have the opportunity to fish for a wide variety of species like bass, crappies, bluegill, perch, tiger musky and rainbows.<

  • American Falls and Snake River - May 29, 2007 -May 29, 07

    The reports on the reservoir have been good. Anglers are landing rainbows up to eight pounds and small mouth in the two – five pound range. This early period is a good bet before the draw down starts in mid summer, draining the reservoir to a riverbed.

  • FISH AND GAME HOLDS NEW SUMMER WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS -May 24, 07

    There, in a gorgeous mountain setting, educators will learn about the amazing beauty and fragility of the high deserts that surround us. They will also learn of the fantastic animals that live in Idaho’s deserts, and the challenges they face in their unique environment.

  • General Fishing Season Begins Saturday -May 24, 07

    Don’t forget that Free Fishing Day is just around the corner, and once again the Southeast Regional Office of the Idaho Fish and Game is sponsoring an event at McTucker Ponds.

  • McTucker Ponds & American Falls -May 17, 07

    By Dave Langston

    Warm temperatures have moved into S.E. Idaho and spiney rays are on the take in many small waters. Local anglers are starting to pound the banks with soft plastics and crankbaits looking for some fast action.
  • S.E. Idaho Creeks and Streams -May 17, 07

    By Dave Langston

    Fishing season is here and anglers are taking to the water often overlooking some of the smaller streams across S.E. Idaho. Here is a rundown of some of the waters where you can expect to put a few fish in the creel this summer.
  • Scoping Meeting Addresses Issues -May 10, 07

    The meeting did start with a slide show but soon turned towards comments and slowly got heated, as a few anglers are very passionate about this fishery. Again, Idaho Fish and Game showed poise answering some very difficult questions. I normally disagree or even attack Idaho Fish and Game when warranted but not this day, they earned my respect. My hat goes off to you guys.

  • UPPER SNAKE REGION SPORTSMEN’S GROUPS JOIN TOGETHER TO OFFER FREE YOUTH SKILLS DAY! -May 08, 07

    The free event starts at 9:00 AM and runs until 4:00 PM, but registration starts at 8:30 AM and everyone who takes place in at least six of the mini-seminars will be entered in a drawing for a new rifle. The seminars are all free and will cover such topics as fishing, archery, trapping, turkey calling, muzzleloading, hound dogging, horse and llama packing and falconry. A trailer with a portable laser shooting gallery will also be on hand for youngsters to test their skills.

  • VOLUNTEERS DO “WILDWORK” FOR FISH AND GAME -May 04, 07

    Volunteer Services and Hunter Ed Coordinator for southeast region Fish and Game, Terri Bergmeier, says, “Volunteers make contributions of time, energy and expertise on a variety of projects, many of which would not be accomplished otherwise. We appreciate all the assistance volunteers provide.”

  • NEW PARK PLANNED FOR IDAHO FALLS -April 30, 07

    Steve Schmidt, Regional Supervisor for Fish and Game hopes many will catch the vision, “Wouldn’t it be great to have an area where kids and the whole family could hop on their bikes and ride to a pond to catch some fish?”

  • Public Scoping for 2007 Panhandle Region Special Turkey Rules -April 26, 07

    Even with all the various relocation efforts, there has not been a noticeable reduction in hunting opportunity or a reduction in the following year’s depredation complaints in the Panhandle. The proposed changes include increasing the bag limit to five turkeys and extending the fall hunting season to December 15 in Units 1, 2, 3, and 5.

  • Island Park MAP -April 26, 07 This 7000-acre reservoir is on U.S. Highway 20, about 30 miles north of Ashton. The reservoir was constructed in 1938 as an irrigation storage facility, and has added to the diverse fishing opportunities of the area.
  • Rock chucks & ground squirrels in good supply -April 26, 07

    Although hunting season is still months away for most, varmint shooters are scoring near the Blackfoot river and Lava flats near McCammon and the supply of these furry critters look endless. With sunny skies and warm weather, look for chucks and squirrels to be active.

  • S.E. Idaho warm water lakes taking off -April 26, 07

    Good bets at this time are grubs and worms crawled slowly over the bottom in the morning hours. Pumpkin with a chartreuse tail works well but salt and pepper is also a good bet. During the afternoon, switch over to twitch baits / stick baits. Rapalas, thunder sticks and reef runners are good bets in a rainbow or even a perch color.

  • IDFG SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED SANDHILL CRANE HUNTS FOR NEXT FALL -April 25, 07

    The actual total number of sandhill cranes that can be harvested is set by the Pacific Flyway Council, not IDFG. What IDFG does control is how to get the maximum benefit from the total allotment the state receives each year. Last year the limit was set at 336, of which 236 actual birds were harvested. “This year the allocation has been set at 306 birds, a similar number to last year.” says Tom Hemker, statewide waterfowl coordinator for Idaho.

  • Please help avoid bear and human conflicts -April 24, 07

    Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, Tim Henderson and a 15 year old male grizzly bear collided on April 10, 2007 northeast of Tetonia, Idaho. As a result, Tim was badly injured and the bear was ultimately destroyed. I am thankful that Mr. Henderson appears to be on the road to a complete recovery and wish both he and his family health and much happiness. As we put this tragedy behind us, I wish to share my thoughts to speed the healing process and help avoid future bear and human conflicts. Hopefully, this message will begin a discourse in Teton, Fremont, and Clark counties regarding what we have learned from this incident.

  • IDAHO FISH AND GAME COMMISSION TO CONSIDER SANDHILL CRANE HUNTS -April 24, 07

    The story of the Rocky Mountain population of Greater Sandhill Cranes is a wildlife management success. Numbers have increased from a total of a few thousand in the 1960’s to around 23,000 last fall. Southeast Idaho, mainly Caribou and Bear Lake counties, host the largest single concentration of the birds when they gather in August and early September to stage for their fall migration to their wintering areas in southern Colorado and New Mexico.

  • Turkeys Southeast Idaho -April 11, 07

    By Dave Langston

    The Oneida narrows and the reservoir itself offer great habitat and easy access for gobbler hunters. Hardwoods surround the reservoir especially on the east side. Agricultural fields are present and on occasion you will find groups of birds feeding early and late in these areas.

  • Twin Lakes & Winder Reservoir -April 11, 07

    By Dave Langston


    Winder is a smaller reservoir with a no boat restriction. Count on this reservoir to warm quickly with large bass spawning by late May and early June. This is a good one to fish if you are looking to put a trophy on the wall.

  • Hawkins Reservoir & Devils Creek -April 11, 07

    By Dave Langston


    Largemouth bass should be coming on as the weather continues to stay near 70 degrees in southeast Idaho. The reservoir is LOADED with scrappy 11-12 inch spinney rays. I believe bass are the prominent fishery after landing over 50 within half-day of fishing last year.

  • Fish and Game Releases Regional Weekly Fishing Reports -April 04, 07

    Idaho has more than 10 world-class blue-ribbon wild trout streams, including the Henrys Fork, Silver Creek and the St. Joe River scattered throughout the state. Many other high-quality trout streams exist, and the new reports will help angles find those spots.

  • S.E. Idaho Small mouths Map -April 03, 07

    By Dave Langston

    Small mouths will be congregating in the back of the bay near the springs and rocks. “We hauled in eight bass over four pounds last year in a single day at the springs,” says James Butler of Pocatello. “This is a honey hole I hate to let out of the bag, but man it is to good to keep quiet,” he adds.

  • ROTATING IDFG AUCTION TO LAND IN IDAHO FALLS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 7TH -March 23, 07

    The auction of found, forfeited, and seized items by IDFG is an annual happening. Those familiar with the event call it by its shortened name of “The Fur Sale.” As the name implies, the majority of the items up for auction are furs and hides either found, confiscated or seized by the courts throughout the state during the past year.

  • Delisting of Yellowstone Grizzly Bear -March 22, 07

    This commitment coupled with State wildlife agencies’ approved grizzly bear management plans ensure that adequate regulatory mechanisms are in place and that the Yellowstone grizzly bear population will not become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Therefore, based on the best scientific and commercial information available, we are finalizing the delisting of the Yellowstone grizzly bear DPS. More information on this action and other post-delisting management documents are available below.

  • Conservation and Management Plan for Mountain Whitefish in the Big Lost River Available for Review -March 22, 07

    The plan reviews historical and current distribution and abundance based on fishery surveys and historical accounts. It describes the isolated nature of the Big Lost River drainage that has lead to genetic differences between Big Lost River mountain whitefish and other populations in the Snake River basin. Finally, the plan discusses potential factors affecting the population and identifies management actions believed to be critical to the attainment of population objectives are identified.

  • Big Game Highway Mortality Symposium -March 12, 07

    Topics to be explored include the value the animals killed each year could have to the Idaho economy; how other state and countries have tackled the problem of highway mortality; and how future road and highway construction and improvements could lessen the wildlife death toll.

  • Southeast Region Fish and Game Sets Big Game Scoring Day -March 09, 07

    “We are so lucky to have three official measurers with over 30 years of experience,” says Jennifer Jackson, Regional Conservation Educator for Fish and Game. “The service is free, so even if you are not sure your item is record worthy, bring it by anyway. We will be happy to rough score it.”

  • Hunter Education Registration for Pocatello/Chubbuck Area -March 09, 07

    Hunter Education courses are taught by trained, volunteer instructors who adhere to statewide standards. Courses involve lectures and demonstrations, homework, field experiences, firing exercises and a written exam.

  • Fish and Game Surveys Mule Deer Hunters -February 13, 07

    The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has begun work on a new statewide Mule Deer Management Plan, and officials want to hear from mule deer hunters across the state.

  • Hunter Education Classes Plentiful -February 13, 07

    “We have several options available for both hunter education and bowhunter education,” Fish and Game wildlife educator Dan Papp said. “These include traditional classroom courses, home study and online course options.”<

  • FISH AND GAME TO HOLD BIG GAME REGULATIONS SCOPING MEETINGS -February 12, 07

    “The public uses the resource and so we want to understand how the public wants it managed,” says Corey Class, regional wildlife biologist for the southeast region of Fish and Game. He adds, “That doesn’t mean we can make all hunters happy all the time, but we try our best to mesh what hunters want with what’s best for the resource.”

  • NEW SAGE GROUSE WORKING GROUPS FORMED -February 12, 07

    The Big Desert Sage Grouse Local Working Group will focus on sage grouse populations and habitat in the Blaine, Butte, Bingham, and Power County areas.

  • Fish and Game Surveys Mule Deer Hunters -February 07, 07 “We are in the beginning stages of creating a new mule deer management plan for the state of Idaho,” said Brad Compton, state big game manager. “What we need to know is what sportsmen want when it comes to hunting opportunities.”
  • Home is Where the Habitat Is -January 26, 07 “Though the purpose for buying this property was mostly recreational,” says Bute, “we also want to enhance it for wildlife.”
  • Fishing for Answers in Island Park Reservoir -January 08, 07

    Besides winter carryover, the stocking rates have confounded the picture. Over the past 50 years, IDFG has managed the reservoir with a wide range of stocking strategies. Varying numbers of fingerling rainbow trout have been stocked in the spring, summer, and fall, in addition to a lesser number of “catchable” or 10-12 inch sized fish.

  • COW ELK SHOT AND LEFT TO WASTE -December 27, 06

    This elk waste case is yet another event in a rash of elk waste cases plaguing southeast Idaho this year.

  • Hunters Can Help Fish and Game with CWD Testing -October 15, 06

    CWD is one of a group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathys (TSE) that includes bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cows, scrapie in sheep, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans. CWD was first discovered in Colorado in 1967. Since that time, it has been documented in free ranging deer and elk in northeastern Colorado, southeastern Wyoming, northeastern Utah, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona. It has also been documented in captive deer and elk facilities in several other states. So far, CWD has not been found in Idaho. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control have concluded that there is currently no evidence that CWD in deer and elk is transmitted to humans.

  • Farm-Raised Elk Escape -October 11, 06

    The depredation hunt in Unit 62 is open only to those landowners and hunters who receive a letter from the Department of Fish and Game informing them that they can participate.

  • Banana Trout Utilized To Help IDFG Manage Sand Creek WMA Ponds -October 05, 06

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game will use an unusual looking trout to help improve fishing at the Sand Creek WMA ponds. Fishing in the four Sand Creek Ponds has declined in recent years and biologists are hoping that a better understanding of overwinter trout survival in the different ponds can help improve the fishery.

About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

... more About Dave Langston >>

Video Interviews

  • Visiting the Crow’s Nest Ranch -December 07, 07

    The Western States Sportsman crew recently paid a visit to the Crow’s Nest Ranch near Mackay, ID to hunt pheasant and chukar. We had a great hunt there hunting the wild chukar that roost on the mountain above the ranch as well as the pheasant that the operators of the ranch raise for hunting.

  • Juniper Mountian Ranch -November 30, 07

    This is a special episode of the Western States Sportsman. Come with us as we venture to Juniper Mountain Ranch in Idaho and test out products new for 2007 and 2008.