Hook & Bulletin

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 100 - Don't Feed Deer and Elk, Island Park Reservoir Discovery, and Negotiated Rulemaking Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

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 happens when you feed backyard deer and elk, the deadline for purchasing your nonresident tags from this year’s draw, a shocking discovery in Island Park Reservoir, here’s how Fish and Game proposals could affect hunting technology rules. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:54) Here’s how IDFG proposals could affect hunting technology rules
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/heres-how-idfg-proposals-could-affect-hunting-technology-rules

(00:08:14) Feeding backyard deer and elk does more harm than good
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/feeding-backyard-deer-and-elk-does-more-harm-good-0

(00:16:39) Illegally introduced yellow perch caught in Island Park Reservoir
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/illegally-introduced-yellow-perch-caught-island-park-reservoir

(00:18:38) F&G seeks landowners for Clearwater's Managed Hunt Program
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-seeks-landowners-clearwaters-managed-hunt-program

(00:20:28) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/results-nonresident-deerelk-tag-drawing-now-available-successful-applicants-have-until-jan
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/applications-spring-black-bear-controlled-hunts-open-jan-15-0
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/become-idaho-master-naturalist-introductory-meeting-scheduled-pocatello-0

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 99 - Pneumonia Outbreak, Bird B&B's, and Being a 'Good Neighbor' Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

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 bighorn sheep pneumonia outbreak in Southwest Idaho, the proper way to feed birds in your backyard, how to be a 'Good Neighbor,' and what the heck do white-tailed deer, beavers, and loggers all have in common? Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:00) How white-tailed deer, beavers and loggers share a fascinating chapter in Idaho's natural history
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/how-white-tailed-deer-beavers-and-loggers-share-fascinating-chapter-idahos-natural-history
WATCH: The History of White-Tailed Deer (YouTube)

(00:03:24) The Birds and The Seeds: Let’s talk about winter bird feeding
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/birds-and-seeds-lets-talk-about-winter-bird-feeding-0

(00:08:25) Good Neighbors in the Clearwater Region
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/video-podcast-good-neighbors-clearwater-region
PODCAST: Shootin' the Bull Ep. 13 – "Good Neighbors and Elk Landscaping"

(00:10:00) Pneumonia outbreak detected in Reynolds Creek bighorn sheep in Southwest Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/pneumonia-outbreak-detected-reynolds-creek-bighorn-sheep-southwest-idaho

(00:11:22) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/four-moose-relocated-university-idaho-arboretum
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-completes-fish-survey-snake-river-below-american-falls-dam-southeast-idaho
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/wolf-trapper-certification-courses-slated-throughout-state-2026
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-provide-trapper-wolf-trapper-and-hunter-education-classes-glenns-ferry

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 98 - The Gift of the Outdoors, Burbot Science, and Fish-Carrying Llamas Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

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 Washingtonians getting charged for poaching a bull moose, keeping a close eye on the highways this time of year, fish-carrying llamas, and giving the gift of the outdoors. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:18) Give your friends or family the gift of the outdoors this holiday season
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/give-your-friends-or-family-gift-outdoors-holiday-season

(00:05:12) Two Washington residents charged with alleged unlawful take and waste of a bull moose in North Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-washington-residents-charged-alleged-unlawful-take-and-waste-bull-moose-north-idaho

(00:07:16) It’s a bike! It’s a plane! It’s a… llama?...... carrying fish?
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/its-bike-its-plane-its-llama-carrying-fish

(00:11:10) Watch for wildlife on highways and avoid costly collisions
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/watch-wildlife-highways-and-avoid-costly-collisions

(00:12:58) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/help-fish-and-game-study-burbot-kootenai-river-and-earn-rewards-process
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/bridge-replacement-temporarily-close-boardwalk-and-kayak-launch-billingsley-creek-south
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-games-frank-c-jones-king-hill-access-site-magic-valley-region-reopen-dec-13

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 97 - Chain Lake Bass, Sterile Fish, and Small Game Huntin’ Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

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 largemouth bass in Coeur d’Alene’s Chain Lakes, why we stock sterile fish, some upcoming flight surveys in various parts of the state, and three small game species that’ll help fill the gaps in your freezer. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:11) Fill every crevice of your freezer by hunting these small game species this winter
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fill-every-crevice-your-freezer-hunting-these-small-game-species-winter-1

(00:07:09) New Fish and Game study underway on largemouth bass in Coeur d’Alene’s Chain Lakes
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/new-fish-and-game-study-underway-largemouth-bass-coeur-dalenes-chain-lakes

(00:09:16) Why stock sterile fish?
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/why-stock-sterile-fish

(00:15:52) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deer-population-surveys-near-salmon-and-challis-begin-soon
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/big-game-surveys-and-capture-operations-occur-december-and-early-january-throughout-magic
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/statewide-trout-stocking-highlights-december-2025

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 96 - Teton Canyon Deer and Elk, Poached Bighorn, and Bird Seed Sale Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

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 bighorn sheep shot and left to waste near Riggins, some interesting findings from a North Idaho check station, an opportunity to comment on Idaho Fish and Game’s new Draft Strategic Plan, and Teton Canyon elk and deer herds. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:12) Seasonal motorized closures and habitat work aim to secure the future of the Teton Canyon elk and deer herds
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/seasonal-motorized-closures-and-habitat-work-aim-secure-future-teton-canyon-elk-and-deer

(00:05:03) Idaho Fish and Game seeking comments on its Draft Strategic Plan
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-seeking-comments-its-draft-strategic-plan

(00:06:46) Bighorn sheep shot and left to waste near Riggins
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/bighorn-sheep-shot-and-left-waste-near-riggins

(00:08:28) Recent Fish and Game check station on Interstate 90 shows need for improved CWD transport compliance
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/recent-fish-and-game-check-station-interstate-90-shows-need-improved-cwd-transport

(00:10:44) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/mk-nature-centers-bird-seed-sale-fundraiser-runs-dec-5-6
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deer-population-surveys-near-salmon-and-challis-begin-soon
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/turn-lake-pend-oreille-fishing-logbooks-dec-12-chance-win-prizes-and-swag
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/farragut-shooting-range-center-announces-updated-days-and-hours-operation

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 95 - Juniper Cuttin', Kokanee Fingerlings, and Waterfowl Hunting (on a Budget) Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

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 kokanee fingerlings, changes to muzzleloader elk seasons in the Palouse and Dworshak zones, a cool collaborative juniper removal project in the Magic Valley Region, and waterfowl hunting on a budget. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:24) Don't let a lack of gear stop you from waterfowl hunting
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/dont-let-lack-gear-stop-you-waterfowl-hunting-0

(00:08:12) Collaborative juniper removal efforts in the Magic Valley Region improve wildlife habitat in southern Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/collaborative-juniper-removal-efforts-magic-valley-region-improve-wildlife-habitat-southern

(00:10:49) Changes to muzzleloader elk seasons in Palouse and Dworshak zones
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/changes-muzzle-loader-elk-seasons-palouse-and-dworshak-zones

(00:12:11) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/everything-nonresident-hunter-needs-know-about-2026-tag-drawing
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/about-1-million-fingerling-kokanee-will-be-ready-spring-stocking-thanks-captive-broodstock
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/icymi-idaho-fish-and-game-commission-meeting-nov-20
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-seeking-public-input-idaho-upland-game-turkey-and-furbearer-season-setting-2026-2027

ADDITIONAL LINKS

SHOOTIN' THE BULL: Idaho's First Nonresident Tag Drawing (Listen Here)
ICYMI: Listen to the November 2025 Commission Meeting
RECAP: Full November 2025 Commission Meeting (Watch Here)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: 2026-2027 Upland Game, Turkey, and Furbearer Season Setting Proposals

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 94 - November 2025 Commission Meeting (Bonus Episode) Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

Listen to the full recap of the November 20, 2025 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Lewiston. You can also rewatch the November 2025 commission meeting on our YouTube channel.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) - Opening Comments
(00:00:55) - Review of Public Comment
(00:05:35) - Summary of Western States Hunting Technology Regulations and Action Items for Commission Approval (Action Requested by Department)
(00:28:24) - Administrative Rules – Adoption of Pending Rules (Action)
(01:28:06) - Refund / Raincheck Report (Action)
(01:40:52) - Fishing Licenses for Foster Families and Foster Parents Discount Order (Action)
(01:44:19) - Harris Trust Land Acquisition (Action)
(01:53:27) - IDFG Strategic Plan Update – Draft Review and Public Outreach Preview
(02:14:51) - Nonresident Tag Draw Update
(02:22:35) - General IFWF Update and Selection of IFWF Commission Liaison (Action)
(02:26:13) - Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Update
(02:38:30) - Hemorrhagic Disease in North Idaho White-tailed Deer
(02:58:30) - Wildlife Diversity Program and Funding Overview
(03:19:15) - Avian Predation Management Plan (Piscivorous Birds)
(03:45:06) - History of White-tailed Deer in Idaho
(04:20:41) - Jacks Creek (Owyhee) Bighorn Sheep Augmentation
(04:58:49) - Upland Game and Furbearer Season Setting Preview
(05:36:10) - Dworshak Reservoir – Research and Management
(05:51:42) - Appoint Commissioner Representative to WAFWA (Action)
(05:53:10) - Setting the 2026 Commission Calendar
(06:00:39) - Director’s Report

Ep. 93 - Food-Conditioned Bears, SE Idaho Anglers, and Unit 33 Wildlife Crimes Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

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 food-conditioned bears, three separate wildlife crimes in Unit 33, next week’s Commission meeting, and an update on a wildlife crime incident back in early October. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:40) F&G thanks the public for their help on recent case in the Panhandle
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-thanks-public-their-help-recent-case-panhandle

(00:03:43) Anglers: Expect changes at American Falls Reservoir, the Snake River below, and Walcott Reservoir
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/anglers-expect-changes-american-falls-reservoir-snake-river-below-and-walcott-reservoir

(00:07:36) Two-year investigation leads to multiple convictions for wildlife violations in Twin Falls County
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-year-investigation-leads-multiple-convictions-wildlife-violations-twin-falls-county

(00:09:37) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-meeting-nov-19-20-lewiston
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-officers-seek-information-multiple-wildlife-waste-incidents-unit-33
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-removes-food-conditioned-black-bears-teton-county

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 92 - Viral Lion Video, Wild Game Processing, and Stocking Pheasants Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

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 five tips and styles for processing your deer and elk meat in a new way, pheasant stocking at WMAs, a viral video of a mountain lion creeping up on a Fish and Game wildlife technician, and diving in to the December Nonresident Tag Drawing. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:02) See what's available in the Nonresident Tag Drawing for general season deer/elk tags in 2026 and how to apply
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/see-whats-available-nonresident-tag-drawing-general-season-deerelk-tags-2026-and-how-apply
🎙️ Shootin' the Bull, Ep. 9: Idaho's First Nonresident Tag Drawing

(00:04:20) Raise the Steaks: 5 tips and styles for processing your deer and elk meat a new way
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/raise-steaks-5-tips-and-styles-processing-your-deer-and-elk-meat-new-way

(00:11:37) F&G wildlife technician films mountain lion encounter in Owyhees
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-wildlife-technician-films-mountain-lion-encounter-owyhees
🎥 WATCH the full video here.

(00:14:40) Pheasant stocking on WMAs has started and continues into December
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/pheasant-stocking-wmas-has-started-and-continues-december-0
🌾 Pheasant Stocking Webpage

(00:17:56) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/nonresident-junior-mentored-license-holders-only-need-apply-capped-elk-zones-heres-how-0
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-seeks-publics-help-two-wildlife-crimes-osburn
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deadline-apply-citizens-shooting-range-advisory-committee-nov-10
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/2025-north-idaho-bear-fair-draws-hundreds-residents-eager-learn-about-living-safely-bear

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 91 - Late-Fall Fishin’, Bird Seed Sale, and Magic Valley Goose Hunting Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

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 the MK Nature Center’s annual bird seed sale, what's new for the 2025-2026 waterfowl season in the Magic Valley Region, a moose down in Chubbuck, and why now is a great time to do a little fall fishing. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:27) Late fall and winter can be productive for stream fishing
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/late-fall-and-winter-can-be-productive-stream-fishing

(00:07:31) Fish and Game invites anglers to help study trophy rainbow trout in Lake Pend Oreille — and win prizes doing it
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-invites-anglers-help-study-trophy-rainbow-trout-lake-pend-oreille-and-win

(00:10:01) What's new for the 2025-2026 waterfowl season in the Magic Valley Region
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/whats-new-2025-2026-waterfowl-season-magic-valley-region

(00:11:44) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/moose-relocated-chubbuck-neighborhood
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/mk-nature-centers-bird-seed-sale-runs-dec-5-6
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/upcoming-trapper-education-course-offered-jerome-november-15

📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.