The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking individuals and organizations who wish to participate in its popular Idaho Master Naturalist program dedicated to connecting specially trained volunteers (citizen scientists) to natural resource projects with state and federal agencies, wildlife conservation groups and other natural resource conservation organizations.

The public is invited to an open house social being hosted by Idaho Fish and Game and Zoo Idaho in Pocatello. The open house is scheduled for March 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Zoo Idaho Administration and Education Building at 3101 Avenue of the Chiefs in Pocatello. Light refreshments will be served.

The intent of this event is to not only share information about the Idaho Master Naturalist program, but to measure community interest in forming a new Southeast Idaho chapter of Master Naturalists and forming partnerships with community organizations/agencies/institutions whose programs would benefit from the implementation of citizen science/natural resource-trained volunteers.

An Idaho Master Naturalist is a person who enjoys nature, outdoor recreation, supporting conservation and is interested in continually learning more about the natural world around them. It is someone who also channels their skills, interest and energy to volunteer at nature centers, help biologists collect data, monitor wildlife, assist at parks and natural areas, help with fishing or hunting clinics, teach youth or contribute to many other conservation and education efforts. An Idaho Master Naturalist can be a teacher, farmer, hunter, angler, birdwatcher, retired professional, homemaker — perhaps you!

To earn the title of Idaho Master Naturalist, an individual completes 40 hours of hands-on training in areas focused on Idaho’s ecology, plants, animals and natural systems taught by experts in their fields. You don’t need to have an education or background in science, just the desire to learn and the enthusiasm to share what you have learned.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Naturalist, but cannot attend the open house, contact Tessa Atwood with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-251-6510 or via email at tessa.atwood@idfg.idaho.gov.

Any group, agency or organization that would like to utilize Master Naturalists for projects, field work or outreach, or that would like to participate in the open house as a means for sharing their volunteer needs should contact Tessa Atwood to get more information or to reserve a space at the event.

Another source of information about the Master Naturalist Program can be found at the following link https://idfg.idaho.gov/volunteer/master-naturalist.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.

Whether you are just getting started on your holiday shopping or you are approaching the finish line, your local Idaho Fish and Game office is a great place to shop for those still on your Christmas list.

For your favorite hunter or angler of any age, consider buying a gift certificate that can be used toward the purchase of licenses, tags or permits. Attach the certificate to a box of shotgun shells or to a headlamp or stuffed inside a pair of new wool socks, and you have a fun and useful gift any sportsperson would be thrilled to receive.

Keep in mind that certificates must be redeemed at a Fish and Game office, but the great thing is that a gift certificate from Fish and Game is never the wrong size or wrong color for those on your list. For those of you who tend to wait until the last minute, gift certificates can be purchased anytime — even on Dec. 24.

Maybe you have a wildlife watcher in the family. Both the “Idaho Birding Trail Guide” priced at $5 and the “Idaho Watchable Wildlife Guide” priced at $10 make great gifts at great prices. Both guides are filled with beautiful color pictures and a wealth of information about Idaho’s wildlife and viewing areas. And money generated from the sale of these books supports Fish and Game’s non-game program.

The Fish and Game office in Pocatello also has a nice selection of extraordinary pencil sketches by the late Pocatello artist, Edson Fichter. Unframed prints showcasing various wildlife species come in all sizes and start as low as $15. All money generated from the purchases of the Edson Fichter prints goes toward the continual maintenance and improvements of the wonderful Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello near Indian Hills Elementary School.

Of course, it doesn’t take money to remember family and friends during the holidays or to simply spend time together. It is fun and inexpensive to just get outside and enjoy Idaho’s backyard.

Get your kids bundled up for an outdoor excursion and play “Outdoor Bingo.” You can make your own bingo cards out of small square pieces of poster board. Using a permanent marker and a ruler, divide the square up into equally spaced columns and rows. Maybe start off with three rows by three columns, though you can make your Bingo cards larger if you would like.

In each little square on the card, place a picture or a sticker of an animal, plant or landscape feature you might encounter on your adventure. Though you can reuse pictures for each card, be sure to vary the pattern a bit so that each card is different. And, don’t forget, the center square is labeled “Free Space” — everyone gets to mark that one off.

During your outing, keep an eye out for birds, wildlife tracks, deer, a creek, an icicle, an animal’s burrow — and mark them on your Bingo card. If you laminate the cards, you can use dry erase pens for marking the squares. That way the cards can be used multiple times. Wrap the cards up with ribbon, attach some packets of instant cocoa to enjoy when your game is over, and you have a fun stocking stuffer that promises to deliver on hours of outdoor fun and quality family time.

Hopefully, these gift giving ideas will help you go a little “wild” this holiday season without spending many “bucks” and will help build some great outdoor memories for you and yours.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.

If you have concerns about what changing weather patterns mean to Idaho’s land, industries, health and recreation, please consider attending the Idaho Climate Summit at Idaho State University on Nov. 16 and 17. The overall theme of this two-day conversation is how to safeguard Idaho’s economy in a changing climate.

The Idaho Climate Summit is an opportunity for Idaho businesses, industries, resource and land management agencies, conservation organizations, Idaho tribes and tribal organizations, community leaders and members of the public to get together to discuss impacts of climate change on Idaho’s economy, from farming to logging, and from fishing to skiing.

Furthermore, it’s an opportunity to learn more about practical and innovative ways to meet the challenges of a changing climate. There are local solutions and adaptations to be explored, and opportunities to build new collaborations and make new commitments.

The summit will offer guest speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions for summit participants at various locations throughout the state, including Idaho State University in Pocatello. That means that those here in Southeast Idaho don’t need to travel far to be a part of the statewide discussion.

Topics to be covered are relevant to those residing in this part of the state, too — focusing in part on forest health, wildfire, fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation, infrastructure and built environments, agriculture and rangeland.

According to summit organizers, this event is “an Idaho-grown, Idaho-driven effort.”

Sponsors of the Idaho Climate Summit are both numerous and diverse, bringing a variety of perspectives. They include Monsanto, Idaho Power, Hewlett Packard, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Fish and Game, Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Conservation League, JR Simplot Company, Potlatch Corporation, Society of American Foresters, American Institute of Architects Idaho, Outdoor Industry Association, Nez Perce Tribe, Upper Snake River Tribes, ISU Credit Union, the Idaho Association of Counties and many, many others.

To learn more about the Idaho Climate Summit, or to register for the event, visit www.idahoclimatesummit.com. Cost to attend the event at Idaho State University is $29 for both days. Other venue options and event details are listed on the website as well.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.

The Fifth Annual Family Outdoor Festival and Youth Pheasant Clinic is scheduled for Nov. 4 at Smith’s Trout Haven in Lava Hot Springs.

From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., this special day will be filled with numerous activities and experiences that promise to create outdoor memories for the whole family. And the entire event is free.

Hands-on learning stations will be set-up for participants, including duck calling and decoy set-up, elk calling, bird cleaning and cooking, outdoor survival school, a Grit League obstacle course, tomahawk throwing and black powder shooting. In addition, there will be air rifle and archery ranges, a trap shoot and an opportunity to do some trout fishing with Idaho Fish and Game’s Take Me Fishing Trailer. Fishing gear and supplies will be provided, and no fishing license is required.

One of the most exciting parts of the whole outdoor festival is the mentored pheasant hunts for youth (ages 10 to 17). Mentors and dog handlers with experienced hunting dogs will be on hand to provide instruction and guidance to hunt participants.

All hunters must have completed a Hunter Education course prior to participating in a mentored hunt, and all hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license.

Though anyone can stop by and enjoy the booths and activities at the event, reservations for participating in the youth pheasant hunt are required by Nov. 1. Spots are limited. Contact the Idaho Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 for registration information.

New to the Family Outdoors Festival this year is the Sportsman’s Challenge, sponsored by Sportsman’s Warehouse and Spartan SGX. This competition includes a Grit League obstacle course, shotgun and BB gun shooting, tomahawk and knife throwing, archery, and fishing. The competition is open to both individuals and teams, and divisions are broken out by age and gender.

All guns and necessary equipment will be provided unless competitors wish to bring their own. Sportsman’s Warehouse is awarding a $10 coupon to each competitor and a $50 gift card to each division winner. There is no entry fee for this competition. For more information, contact Jason Beck at 208-251-7438.

All activities in the Family Outdoor Festival, including the pheasant hunt and the Sportsman’s Challenge, are free to the public. This is possible because of these wonderful partners: Smith’s Trout Haven, Pheasants Forever, Shooting Top Gun Kennels, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Spartan SGX, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pocatello Field Archers, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Portneuf Muzzleloaders, Safari Club International, Boy Scouts of America, Dutchboy Farms, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

This annual event could not happen without the wonderful landowners who are allowing access to their properties for the mentored hunts. Idaho Fish and Game is also excited to be a part of this incredibly important event that helps connect youth and families to the great outdoors and to the traditions of hunting and fishing.

The success of this outdoor festival is also dependent on our incredible volunteers and sponsors. If you, your organization or your business would like to be a part of this Family Outdoor Festival through volunteering at the event or making a donation, contact Beck at 208-251-7438 or Tessa Atwood at 208-251-6510.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.

With hunting season upon us, questions often come up about species for which a sportsman can set bait, or whether it is legal to harvest animals via the aid of a salt lick or artificial water source.

To help clarify the use of bait in Idaho as an aid to harvesting wildlife, I have provided a series of frequently asked questions. This information is not intended to account for every scenario — but this should help hunters and trappers understand some of the basic rules of bait use.

Q: Can I use bait to hunt big game?

A: Bait for hunting is defined as any substance placed to attract game animals, except liquid scent for deer and elk. In Idaho, the only big game species for which a hunter can set bait is black bear. Using salt licks as a lure to hunt mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, and other big game species is illegal. If you wish to use bait to hunt black bear, then you must purchase a bear baiting permit from Fish and Game via a personal visit to a regional office or by mail. You must follow all rules and procedures associated with that permit. For more information, visit Fish and Game’s website at https://idfg.idaho.gov or give your nearest Idaho Fish and Game office a call.

Q: Can I set bait for hunting wolves?

A: No. Baiting or hunting big game over bait is illegal, except for black bears (and only with a valid bear baiting permit); however, wolves may be taken incidentally to bear baiting. It is unlawful to hunt wolves within 200 yards of the perimeter of any designated dump or sanitary landfill. And, it is unlawful to hunt, trap or pursue wolves within one-half mile of any active Idaho Fish and Game big game feeding site. 

Q: Can I set bait for trapping wolves? 

A: Yes. Trapping is a different process than hunting. Whether the target is wolves or another species for which trapping is legal, there are specific regulations that must be followed. Please note sportsmen must pass a Fish and Game wolf trapping education course before they can buy a wolf tag for trapping. 

Q: A hunter stumbled across a salt block in the mountains on public land in his family’s traditional hunt unit for deer. He figured it would be considered baiting if he hunted in the area even though he did not place the salt lick. Was he right?

A: Bait for hunting is defined as something placed to attract wildlife. However, many ranchers use salt blocks to manage cattle movement within an allotment on public land. If the salt was placed for livestock and not to attract wildlife, it would be legal to hunt over.

If you find a salt block in your hunt area you will have to make that ethical decision whether you believe that salt was left for livestock or whether it was placed as bait to wildlife.

There is not a legal distance associated with the baiting law. The intent of the law is to prohibit hunting if the salt was placed to attract wildlife and if that salt has influenced or enticed wildlife on a path that allows the hunter the advantage.

Q: Can I set a temporary bait site in order to lure animals for the purpose of photography or wildlife watching?

A: Technically, yes. But please note that doing so may cause wildlife to move into areas in which they may cause problems for themselves, other wildlife, and people. For example, don’t set up a salt lick or other kind of lure for mule deer that draws them across a busy road or out of their preferred natural habitat.

Also, check with the appropriate land management agencies about their rules for setting salt licks and baits sites on public lands.

In the past we have seen hunters set bait to photograph animals, such as deer or elk, on their trail cameras. Then before the season opens, they pull the bait and hunt that area. The problem is that animals become habituated to the area– coming for the bait even if it is no longer there. This is still baiting under the definition. So the next obvious question is how much time must lapse between pulling the bait and hunting the area? There is no set amount of time. The safe bet is to simply not bait areas you intend to hunt (with exception to bear baiting as described above).

Q: Can I hunt animals over an artificial water source? 

A: Depends. If you come across a stock pond or water trough that was specifically established for use by livestock, then you can hunt wildlife that may also be using that same water source. However, you cannot establish your own water trough for the purposed of luring wildlife for hunting, nor can you refill or add water to a livestock water source that has run dry.

In no way is this article a substitute for reading the regulations and asking questions before you go afield this hunting season. If you need further clarification or have additional questions, please give our regional Fish and Game office a call at 208-232-4703. You can also submit a wildlife-related question or find the answers to frequently asked questions by visiting https://idfg.idaho.gov/questions.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.

The Take Me Fishing Trailer is making its last stop for the summer this weekend. Join Idaho Fish and Game for some fishing fun on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jensen Grove Park in Blackfoot.

The trailer has all the poles, tackle, and bait you need for fishing, and you don’t even need a fishing license for the event as long as you register at the trailer. There is staff on-hand to teach you what you need to know about fishing, from casting to reeling in your catch.

The fishing trailer is free and supplies are checked out to participants of any age on a first-come, first-served basis. There really is no excuse to not get out this Saturday and do some fishing — even if you have never fished before or don’t even own a fishing pole. You will definitely reel in the fun and make some great memories.

For more information about the Take Me Fishing Trailer program, contact the Idaho Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7290.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.

Public Comment Period Still Open for Proposed Sage Grouse Season

Idaho Fish and Game is proposing one option for the 2017 sage grouse season, which is the same as the season offered in 2016. Statewide, the proposed seven-day season would be from Sept. 16 through Sept. 22, with a one-bird daily limit within sage-grouse range, except in designated closed areas.

To read the proposals and submit comments online, visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/comment. Hunters can also visit their nearest Fish and Game office for copies of the proposed seasons and comment forms, or call their nearest office to speak with a biologist.

Comments will be collected through Aug. 10.

The 2017 season proposals follow the hunting season and bag-limit guidelines as laid out in the Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho.

The guidelines compare the current three-year running average of male sage-grouse counted at leks (breeding sites) from 1996-2000 when Idaho began intensified surveys statewide. Current sage-grouse lek data indicate that many populations could be hunted at the “Restrictive” level. The guidelines also allow the flexibility to consider local issues of concern, such as insufficient data, isolated populations, or impacts of wildfire and West Nile virus.

Sandhill Crane tags available now

Hunters are reminded that Sandhill Crane tags will be available first-come, first-served at Fish and Game license vendors, online at https://idfg.idaho.gov, or by calling 800-554-8685.

Seasons begin Sept. 1-15 or Sept. 16-30, depending on tag type. Tag numbers were increased in all hunt areas to a total of 550 tags. The daily limit is two birds for all hunts, and the season limit is two birds for each hunter.

Hunters can find Sandhill crane hunting information in the 2017-2018 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules brochure available at Fish and Game license vendors and online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/rules/migratory.

Second Super Hunt Deadline Looming

Twenty-six hunters have already drawn Super Hunt tags in the first 2017 Super Hunt drawing held in June. The second drawing will make eight more hunters Super Hunt winners. The deadline to enter is Aug. 10.

The 2nd Super Hunt drawing includes:

• 2 elk tags
• 2 deer tags
• 2 pronghorn tags
• 1 moose tag
• 1 Super Hunt Combo with tags for all 4 species

Super Hunt entries are $6 each and Super Hunt Combo entries are $20 each. No license is needed to enter either drawing, and there is no limit on the number of times a person can apply.

Winners can participate in any open hunt in the state for deer, elk, pronghorn or moose with a tag for that species, including general hunts and controlled hunts. Super Hunt tags are in addition to other tags, meaning if you draw a controlled hunt tag or purchase a general season tag, you can still participate in these hunts as well as the Super Hunt.

Money raised by the Super Hunt drawings supports hunters and anglers access to private lands through the Access Yes! program. This program is designed to improve access to or across private land to public land by compensating willing landowners.

For more information, including frequently asked questions and photos of previous winners, visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/superhunt on Fish and Game’s website.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.

Fish and Game’s Take Me Fishing Trailer is going to help local communities celebrate summer festivities, including the Fourth of July holiday.

Today, the trailer will be at Jensen Grove Park in Blackfoot from 5 to 8 p.m. as part of the Celebrate Blackfoot weekend activities. For a complete list of all the wonderful activities the City of Blackfoot has planned, be sure to check out their website at blackfootchamber.org/chamber_events/celebrate-blackfoot.

The Take Me Fishing Trailer kicks off July down in Preston. It will be at Johnson Reservoir on July 1 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and again on July 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Then on July 4, Sportsman’s Warehouse of Pocatello will host a free pancake breakfast starting at 9 a.m. at the Portneuf Wellness Complex. The Take Me Fishing Trailer will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help get people out fishing with help from Fish and Game and Sportsman’s Warehouse staff.

As always, the Take Me Fishing Trailer has all the gear and bait you need for the event, and you don’t even need a fishing license during the event as long as you register at the trailer. Plus, there is staff on hand to teach you what you need to know about fishing, from casting to reeling in a feisty fish.

Bring the whole family or come alone to any of the Take Me Fishing Trailer events happening this summer. You will be sure to reel in the fun and make some great memories.

For a complete schedule of all fishing trailer events planned for the rest of the summer, visit idfg.idaho.gov/event/fishing-trailers.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.

Sportsman’s Warehouse and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are co-hosting a special fishing event to help celebrate Father’s Day. Head on over to Bannock Reservoir at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturday.

The Take Me Fishing trailer will be there with all the poles, tackle and bait you will need to go fishing. And as long as you register at the trailer, you don’t need a license to fish. There will be folks on hand to teach spin casting and fly fishing basics. Plus, you can enter the free drawing for some great prizes.

The Take Me Fishing Trailer will travel to other fun fishing locations throughout eastern and southeastern Idaho this summer:

• Monday, June 19, Victor, Trail Creek Pond, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, June 24, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, June 26, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 5 to 8 p.m.

For a complete schedule of all fishing trailer events planned for the rest of the summer, please visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/event/fishing-trailers.

Bring the whole family or come by yourself to our special Father’s Day fishing event or any of the summer trailer events. You will be sure to reel in the fun and make some great memories.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.

Sportsman’s Warehouse and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are co-hosting a special fishing event to help celebrate Father’s Day. Head on over to Bannock Reservoir at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturday.

The Take Me Fishing trailer will be there with all the poles, tackle and bait you will need to go fishing. And as long as you register at the trailer, you don’t need a license to fish. There will be folks on hand to teach spin casting and fly fishing basics. Plus, you can enter the free drawing for some great prizes.

The Take Me Fishing Trailer will travel to other fun fishing locations throughout eastern and southeastern Idaho this summer:

• Monday, June 19, Victor, Trail Creek Pond, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, June 24, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, June 26, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 5 to 8 p.m.

For a complete schedule of all fishing trailer events planned for the rest of the summer, please visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/event/fishing-trailers.

Bring the whole family or come by yourself to our special Father’s Day fishing event or any of the summer trailer events. You will be sure to reel in the fun and make some great memories.

Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.