Hunters must buy 2021 big game controlled hunt tags by Aug. 1

If you are a hunter who was successful in the 2021 controlled hunt drawing, don’t forget to purchase your controlled hunt tag by Aug. 1.

Successful applicants must purchase their controlled hunt tags by 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Aug. 1 or their tags will be forfeited. All unclaimed tags, along with controlled hunt tags no one applied for, will be available in a second drawing, with the application period running from from Aug. 5 through Aug. 15. Successful applicants for the second drawing will be notified by Aug. 25.

After the second drawing, any leftover tags will be sold first-come, first-served beginning Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time.

Hunters who did not draw a controlled hunt tag (as well as those who did) still have the opportunity to get a prime deer, elk, pronghorn or moose hunt through the Super Hunt program, which is separate from and different than other controlled hunts. Winners can participate in any open hunt in the state for deer, elk, pronghorn or moose, including general hunts and controlled hunts, in addition to any general season or controlled hunt tags they also hold. All other rules of individual hunts apply.

Super Hunt entries are $6 each, or $20 each for the Super Hunt combo, and people can apply as many times as they like.

The Super Hunt entry period goes through August 10. Tags for two elk, two deer, two pronghorn, one moose, and one Super Hunt Combo will be drawn. Winners will be notified by August 15. Hunters may enter the drawings at license vendors, Fish and Game offices, online through Fish and Game’s licensing system, or by calling 1-800-554-8685.

For more information, including frequently asked questions and photos and stories of previous winners, visit the Super Hunt webpage.

Proposals for 2021-22 big game season open for public comment; virtual open houses will be held Feb. 16–25

Fish and Game will be setting new seasons for upcoming deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion and wolf hunts in March, and hunters can now see proposed season and changes and provide comments. The comment period deadline is Feb. 25. There will also be a series of virtual open houses Feb. 16 to 25.

The easiest way for hunters to review proposals and weigh in will be visiting the big game proposals webpage at idfg.idaho.gov/big-game. The proposals are posted by region and separated by species within each region.

The public comment process will also include virtual open houses hosted by Fish and Game’s staff for each of its regions, along with one statewide open house.

In addition to the virtual open houses, regional Fish and Game staff will also host call-in sessions to provide people without internet access an opportunity to weigh in on the proposals.

Virtual Open House Schedule

All virtual open houses will start at 6 p.m. local time. Links to each virtual meeting will are available at idfg.idaho.gov/big-game.

Panhandle: Feb. 18

Clearwater: Feb. 24

Southwest (McCall): Feb. 17

Southwest (Nampa): Feb. 22

Magic Valley: Feb. 23

Southeast: Feb. 16

Upper Snake: Feb. 18

Salmon: Feb. 24

Statewide: Feb. 25

Call-in Session Schedule

All call-in sessions will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. local time. Before participating in the call-in sessions, the public is encouraged to review the proposals at idfg.idaho.gov/big-game.

Panhandle: Feb. 23

Clearwater: Feb. 17

Southwest (McCall): Feb. 22

Southwest (Nampa): Feb. 24

Magic Valley: Feb. 24

Southeast: Feb. 18

Upper Snake: Feb. 23

Salmon: Feb. 17

Big game seasons will be finalized by the Fish and Game Commission during its March 17-18 meeting in Nampa.

Taking aim: F&G launches new website to help new hunters find success

Idaho Fish and Game has launched a new website, gohuntidaho.org, to help new hunters learn an Idaho tradition that helps people provide their own food, as well as family recreation.

“For new hunters, getting started in the sport can be intimidating. From firearm safety, seasons and rules, where to find game, and processing meat — it’s a lot to take in,” said Ian Malepeai, marketing manager at Fish and Game. “This website is a sort of one-stop-shop where new hunters can easily find all information they need.”

A large portion of the website is focused on upland hunting, which is a beginner-friendly activity and a gateway to becoming a life-long hunter. The website also includes resources for big game, turkey and waterfowl.

Fish and Game’s research shows that 39 percent of Idaho residents are interested in hunting, and of that group, 34 percent of those interested have never hunted before. Historically, hunting has been a tradition passed down through family mentors, but Malepeai said not all people interested in learning to hunt come from families with hunters.

“While we know we cannot replace family mentors, our hope is to be a surrogate mentor and provide as much information as we can to set new hunters up for success,” he said. “We know that there is a demand, and we are really trying to reach this audience and provide this new resource.”

With a growing population, and with a recent influx of new hunter education graduates, the new website also comes at an opportune time for a group of hunters who will likely be hunting in Idaho for the first time this fall.

Among the resources to get them started is a three-part tutorial to learn how to use Fish and Game’s digital resources, maps, and ways to find new hunting areas. The first video in the Big Game Scouting Series, “Using F&G resources to research and select a hunting unit” was published to the website on Aug. 10.

“Our surveys have shown that the biggest hurdle for new hunters is figuring out where they should go to hunt,” Malepeai said. “These videos will teach new hunters how to use the tools at their disposal to answer that question themselves.”

This is one of many innovative digital resources Fish & Game provides on the website. Another major hurdle for new hunters is what to do with an animal after they have harvested it. The website also provides videos on butchering and field dressing game.

In partnership with Boise State University, Fish and Game developed a virtual reality simulation that provides a “hands-on” tutorial of how to field dress an elk from home, which will be featured on the website, and people can download it.

Additionally, Fish and Game has developed content to inspire current hunters to pass on the traditions of hunting by promoting mentorship programs and experiences. Another three-part video series, dubbed “The Maiden Hunts” is due to hit the website in September.

“Our Maiden Hunt video series really shows the importance of mentoring, and how rewarding mentoring can be,” Malepeai said. “These videos illustrate the diversity of who hunters are. Hunters, and those new to hunting, come from all races, genders, ages, backgrounds, and experiences.”

Here’s what bird hunting looks like across the state

Idaho is a big state with a diverse mix of habitats, elevations and climates, and the state contains a variety of upland game birds. Upland bird populations can vary tremendously on an annual basis, and their health and numbers typically depend on favorable weather conditions, which are often very localized.

That means upland game birds are tough to forecast on a statewide basis except to say there’s ample opportunity for upland hunters to pursue a large variety of birds across a variety of landscapes.

“Like many other years, hunting can vary widely geographically, but from a statewide perspective, I’m optimistic about this fall,” said Jeff Knetter, upland game and migratory game bird coordinator. “Spring weather conditions were more wet than average, which often times means excellent brood-rearing conditions.”

To provide an idea of what’s available this hunting season, Fish and Game’s wildlife biologists in each region have compiled an update of what they’re seeing and hearing on the ground with bird populations, so hunters can get a look at their favorite areas and quarry.

Here’s a look at upland bird hunting in each region:

Panhandle Region

Panhandle upland bird hunters might have to look a little harder for birds this year. Snowpack in the lower and mid elevations was above average, which likely affected over winter survival. There was record rainfall in the spring and this affected brood survival. The end result is there will be fewer young birds out there. The summer has been hot and dry. Birds will be concentrated around reliable water sources. Predicted fall conditions call for continued hotter than normal temperatures with average rainfall.

Clearwater Region

The 2018-19 winter was fairly mild to start, but winter conditions returned late with cold temperatures and heavy snow across the Clearwater region. The impacts of these conditions on upland game bird survival are largely unknown, although no abnormally high mortality rates were detected.

During the spring 2019 nesting and early brood rearing period, weather conditions were cool and abnormally wet through spring into summer. Cool and wet weather can provide for excellent summer brood-rearing habitat, but can also result in chick mortality, depending on the timing and intensity of precipitation events. Overall, population trends were mixed, depending on the species.

Southwest Region

Spring and early summer conditions were excellent for brood production for most upland birds. Quail, chukar and gray partridge had good carryover survival after a good production year. Chukar, gray partridge, and quail production should be good to excellent with great harvest conditions this fall. Pheasant numbers along established brood routes are down, but production was excellent.

Preliminary indications are that Dusky grouse had very high carry over survival (lots of adults in harvest) with good brood production. Ruffed grouse had excellent production; most ruffed grouse harvested in Southwest Idaho thus far have been juvenile birds. Sage-grouse are down compared to last year and had poor nest success due to heavier than normal spring rains during peak hatch. Overall, upland bird hunting, except sage-grouse should be good to excellent with scattered pockets of abundant birds.

Magic Valley Region

An unusually wet and cold spring was generally unfavorable for upland bird nesting. Brood rearing conditions were generally favorable. Department personnel are reporting average to below average numbers of broods for all upland game species. Generally, bird numbers will be slightly down compared to the 2018 season and lower than average.

Southeast Region

Conditions in the winter were above average throughout the region. The early nesting and brood rearing season received good precipitation resulting in excellent grass and forb growth. Observations have been mixed with some reporting large broods while others are seeing very few young birds and broods.

Upper Snake Region

Winter conditions in 2018-2019 varied across the region. Those areas east of I-15 saw fairly severe winter conditions with significant snow accumulations and crusting. The west side of I-15 had more average to moderate conditions. Average to above average snow levels and cooler spring temperatures saw snow pack persist later than usual.

These conditions could have had negative impacts to nest success, but should have provided good habitat conditions for brood survival if broods did successfully hatch. Late summer was warmer and dry, but likely not enough to counter the moist spring and good habitat conditions coming out of spring and early summer. All things considered upland bird production and hunting should be about average in the Upper Snake for fall 2019.

Salmon Region

The 2018-19 early and mid-winter was mild, but late winter and spring was cooler and wetter than average. Nesting success and chick survival appears normal for the region. Due to heavy over-winter losses in winter 2017, with the exception of Forest Grouse, most game bird populations are below the long-term average.

Bird hunters encouraged to donate their wings

With many upland game bird seasons opening soon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking hunters to donate a fully feathered wing for each bird they harvest.

Because juvenile and adult birds molt their wing feathers differently, biologists can use this information to estimate chick production that year.

Hunters can provide their wings to Fish and Game in a variety of ways, one being by mail. Close to 3,000 hunters who hold a sage/sharp-tailed grouse permit will receive a packet in the mail with specific directions and a pre-paid return envelope. Hunters who did not receive a mail-wing envelope can still participate by contacting their nearest Fish and Game office.

Hunters can also drop their wings off at department-run check stations or in “wing barrels” located at popular access routes throughout the hunting season. Unfortunately, check stations and wing barrels sometimes miss grouse hunters in more remote areas of the state. The mail-in wing program targets those hunters that may not pass by a check station or wing barrel.

For sage-grouse, the story biologists can read in a wing is even more detailed. By examining the shape, condition, length and color patterns on wing feathers, biologists can determine the bird’s sex and whether it was an adult or juvenile. If the bird was an adult female, biologists can even tell if she successfully produced chicks that year. This information helps Fish and Game understand population trends and improves management of the species.

For sharp-tailed grouse hunters that receive wing envelopes or encounter a wing barrel and kiosk at their favorite hunting site, Fish and Game also wants to know where the bird was harvested, date of harvest, days hunted, and number of hunters if hunting in a group.

The forest grouse hunting season is already open. California quail, chukar and gray partridge hunting opens Saturday, September 21. The sage-grouse season also opens on September 21, and is open for seven days in Twin Falls and Cassia counties, and part of Owyhee County. The sage-grouse season is only open for two days (September 21 and 22) for most areas north of the Snake River. Hunters should be aware that some parts of the state are closed to hunting sage-grouse, including much of eastern Idaho and northwest Owyhee County. 

Sharp-tailed grouse hunting starts Oct. 1. 

Bighorn sheep lottery tag raised over $109,000 for sheep research and management

For the Arizona hunter whose ticket was pulled for the 28th annual Bighorn Sheep Tag Lottery, it represents the hunt of a lifetime. For Idaho Fish and Game, it means more than $109,000 in funding will benefit wild sheep conservation in Idaho.

The lucky winner of the 2019 Bighorn Sheep Tag Lottery was Andrew Tomlinson, a resident of Prescott, Arizona. The Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation held the drawing outside Fish and Game Headquarters in Boise on July 31. Tomlinson was one of around 1,000 people from across the nation who bought anywhere from one to several hundred chances. The winning ticket was drawn by Idaho Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever.

In 2019, the lottery raised over $109,000, the second-highest total ever, and the highest for a year in which the lottery tag cannot be used in Hunt Area 11 in Hell’s Canyon.

The lottery tag is offered under a partnership between Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation, which has been hosting the bighorn lottery since 1992, with the proceeds going back to Fish and Game for bighorn sheep conservation.

In the 28 years that the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation has hosted the lottery, it has raised nearly $2 million. In recent years, the proceeds have helped Fish and Game with monitoring disease in bighorn sheep populations, preventing interaction between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep, and improving relationships between sportsmen and private landowners.

For more information, contact the Idaho WSF office at 208-345-6171 or visit www.idahowildsheep.org.

First sockeye of 2019 arrives at Stanley; run likely to be lowest in more than a decade

The first sockeye of 2019 returned to the Redfish Lake Creek trap near Stanley on Aug. 2. The first sockeye arrived on July 26 last year, and July 27 in 2017.

The fish is among the 53 sockeye that have so far crossed Lower Granite Dam near Lewiston (through Aug. 1), which is the last dam the fish cross before reaching Idaho.

The 2019 sockeye run through Lower Granite so far is below last year’s total of 276 fish, as well as the 2017 total of 228 fish, which was the the lowest return in a decade. It is likely that the returns in 2019 will be lower.

Idaho sockeye must complete a 900-mile migration from the Pacific Ocean that includes crossing eight dams and climbing 6,500-feet elevation to reach the Sawtooth Basin.

When Idaho sockeye were listed in 1991 under the federal Endangered Species Act, only four adult sockeye returned to the Stanley Basin. The combined annual returns from 1991-99 was 23 fish, including two years when no sockeye returned to Idaho. Between 1996 and 2007, annual sockeye returns over Lower Granite averaged 52 fish. Since 2008, sockeye returns over Lower Granite have averaged 1,115 fish with an annual range of 228 to a high of 2,786 in 2014.

A beginner’s guide to public shooting ranges

Visiting a supervised shooting range for the first time can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Shooting ranges are designed for safe firearms practice for shooters of all abilities, and they can be a great place for beginners to learn more about responsible, safe shooting.

Most of the anxiety that first-time range-goers feel stems from uncertainty. There is also the added pressure of shooting in front of more experienced firearms handlers, which can make an inexperienced shooter feel intimidated.

By learning more about how public shooting ranges work, you can put a lot of that anxiety to rest. If you are a responsible and safe firearm handler, have good range etiquette and follow the range rules, more experienced shooters shouldn’t intimidate you. In fact, many veteran shooters will be happy to offer help or advice if you ask them for it.

While every shooting range is a little different, this general guide provides the basics, and will hopefully make you more confident during your first trip to a public shooting range and make it safe and enjoyable.

BEFORE YOU GO

Know the shooting safety fundamentals

Before heading out to a public shooting range, you absolutely need to know the basics of gun safety. If you’ve taken a Hunter Education course in Idaho, which covers firearm safety extensively, you should already have a good handle on this, but it doesn’t hurt to review the “Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety” again:

  1. Watch that muzzle! Keep it pointed in a safe direction. At the shooting range, that’s toward the sky or downrange.
  2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun.
  3. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it.
  4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
  5. Safely check your barrel and ammunition for obstructions.
  6. Unload firearms when not in use.
  7. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot.
  8. Don’t run, jump or climb with a loaded firearm.
  9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely.
  10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting.

Learn the language

At supervised public ranges, the person responsible for ensuring that firearm safety rules are followed is known as the “range master.” Following their rules and directions keeps everyone safe, so it’s important to know some of the common commands they will give and phrases they might use:

  • Commence firing: Firing may begin as soon as the shooter is ready.
  • Ceasefire: This command means to stop shooting immediately, unload your weapon, remove the magazine and leave the chamber open, set it on the shooting bench, and step back from the firing line. There should be no handling of firearms during a ceasefire.
  • Firing line: A line parallel to the targets, from behind which firearms are discharged.
  • The range is open (or hot): Shooting is taking place, and no one is allowed beyond the firing line.
  • The range is closed (or cold): All shooters have ceased firing, have made safe and moved away from their firearms, and shooters can now move forward of the firing line to set up or check targets.

Research the range

Each range is a little bit different, and you need to know the specific rules, restrictions and procedures for the range where you plan to shoot. For many ranges, you can find the rules online prior to your visit. Make sure to find out if targets are provided, or are available for purchase at the range, otherwise, you’ll need to bring your own.

Ask an experienced shooter to tag along

Whether it’s a friend or a family member, ask someone who has experience shooting at public ranges to join you. Having someone you know show you the ropes will make you feel more comfortable.

Plan your trip

Make sure to check the range’s days and hours of operation, and plan your trip accordingly. Give yourself some extra time in case the range is busy. It’s possible that there won’t be a shooting bench available when you first arrive. Also check the range’s calendar and see if there’s a shooting competition or special events there, which can close or restrict portions of the range.

Dress appropriately

Hot brass and bare skin don’t mix. The shooting range is not the place to wear open-toed shoes, short shorts or a V-neck or low-cut shirt. Some ranges actually have dress codes, which you might be able to find online. If you can’t and you’re not sure, it’s best to call the range ahead of time. Think tight-collared shirts, pants (especially if you plan to shoot from the prone position) and a baseball cap for sunny summer days.

Ears and eyes

You can rent eye and ear protection at many gun ranges, but it’s not a bad idea to pick up your own set of glasses and earplugs or earmuffs before your first trip, and make sure they fit you well. Even if they’re wearing quality ear protection, new shooters are often surprised by how loud the range is, especially if it is busy — so mentally prepare yourself for the noise.

Pack a cooler

If you’re planning to spend a chunk of the day on the range, it’s not a bad idea to bring along a ice chest with some water or sports drinks to keep yourself hydrated. Most ranges don’t have drinking water available.

Case your firearms

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a fancy hard case, but when you pack your firearms in your vehicle for the trip out, make sure they’re unloaded and securely cased. Most ranges have rules against carrying uncased firearms into the facility.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Check in at the range office

If you’re visiting a supervised range, the first thing you’ll need to do is check in with the range officer. At this point, you should leave your cased guns in the car. Depending on where the range office is located, you might want to have your ear protection on if the range is hot.

You will likely have to review the safety rules for the range and sign a waiver stating that you understand their range safety policies. After signing in and paying any range fees required, you will be assigned a shooting range number and given a target, target stand, and firearm action indicator. Find your shooting lane, and set these items there before heading back to your vehicle.

Be open about being a new shooter

If it’s your first time at the range, let the staff there know, and they will help walk you through the process.

Move your firearms from your vehicle to your shooting lane

At this point, they should still be cased and unloaded. If the range is closed, leave your firearms cased and set them down away from your shooting bench. The only time you’re allowed to handle any firearms is when the range is open.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Follow the range rules and the directions of the range master

You should already know the range rules, and that the job of the range master is to keep everyone safe. Their word is the law on the shooting range. Make sure to listen carefully for any commands, and follow them immediately.

Feel free to ask for help or advice

While they’re not there to be your personal coach, the range master can help you and answer questions you might have. If you’re uncertain about anything, ask them. More experienced shooters are often happy to help out a newcomer, too, and can be a tremendous resource. But with that being said…

Be respectful of those shooting

Safe shooting takes concentration, and it’s critical that you don’t distract active shooters. Don’t strike up a conversation on the firing line. The best time for that is during a ceasefire, when the range is closed.

Have fun

As long as you’re being safe, responsible and following the range rules and the directions of the range master, you and everyone around you should enjoy the time spent on the range.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Clean up your lane

Pick up your spent brass and anything else you brought with you. Leave your shooting lane in better shape than it was in when you arrived.

Wash up

Wash your hands after you’re done shooting for the day to rinse off any lead residue.