Hook & Bulletin

By Idaho Department of Fish and GameSports Wilderness

Hook & Bulletin episodes

July 21 Ep. 120 - July 2026 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting
Listen to the full recap of the July 16 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Jerome. Topics covered include proposed rules for electronic tagging for certain game birds, fiscal year 2028 budget, 2026-2027 sage-grouse seasons, and more.
Timestamps
(0:00:00) - Opening Comments
(0:02:07) - Review of Public Comment
(0:06:05) - Administrative Rules: Adoption of Proposed Rules – Electronic Tagging for Certain Game Birds (Action)
(0:09:13) - Administrative Rules: Adoption of Proposed Rules – Chronic Wasting Disease Management Restrictions Revision (Action)
(0:12:11) - FY28 Budget Approval (Action)
(0:22:33) - Recipients of the Commission Community Challenge Grant (Action)
(0:28:32) - Release of 2027/2028 Bighorn Sheep Tags for Auction and Lottery (Action) and Discount Order for 2027 and 2028 Bighorn Sheep Lottery Tag Applications (Action)
(0:39:19) - 2027–28 Nonresident Tag Limits and 2027 Outfitter Set-aside and Allocation (Action)
(2:17:24) - 2026-27 Sage-grouse Season Setting (Action)
(2:33:10) - Sage-grouse Tag Discount Order – Falconry (Action)
(2:34:44) - Silver Creek Property Exchange (Action)
(2:44:01) - Commission Appointment to Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board (Action)
(2:47:33) - Season Modification, Chinook Salmon Fisheries (Action)
(3:06:13) - Statewide Wolf Management Status Update
(3:28:16) - Betty Grandy, “Hunting as the State Sport for Idaho”
(3:35:10) - ISDA Domestic Cervid Industry Update
(4:06:13) - Big Willow Elk Depredation and Translocation Update
(4:30:47) - Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Habitat Improvement Projects
(4:51:26) - IFWF Update
(4:56:47) - Director’s Report

🎥 WATCH the full recap on our YouTube channel.
5 hr 6 min
July 17 Ep. 119 - Two New Fish Records, Distempered Racoons, and the 411 on Payette Lake
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about two new state record catch-and-release fish records, raccoons acting funny in Pocatello and Chubbuck, how you could get your artwork on next year’s Fish and Game hard cards, and what’s going on with fishing at Payette Lake. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:57) What's going on with the Payette Lake fishery?
(00:12:45) Young angler lands a new state record chiselmouth
(00:14:40) Georgia angler reels in new Idaho catch-and-release record brown trout
(00:18:17) F&G releases the first generation of 'captive broodstock' kokanee
🎥 WATCH: Kokanee Captive Broodstock Stocking
(00:21:18) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ 2027 Art Contest: Design next year’s hard card
▪️ SF Salmon River Chinook salmon fishery to open seven days per week
▪️ Distemper found in raccoon population in Pocatello and Chubbuck

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
25 min
July 03 Ep. 118 - Turkey Tracker, Capped Elk Zone Tags, and 43-Inch Lake Trout
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about what to do if a bat enters your home, a reminder for the capped elk zone tag sale, a new state record lake trout, and diving into the third year of Turkey Tracker. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:57) Citizen science is the key to F&G’s hugely successful program, Turkey Tracker
(00:04:20) Idaho Falls angler lands 43.25-inch lake trout…and returns to the Idaho record books
(00:07:16) Found a bat in your home? Don't panic, here are steps to protect yourself and the bat
(00:10:02) Idaho Fish and Game relocates yearling moose from Rupert
(00:11:55) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Most capped elk zone tags go on sale at 10 a.m. MDT July 8; Sawtooth Zone tags on July 10
▪️ Saint Maries trio sentenced in North Idaho deer poaching case
▪️ Gaiser shooting area on Craig Mountain WMA temporarily closed due to dry conditions

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
15 min
June 19 Ep. 117 - Controlled Hunt Results, Pocatello Poacher, and Black Bear in Nampa
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about controlled hunt results, a black bear gets relocated from a Nampa neighborhood, a couple of pollinator events coming up in Pocatello, and why drought and heat can be a bad combination for Idaho’s fisheries. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:51) Drought and heat can be a bad combination for Idaho fisheries
(00:08:16) Fish and Game, city police and fire departments relocate black bear from Nampa neighborhood
(00:12:11) Now available: Controlled hunt drawing results for deer, elk, pronghorn, fall bear, turkey, and swan
(00:14:33) Pocatello man sentenced to prison for extensive unlawful guiding and wildlife violations in Teton County
(00:17:35) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Public comment opportunity for proposed 2026 sage-grouse season, deadline July 5
▪️ Pollinator events planned in Pocatello during National Pollinator Week
▪️ Cassia Crossbill Interpretive Sign unveiled at Diamondfield Jack Campground in the South Hills
▪️ Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery closed to the public for construction beginning June 22

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
21 min
June 12 Ep. 116 - Free Fishing Day, Super Hunt Results, and Little Salmon Chinook Closure
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about 10 tips for taking your kids fishing, why biologists are concerned by the increasing numbers of walleye in the lower Snake River, Super Hunt results, and Free Fishing Day in Idaho. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:10) Dust off that old fishing gear for Free Fishing Day and beyond
(00:05:56) So, you want to take your kids fishing...
(00:12:04) Attention hunters and anglers: New rules for tag exchanges and lifetime licenses will be in effect for 2026
(00:13:54) Tagging and learning about walleye in the lower Snake River
(00:19:01) Thirteen Idaho hunters draw Super Hunt tags, second drawing deadline is Aug. 10
(00:21:14) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Chinook fishing in the Little Salmon River is closed
▪️ No matter where you live in Idaho, Free Fishing Day on June 13 offers fun for the whole family
▪️ 2026-27 Idaho Migratory Game Bird seasons and rules booklets are now available online
▪️ Summer birding walks planned for the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
24 min
May 22 Ep. 115 - Memorial Day Fishing Guide, Monarch Survey, and Grizzly Shot in Self Defense
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about a Chinook salmon closure, a hunter in East Idaho shoots a grizzly bear in self-defense, what to do when you catch a tagged fish, and a few pointers to help find the perfect backcountry creekside fishing camp. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:57) Ain’t No Mountain (Stream) High Enough: A guide to finding the perfect backcountry creekside fishing camp
(00:11:14) Hunter shoots charging grizzly bear in defense of life near Cave Falls Road
(00:12:41) Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation honors IDFG biologist Hollie Miyasaki for Outstanding Achievement in Bighorn Sheep Conservation
(00:14:33) Catch a tagged fish? Report it and help shape fisheries management in Idaho
(00:17:13) Become a community scientist and help F&G monitor monarch butterflies this summer
(00:19:35) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Riverence Lost River Brood donates over 3,000 super-sized trout for anglers
▪️ These instructor-led hunter education courses are coming up in Southwest Idaho
▪️ Portion of mainstem Clearwater River closed for Chinook salmon fishing; adult bag and possession limits reduced

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
22 min
May 15 Ep. 114 - Big Willow Elk, Grizzly Research, and Life As a Steelhead
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about $280,000 earmarked for improving Idaho’s public shooting ranges, controlled hunt results for moose, sheep, and goat, why being a steelhead ain’t easy, and moving 34 elk up to the Panhandle Region. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:57) Fish and Game staff move 34 elk from Big Willow drainage in Southwest Idaho to the Panhandle
(00:04:27) F&G Commission approves $280K to improve over a dozen of Idaho’s shooting ranges
(00:05:52) Being a Steelhead Isn’t Easy
(00:08:12) F&G begins annual grizzly bear research trapping in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
(00:10:00) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Now available: Controlled hunt drawing results for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat
▪️ ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting May 7
▪️ Gates to open two weeks early for motorized vehicles at Portneuf Wildlife Management Area

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
13 min
May 01 Ep. 113 - Winchester Dam, Wildlife Babies, and a State Record Burbot
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about controlled hunt applications, taking advantage of Fish and Game’s numerous boating access sites, a new state catch-and-release record for one lucky burbot angler in North Idaho, and baby wildlife season. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:57) Despite good intentions, 'rescuing' baby wildlife can lead to bad outcomes
(00:04:46) F&G provides hundreds of boating access sites and asks people to use them responsibly
(00:07:54) New state record burbot hoisted out of Kootenai River
(00:10:15) F&G seeks grants to repair Winchester Dam
(00:11:49) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Controlled hunt application period for deer, elk, pronghorn, swan, and fall black bear and turkey
▪️ Youth Outdoor Skills Day event set for May 9 at Beaver Dick Park

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
15 min
April 17 Ep. 112 - 2025 Hunter Harvest Report, How to E-Tag, and Farragut Elk Investigation
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about e-tagging salmon and steelhead, some early-season fishing opportunities coming to Southwest Idaho ponds, a poaching case coming out of Farragut State Park, and a deep dive into last year’s deer and elk harvest. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:56) 2025 Hunter Harvest Report
(00:13:03) E-Tagging: A better way to track your catch in Idaho
(00:14:43) New early-season fishing opportunities coming to ponds in Council, McCall, New Meadows, and Cascade
(00:16:10) Fish and Game seeks information on two elk illegally killed in Farragut State Park
(00:17:32) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ F&G reminds public how simple steps can keep you safe in bear country
▪️ Senior Conservation Officer Jim Stirling honored as Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year
▪️ Fish and Game to host Lake Pend Oreille ‘State of the Lake’ open house April 22
▪️ Southeast Region to host hunter education open house for volunteer instructors in April

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
21 min
April 10 Ep. 111 - Targeting Big Bass, Fisher Comeback Story, and New Osprey Cam
Welcome to Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.
This week, we’re talking about a fisher reintroduction project in the Panhandle, why this time of year is the best time to go after fat bass, ground-based cameras showing promise for measuring mule deer fawn ratios, and Fish and Game's brand-new live osprey cam. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:03) Check out Fish and Game’s new 24/7 osprey webcam in Salmon
(00:03:01) Bringing fishers home to the Panhandle Region
(00:05:48) The opportunity to fish for some of the state’s biggest bass is now
(00:16:08) Ground-based cameras show promise for measuring mule deer fawn ratios in certain areas of Idaho
(00:21:11) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ F&G to host hybrid public meeting for negotiated rulemaking on April 15
▪️ Wildlife underpass project on US-30 to begin near Montpelier in April
▪️ 8,600 acres in North Idaho removed from Large Tracts Program by private landowners
(00:23:23) QUESTION OF THE WEEK
"Is it legal to shoot from or across a road that is under a seasonal closure to motorized vehicles?"

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at [email protected].
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.
25 min

About Hook & Bulletin

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Idaho Fish and Game’s Hook and Bulletin podcast—your weekly news roundup of hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation stories from around the Gem State.