Hook & Bulletin

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 80 - Wildfire Restrictions, Moose Collision, and Steelhead Fans Rejoice Aug 15, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about a surprising pre-season forecast if you’re a steelhead fan, a sad story about a moose down in Twin Falls, a brand new archery range popping up in Idaho, and wildfire news. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:02:09) Hunters, anglers, campers and other recreationists must know current fire restrictions
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunters-anglers-campers-and-other-recreationists-must-know-current-fire-restrictions
🔥 https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/

(00:05:27) Summer steelhead returns way above average, surprising both anglers and biologists
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/summer-steelhead-returns-way-above-average-surprising-both-anglers-and-biologists

(00:07:29) Cow moose euthanized south of Twin Falls after vehicle collision
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/cow-moose-euthanized-south-twin-falls-after-vehicle-collision
Roadkill/Wildlife Salvage Report webpage: https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/roadkill

(00:09:42) Fish & Game and local groups hit the bullseye with new archery range in Salmon
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-game-and-local-groups-hit-bullseye-new-archery-range-salmon

(00:11:25) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/emergency-fire-restrictions-effect-all-fish-and-game-managed-lands-and-access-sites-eastern

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

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

Ep. 79 - Recreating on F&G Properties, Dialing In Your Firearm, and Sawtooth Sockeye Aug 08, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about a ton of hunter and trapper ed classes coming up, a reminder if you're recreating on Fish and Game properties, the first sockeye salmon back to the Sawtooths, and why now is the perfect time to dust off that firearm or bow in preparation for the 2025 season. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:44) Hunters: As hunting season draws near, now is the perfect time to dial in your bow or firearm
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunters-hunting-season-draws-near-now-perfect-time-dial-your-bow-or-firearm-0
Where to Shoot: https://www.wheretoshoot.org/

(00:08:44) Idaho's first sockeye of the year arrived in late July, and what was once doubtful is now tradition
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idahos-first-sockeye-year-arrived-late-july-and-what-was-once-doubtful-now-tradition

(00:12:42) Recreationists can help reduce conflicts on Idaho Fish and Game properties
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/recreationists-can-help-reduce-conflicts-idaho-fish-and-game-properties

(00:16:03) Information sought about illegal cow/calf moose killing near Kamiah
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/information-sought-about-illegal-cowcalf-moose-killing-near-kamiah

(00:17:45) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deadline-alert-aug-10-last-chance-enter-second-super-hunt-drawing
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-offering-instructor-led-hunter-education-course-rupert
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunter-bowhunter-education-combination-course-offered-challis
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/shotgun-skills-clinic-planned-salmon-aug-24

(00:19:43) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "How old does my kid have to be before they need a resident fishing license?"

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

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

Ep. 78 - Chinook Stocked in McCall, Tag Sales, and Rattlesnake Rules Aug 01, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about conservation projects and other sportsmen projects being funded by this year’s Commission challenge grants, two lakes getting stocked with jack Chinook salmon in McCall, a native fish restoration project up near Priest River, and one very important tag sale you need to be aware of. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:19) Second big game controlled hunt drawing application period is Aug. 5-15
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/second-big-game-controlled-hunt-drawing-application-period-aug-5-15-0

(00:03:37) F&G Commission awards $100K to groups for conservation and recreation projects
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-awards-100k-groups-conservation-and-recreation-projects-0

(00:06:28) Jack Chinook salmon stocked in McCall and New Meadows ponds for anglers
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/jack-chinook-salmon-stocked-mccall-and-new-meadows-ponds-anglers

(00:08:41) Nonresident hunters can apply for 2026 deer/elk tags in December; here are the details
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/nonresident-hunters-can-apply-2026-deerelk-tags-december-here-are-details

(00:10:20) Brook trout removal planned for Binarch Creek in North Idaho to aid native trout
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/brook-trout-removal-planned-binarch-creek-north-idaho-aid-native-trout

(00:12:51) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/aug-1-deadline-buy-controlled-hunt-tags-fast-approaching-0
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-relocates-two-yearling-moose-blackfoot
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/upcoming-trapper-and-wolf-trapper-education-classes-panhandle-region

(00:14:35) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Can you please also clarify take rules on rattlesnakes, as I have recently seen a post where a person wanted to hold a rattlesnake roundup, probably like they have in Texas?"

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

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

Ep. 77 - State Record Laker, Western Trout Challenge, and a K9 Calls It Quits Jul 25, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about several wildlife crimes and convictions around the state, a K9 officer decides he’s ready to retire, the hardest trout fishing challenge you’ve probably never heard of, and one lucky angler’s new state record lake trout. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:02:00) Payette Lake produces new state record lake trout
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/payette-lake-produces-new-state-record-lake-trout

(00:05:15) Multiple wildlife crimes around the state
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-saint-maries-men-charged-alleged-unlawful-take-seven-white-tailed-deer-north-idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/rexburg-man-convicted-wildlife-violations

(00:10:50) Want a summer adventure? Try the Trout Challenge!
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/want-summer-adventure-try-trout-challenge
🐟 Western Native Trout Challenge website: https://westernnativetroutchallenge.org/

(00:13:47) Fish and Game K9 Officer Hudson in the Panhandle Region is retiring
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-k9-officer-hudson-panhandle-region-retiring
🐾 Enforcement Bureau K9 Program: https://ifwf.org/?idfg_partnerships=enforcement-bureau-k9-program

(00:16:57) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/upper-salmon-river-closed-chinook-fishing-july-20
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/dock-upgrade-begins-cj-strike-narrows-public-access-closed-until-aug-1
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunter-education-courses-offered-july-and-august-salmon

(00:18:52) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Is jug lining for catfish in Idaho, specifically in southwest Idaho, legal?"

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

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

Ep. 76 - July 2025 Commission Meeting (Bonus Episode) Jul 21, 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 July 17, 2025 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. You can also rewatch the July 2025 commission meeting on our YouTube channel.

IN THIS EPISODE

(0:00:00) - Opening Comments
(0:01:13) - Review of Public Comment
(0:05:25) - Non-Resident Tag Draw Framework & Tag Issuance (Action)
(0:13:16) - Rulemaking (Action)
(0:38:56) - Commission discussion on trail cameras
(1:00:54) - Rulemaking (cont.) (Action)
(1:03:10) - Commission discussion on Motorized Hunt Rule
(1:12:20) - 2026 Outfitter Allocation and Non-Resident Tags (Action)
(1:53:14) - Sage-grouse season setting (Action)
(2:07:18) - Sage-grouse discount order #25-19 – Falconry (Action)
(2:09:29) - Mountain Goat Management Plan (Action)
(2:18:26) - Release of Bighorn Sheep Auction and Lottery Tags for Auction/Lottery (Action)
(2:24:54) - Elk Controlled Hunt Area 36A-3 Addition (Action)
(2:28:02) - CWD Management (Action)
(2:48:06) - Duck Hunter Survey and Zone Changes (Action)
(3:07:27) - Recipients of the Commission Community Challenge Grant (Action)
(3:15:27) - FY27 Budget Forecast (Action)
(3:29:14) - Idaho Code Clean-up
(3:33:25) - Wolf Population Estimation
(3:50:57) - Hatchery Program Overview
(4:10:30) - Kootenai River Fish Research
(4:27:53) - Director’s Report

Ep. 75 - Shootin' the Bull Podcast, Nampa Hatchery, and Magic Valley Elk Season Changes Jul 11, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about a poaching case in the Panhandle Region, some changes to elk seasons in the Magic Valley Region, does boat electrofishing harm aquatic insects, and Fish and Game's newest podcast series, Shootin' the Bull. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:35) Announcing Idaho Fish and Game’s newest podcast series ‘Shootin’ the Bull’
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/announcing-idaho-fish-and-games-newest-podcast-series-shootin-bull

(00:02:56) Coeur d’Alene man convicted of unlawful killing of a trophy bull elk in North Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/coeur-dalene-man-convicted-unlawful-killing-trophy-bull-elk-north-idaho

(00:06:03) Grizzly trapped and relocated on Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/grizzly-trapped-and-relocated-caribou-targhee-national-forest

(00:08:06) Does boat electrofishing harm aquatic insects?
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/does-boat-electrofishing-harm-aquatic-insects

(00:13:11) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-meeting-july-16-17-coeur-dalene
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/nampa-fish-hatchery-closed-public-phase-2-major-construction-project-ramps
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/heads-elk-hunters-magic-valley-sees-new-season-changes-and-tag-opportunity-2025

(00:15:21) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "I plan to hunt mule deer in southern Idaho for the first time this fall, and I understand the unit I intend to hunt in falls under the motorized hunt rule. Where can I learn more?"

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

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

Ep. 74 - Patriotic Fishin’ Holes, Guide to Mountain Lakes, and ISP’s Rod Loaner Program Jul 03, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about mountain lake fishing, Idaho’s State Park Fishing Equipment Loaner Program, some grizzly bear news in the Island Park area, and a list of Idaho's top "patriotic" fishing spots. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:20) Top ‘patriotic’ places to go fishing this 4th of July
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/top-patriotic-places-go-fishing-4th-july

(00:10:27) No fishing rod? No problem. F&G and Idaho Parks & Rec have your back
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/no-fishing-rod-no-problem-fg-and-idaho-parks-rec-have-your-back

(00:12:49) Idaho's mountain lakes are summer destinations and great fishing adventures
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idahos-mountain-lakes-are-summer-destinations-and-great-fishing-adventures

(00:17:52) It's fawning season for town deer, too – F&G asks McCall residents to take extra precautions in certain areas
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/its-fawning-season-town-deer-too-fg-asks-mccall-residents-take-extra-precautions-certain

(00:19:38) Food-conditioned, habituated grizzly bear euthanized in Island Park
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/food-conditioned-habituated-grizzly-bear-euthanized-island-park

(00:21:45) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-issues-closure-order-adult-chinook-salmon-harvest-south-fork-salmon-river
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fgs-turkey-tracker-back-heres-how-report-turkey-sightings
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/statewide-trout-stocking-highlights-july-2025

(00:24:24) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "If I transport an elk for a friend, do I need a proxy statement?"

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

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

Ep. 73 - Spearfishing July 1, Studying Mountain Fisheries, and State Record Fish Jun 26, 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about spearfishing rules going into effect July 1st, sage-grouse hunting season proposals open now for public comment, a cool story from one of our fisheries biologists after spending some time in the mountains studying salmon, and how to submit your big catch into the record books. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:02:32) You landed a lunker—now what? Here’s how to submit your big catch into the record books
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/you-landed-lunker-now-what-heres-how-submit-your-big-catch-record-books

(00:06:15) New spearfishing rules take effect July 1 in select waters for some game fish
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/new-spearfishing-rules-take-effect-july-1-select-waters-some-game-fish

(00:07:37) F&G biologists, field technicians travel deep into the mountains to study salmon populations
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-biologists-field-technicians-travel-deep-mountains-study-salmon-populations

(00:12:03) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/sage-grouse-hunting-season-proposals-available-public-comment-through-july-6
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/lemhi-hole-access-site-moving-day-use-only-july-1
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-magic-valley-region-host-3rd-annual-blood-drive-august

(00:14:08) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Is it legal to spearfish for walleye in Nampa’s Lake Lowell?"

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

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

Ep. 72 - Summer Chinook, Lake Lowell Walleye, and the Commission’s New Chairman Jun 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about walleye management in Lake Lowell, summer season openers for Chinook salmon fishing, our new Fish and Game Commission Chairman Dave Bobbitt, and resident controlled hunt results. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:23) Now available: Controlled hunt drawing results for deer, elk, pronghorn, fall bear, turkey, and swan
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/now-available-controlled-hunt-drawing-results-deer-elk-pronghorn-fall-bear-turkey-and-0

(00:03:31) F&G Commission approves 2025 summer Chinook seasons
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-approves-2025-summer-chinook-seasons

(00:06:29) Commissioner Dave Bobbitt of Coeur d'Alene takes over as F&G Commissioner Chair
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/commissioner-dave-bobbitt-coeur-dalene-takes-over-fg-commissioner-chair

(00:09:36) Catch, kill, keep: With walleye biting and no bag or possession limits on the species at Lake Lowell, Fish and Game asks anglers to take advantage
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/catch-kill-keep-walleye-biting-and-no-bag-or-possession-limits-species-lake-lowell-fish-and

(00:13:51) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/angler-creel-survey-underway-kootenai-river-north-idaho
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fencing-project-dog-creek-reservoir-will-restrict-camping-opportunity-until-further-notice
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/growing-kokanee-people-and-fish-lake-pend-oreille-north-idaho

(00:16:05) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Where's a good place to take a youngster fishing?"

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

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

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Ep. 71 - State Record Carp, Free Fishing Day, and Super Hunt Drawing Jun 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 on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about upcoming Free Fishing Day events, how your Super Hunt dollars fund access, a well-deserved achievement for one of our conservation officers, and a new state record grass carp. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:06) Archery angler shatters state record for grass carp
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/archery-angler-shatters-state-record-grass-carp

(00:02:30) May Super Hunt drawing nets $1 million for access, next drawing is in August
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/may-super-hunt-drawing-nets-1-million-access-next-drawing-august

(00:05:04) Magic Valley Fish and Game Officer Meghan Roos named as Shikar-Safari Club International Wildlife Officer of the Year
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/magic-valley-fish-and-game-officer-meghan-roos-named-shikar-safari-club-international

(00:07:35) Free Fishing Day events across the state