Sweet 17 General Elk Hunt Tournament

There are 17 "any weapon" general season elk zones in Idaho that allow you to harvest a branch antlered bull. Which one is the best? Where should I pick up my rifle and hunt? Well, you should go where you want. But this little exercise is intended to give you an idea of some of the hot spots in the state. So stay tuned as we examine Idaho's great general season elk...

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Saving Trout

Just when you thought I was off my rocker, trying to defend myself as a conservationist, and all the while sounding less like one - this news story caught my attention.  Somebody is actually saving the trout who didn't get the word that the canals in Southern Idaho were going to be shut off.  Who has the common sense and resources to do something like that? ...

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Conservationism & Conservatism

I am a conservative, in case you couldn't tell.  But to be more specific, and perhaps for the sake of clarity, I'm a paleo-conservative.  Old school.  You know, the kind of guy that believes the federal government should follow its Constitution (as it was written, not as it has been interpreted). As you know, the Constitution was written to limit the federal...

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You and the Woodland Caribou

I was always a little baffled by the IF&G's big game rule brochure when it stated that there is no open season for caribou in Idaho. Caribou in Idaho? Where and how? I thought caribou only existed in the far north tundra, slurping up lichen as they migrate. Turns out, a few of them prefer the forests, and abide in portions of North Idaho and Washington in the Selkirk...

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Place: Hagerman, Idaho

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My Thanksgiving Adventures

Yeah, they weren't really too exciting. But I had a good time nonetheless. Our plans were to be in Moscow during the Thanksgiving weekend, and I thought that meant I would have the opportunity to spend a few final days calling in a whitetail buck in the rut. Not so fast. We decided, for a variety of reasons to head to Boise for Thanksgiving. But I wasn't going to go for just turkey and stuffing. No, I made sure to call up a good friend of mine near Melba, and have him set up a first class duck hunt for me on Friday. He agreed in exchange...

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A Few Important Things of Note for This Thanksgiving

I thought about boring you all with the news of why Congressman Simpson was at the Chester Wetlands, and what Senator Crapo's latest conservation ideas were.  But really, who wants to be bored with politics, especially since there will probably be too much of that talk at the table later today? So, let's just remember why we're so thankful for this great State. Think...

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Hiding In The Snow

So enough with all of my discouraging posts about grizzlies, wolves, and environmentalists. I'm going to end the day with a guest post by a fellow - Larry Szurgot of Horseshoe Bend - who understands how a hunting dog and a man can become best friends. I'm not a dog person by nature - I've had too many dum ones. But I know that the teamwork cultivated between a man and his...

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Court Says Grizzlies Still Endangered - Updated 11/23/11

Alex Kozinski (pictured) is Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Update 11/23/11 - Shortly after I posted this, Rocky Barker of the Idaho Statesman added this insight: Federal and Idaho biologists say a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision on grizzly bears Tuesday offers them a clear path back to delisting the West’s biggest predator...

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Idaho Sheep Station Scrutiny Sheepishness

The U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, headquartered in Dubois, is under scrutiny. Just about everybody, from state government wildlife agencies to BLM to environmental groups, wants the station closed. The main issues are concerns for grizzly, wolf, and bighorn sheep habitat. For some scientific reason, the sheep station, right in the middle of prime grizzly territory, is...

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Ever Wanted To Be A Professional Trapper?

You may now have your chance. That is, if you're a creative thinker and businessman. The Idaho Wildlife Services Program, a federally funded program to assist ranchers with predators, is cutting the funds that they can spend in Idaho. The program is cooperatively funded, with about $700,000 coming directly from Idaho based entities. The rest of the funding is picked up...

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Wolf Sighting Near Genesee?

I will be the first to say, "I was wrong." But I don't think I am. The first thing that caught my attention was a wolf track. It was dead in the middle of a trail that I hike down to go deer hunting - just south and east of Genesee. Doubting myself, I think, "Maybe it's a cougar track." All I know is that this is not just any ol' big domesticated dog track. This is a big track, and there's no other big dogs around. It was either a cougar track or a wolf track in the mud. That is what I'm sure of. I also saw, adjacent to the track, elk...

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Barker on Grizzlies

Photo by blmiers2 Rocky Barker's latest piece did a nice job of highlighting the increased human-grizzly action this past year, as well as the issues that surround that action. As I said earlier, there is a lot to be said about this issue. In 1983 (not that long ago for some of us), grizzly numbers were at an all time low in Idaho. They've steadily climbed since, and they...

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Wolf Harvest Update 11/18/2011

129 have been harvested thus far, 15 more than the previous report from last week. 7 wolves were harvested from zones in N. Idaho, 7 from the Middle Fork Zone, and 1 from the McCall-Weiser Zone. For as many complaints that I hear about wolves from guys in the extreme southeast part of the state, I'm surprised to see that the Southern Idaho Zone has had no reported wolf harvests. ~...

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Main Snake Focus

IF&G has long focused on Henry's Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River with its fish management. But recently, more focus has been centered on the main channel of the Snake in SE Idaho. IF&G has been electro-fishing the river near Osgood, in attempts to find out how many fish are there. This is the first survey they've taken in that locale, and because that...

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Teton Valley Mule Deer

The Teton Valley News reports: Many reports coming out of the field this year are that the deer hunt in and around Teton Valley has been a difficult one. While high fawn and doe mortality rates over the past couple of winters are surely to blame for what looks like a significant decline in our local herds, a recent report commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation...

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Thanksgiving Recipe

I know what you're thinking - another turkey recipe. Nope. Most likely the pilgrims were not feasting away on birds, and when done they were not lazing around seeing who wins the wishbone pull. Most likely, venison was on the table, as deer were always in season in those times. So this one is for those of you who want to change it up a little bit this Thanksgiving. Or...

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Millions of $'s, and 24 Contaminated Boats. A Good Deal for Idaho's Waters.

Government check point stations and additional fees paid by boaters and fisherman are always going to be controversial. After all, a lot - A LOT - of money, time, and energy was exerted this past season to find a grand total of 24 zebra or quagga mussel contaminated boats. Is the money and hassle worth it? Go ask the folks who used to love fishing Lake Mead. Yes, I do...

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Boise Steelhead

This is a guest post by Dale Garrard, telling some great fishing tales. Fortunately, he has the photos to prove those tales. Thanks, Dale! Couldn't decide what to do today... drive to Riggins and fish? Try and get my 17 year old out of bed to chase deer with his bow, or maybe pheasants with a shotgun on a WMA or something? Heaven forbid I do yard work. My wife said I should...

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Tasmanian Poacher Update - The Final One (I hope)

An Australian newspaper reported that Tasmanian hunters are more suited to hunting big game than Americans are. We are simply out-skilled by them: While interviewing Tasmanians who have hunted Idaho, they got this gem: "The mountains there are 8000-9000 feet [2400-2700m] and the elk are up high," he said. He said Mr Kapeller had the ability to "hunt up high", which meant sleeping at 7000-8000 feet. "You've got to be fit and dedicated because the air is thin, and it would be nothing to carry a 100-pound [45kg] pack," a second hunter said. "Americans...

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Have You Ever Been Tempted To...

hunt or fish as a resident of more than one state? Of course you have. But if you're like me, you wouldn't dream of actually doing it. One Idaho man did, and the consequences were steep enough to deter me (if I had even entertained such a devious thought). Roger Woodworth, 64, of Hayden, ID found a way to obtain a Montana hunting license. Then he found a way to win the lottery for a controlled bighorn sheep hunt. Then he shot a trophy bighorn ram. Then he got caught. Was it worth it? $13,000 in fines and restitution. Hunting, fishing,...

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2012 IF&G Legislation

The Idaho Fish & Game Commission approved three amendments to send to Idaho's 2012 Legislature. 1. Amend 36-1510 to also allow youth under the age of 12 who are participating in the mentor hunt program to possess a firearm. Create ability to transfer a control hunt tag to a minor child or grandchild. This makes a lot of sense. It allows a parent (or grandparent) to allow their child to have the opportunity to harvest an animal, while they are out in the woods teaching that child how to hunt, even if the child doesn't have a tag. 2. Amend...

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Update: Bennett Hills Extra Anterless Tag App Deadline

The IF&G announced yesterday that two controlled extra anterless deer hunts in Unit 45-1 are being made available for application. The first hunt will run from December 1-14, and the second December 20-31. The deadline to apply is November 18. That would be this Friday. Here is where you can find more information on how to apply. Here is a map of Unit 45-1. ~ J. Bu...

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Funny Anti-Wolf Hunting Comments

I stumbled upon some pro-wolf drivel here that bemoans the "bloodbath" that "is underway in the northern Rocky Mountains as hunters there relentlessly target wolf packs in the region." hehe. But the entertaining part of such articles always takes place in the comments section. Here are a few of my favorites: Hunters are wildlife terrorists. They destroy wildlife but yet complain when wolves do it. hypocrites? indeed. Hunters do not care about wildlife, only killing it. A lot of hunters have turned into extremists and have become anti-predator....

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Comments Wanted on Minidoka Wildlife Refuge Plan

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is revisiting their Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Some have feared that a priority to conserve habitat for the American white pelican at Lake Walcott might trump any hunting and fishing opportunities. And it certainly is not unfounded fear. The USF&W Service stated 7 goals, upon...

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Grizzly Attacks: Spray or Shoot, Round 1

There is a lot to say on this subject, especially with the high numbers of attacks this last year. My plan was to write on the entire subject after hunting season is over, but here is something to whet your appetite. The River Journal in Clark Fork, ID recently posted two articles, each one taking up opposite views in the bear spray vs. firearm debate. The case for bear...

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Catch of the Week

If you are not out for ducks yet, here's proof you should be. Justin Pratt of Blackfoot and his gang took advantage last week with 28 birds before the morning expired. One of which (the ducks, not the gang) was sporting some nice jewelry....

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Tasmanian Poacher Update

The three Tasmanian men accused of poaching and a bunch of other associated violations will appear in court on Tuesday. So far, they've spent two days in jail before posting a combined $165,000 bond. Likely, the men will plead guilty, have their license privileges suspended, be fined for the crimes, and sent home. Likely, the fines won't be enough. ~ J. Bu...

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IF&G Revenue Down: How It Could Affect You

Last year, my father, an Oregon resident, decided to come to Idaho for an elk hunt. We ended up hunting like mountain goats in the steep terrain of the Palisades Zone. The first day of the hunt, he saw more wildlife than he could have asked for. It was his first experience seeing moose, and a mountain goat just so happened to meet him on a trail. We saw some elk too. Besides that experience, the next day he ended up harvesting the largest bull he had ever shot. So will he be coming back again? No. At least not for several more years....

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Geese & Duck Migration 2011

This photo shows what one hunter in SE Idaho observed this past week. At the very least, the migration has started. Reports are that geese are all over South East Idaho, and ducks are coming in. The smaller bodies of water have frozen over already, and the edges are starting to freeze around the edges on the larger ones. Colder weather is in the forecast. Soon, the birds...

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News: Unit 45 Controlled Deer Hunt Added After Wildfire

This last summer, a wildfire quickly ate up 38,000 acres of mule deer winter habitat north of King's Hill. The main worry that I heard at the time was that the deer would keep traveling south to find winter food. Which might mean a mass attempt to cross Interstate 84. Among the wild, imaginative, crazy solutions was that wildlife bridges over the Interstate might possibly...

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Wolf Harvest Update: Traps

Idaho Fish & Game is not happy with the success of the open rifle season on wolves in the state. So they're going to allow hunters to trap them starting next week. Of course, this comes not without controversy. Animal rights activists will howl at the inhumanity of trapping wolves, which most certainly will have collateral damage by trapping other species. 13 additional...

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Place: Troy, Idaho

Spring Valley Reservoir, located just a few miles from Troy, is one of IF&G's family friendly fishing waters. Heavily stocked with rainbows, it's a fun place to take the kids and drown some Powerbait. Other guys go out to catch the bass that linger around the edges. Troy sits on the edge of the rolling hills of the Palouse, just a few miles east of Moscow. The deep...

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News: Tasmanian Men Charged With Poaching in Idaho

Apparently, hunting regs in Tasmania are much different than they are in Idaho. Or something. In any case, ignorance of the law is no excuse when you've been caught poaching elk. Right, Rex? 3 Tasmanian men were arrested last week near Atlanta for harvesting elk out of season, along with the various other offenses that accompany that crime. They were bailed out yesterday, but it doesn't sound like they're headed home yet. The Elmore County judged required a bond hearing, and that the men stay in Idaho. The interesting bit of this is that...

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News: Hammer Flat sold to IF&G

The Hammer Flat wildlife refuge just east of Boise has been sold by the City of Boise to the Idaho Fish & Game. The 705 acres that act as a wintering ground for big game will be managed as a preserve by the IF&G. The deal is a win-win move for conservation efforts, as the sales price of $4.23 million will go into Boise's levy to protect the foothills. Boise originally purchased the property from a defunct developer for $4.1 million. The full story from the Idaho Statesman is here. ~ J. Bu...

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Murmation

I've seen one on a small scale, and it was impressive enough. But this is amazing: Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo. ~ J. Bu...

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Catch of the Week

While trolling the fishing/hunting forums, I had to admire the picture of the fat rainbow pulled out of American Falls Reservoir last week. Kurt, aka drowning_flys on bigfishtackle.com, who incidently was not drowning flys, but rather spoons, connected with this: You can read all the details here. Of course, American Falls Reservoir is no stranger to large rainbows. Earlier...

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Wolf Harvest Update

From the IF&G Website, updated 11/3/11: My only comment at this point is that it's interesting that the Selway Zone has a big goose egg. Perhaps that's because the wolves have already decimated that area, and have moved on. And I'm a little surprised that Southern Idaho hasn't had a recorded harvest yet. Parts of SE Idaho should have a few notched tags at this point. ~...

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The Psychology of the Poacher

Os Guinness once described the difference between jealousy and envy by explaining jealousy is wanting what someone else has. Envy, on the other hand, wants what someone else has, and includes the desire for someone else to not have whatever it is at the center of attention. Think about the annoying crime of keying a car. Why would somebody take pleasure in destroying a...

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Breaking Bacon

The recent resurgence of Converse All-Stars as popular footwear must make some of those basketball players from the earlier part of the 20th Century roll their eyes. Old school and new school find a common sole. Chuck Taylor is smiling though, I tend to think, and the legend lives on via fad. One wonders when it will die and be resurrected again for whatever function. ...

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