Hook & Bulletin

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 70 - Sardines and The South Hills with Sam Oberto Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Host Connor Jay Liess sits down with Ben Bieri (Digital Content Specialist) and Sam Oberto (Conservation Officer). Sam patrols the second largest enforcement zone in the state—a 2,900-square mile portion in southern Idaho's South Hills—a vast landscape with its own set of challenges. In just two and a half years into his Fish and Game career, Sam Oberto has relied not only on guidance from fellow Idaho enforcement officers but fundamental backwoods ingenuity instilled at an early age growing up in rural Nevada. And sardines.

Additional topics: Oberto—like the jerky; Ben's trip to Italy; patroling the second largest zone in Idaho; growing up in Nevada; "poor man's Cape buffalo"; becoming a conservation officer; North Idaho claustrophobia; naming every tree in Unit 47; "the land of cracks"; covering 100 miles on a dirt bike; do game wardens get stuck?; Sam's shovel prowess; Old Blue the truck; if officers openly talk about their trucks by name; the public eye is paramount; carrying three spare tires; sardines are nature's chapstick; oil or water?; why you don't mess with an officer who reeks of sardines; high-stress training; Google translate and other technologies; using IDFG's Hunt Planner to solve wildlife crimes; the most remote school in the Lower 48; removing ticks while you're on the Interstate; Sam's steel horse with no personality; tapping into the brain of a hunter as a hunter; and more.

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

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

Ep. 69 - Moose Bros, Chinook Updates, and Last Week's Commission Meeting May 29, 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 some mischievous moose down in Twin Falls, new summer hours out at Blacks Creek Shooting Range, the new mountain goat management plan, and a couple must-know updates for Chinook anglers. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:28) F&G Commission increases Chinook limits on the Clearwater River
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-increases-chinook-limits-clearwater-river

(00:02:11) Portion of lower Salmon River is closed for adult Chinook harvest May 27
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/portion-lower-salmon-river-closed-adult-chinook-harvest-may-27

(00:03:06) Two yearling moose relocated out of Twin Falls Park
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-yearling-moose-relocated-out-twin-falls-park

(00:05:44) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-seeking-public-comment-its-draft-mountain-goat-management-plan-2025-30
▪️ May 2025 Commission Meeting Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSQNPIWx40k
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/summer-hours-blacks-creek-shooting-range-begin-june-1

(00:07:45) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Is it OK to catch and sell tadpoles?"

📬 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. 68 - A Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Special May 22, 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 where to find freshly stocked fishing holes, where to find the biggest fish in Idaho, some real handy tips for fishing with youngsters, and how (and where) to go fishing on Memorial Day weekend. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:56) Memorial Day weekend is the perfect chance to spend the holiday at a new (or tried-and-true) fishing destination
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/memorial-day-weekend-perfect-chance-spend-long-weekend-outdoors-new-or-tried-and-true-fishing

(00:04:39) These 10 Idaho ‘Great Lakes’ provide anglers plenty of spacious fishing opportunities long into summer
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/these-10-idaho-great-lakes-provide-anglers-plenty-spacious-fishing-opportunities-long

Lake Pend Oreille (00:05:45)
Coeur d’Alene Lake (00:07:54)
Priest Lake (00:09:03)
Dworshak Reservoir (00:10:51)
Lake Cascade (00:12:09)
American Falls Reservoir (00:14:07)
Bear Lake (00:15:42)
Anderson Ranch Reservoir (00:17:05)
Henrys Lake (00:18:29)
CJ Strike (00:20:28)

(00:22:37) 10 tips for taking kids fishing
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/10-tips-taking-kids-fishing

(00:27:52) Idaho's top spots for big fish; here is where the lunkers lurk
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idahos-top-spots-big-fish-here-where-lunkers-lurk

(00:34:43) The Best Rivers for Fish Look a Little Wild
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/best-rivers-fish-look-little-wild

(00:36:14) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-offering-cash-incentives-harvest-rainbow-and-hybrid-trout-south-fork-snake
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-opens-opportunity-comment-multiple-proposed-negotiated-rulemaking-changes
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/grizzly-bear-mistakenly-shot-and-killed-hunter-bonner-county-north-idaho
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/wolf-trapper-education-course-offered-salmon-june-14
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/upcoming-instructor-led-hunter-education-classes-magic-valley

📬 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. 67 - Anderson Ranch Kokanee With Mike Peterson & Tucker Brauer May 16, 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.

Host Connor Jay Liess sits down with Ben Bieri (Digital Content Specialist), Mike Peterson (Regional Fisheries Manager), and Tucker Brauer (Regional Fisheries Biologist) in Featherville, Idaho. If you’re a die-hard kokanee angler, chances are you’ve heard of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. In this episode, Mike and Tucker discuss how Idaho Fish and Game manages kokanee at Anderson Ranch, the history of kokanee in the state, and the best ways to fish for them.

Additional topics: Manhattan “kokanee water”, fishing superstitions, acronym soup; why ARR is famous for kokanee; defining a trophy kokanee; the life cycle of an Anderson Ranch kokanee; predators; is Mike adfluvial?; a 44 ½-inch Stanley Lake lake trout; Jeromers vs. Twin Fallers; what makes up a world-class kokanee fishery?; other Idaho kokanee fisheries; why there’s no “one size fits all” kokanee playbook; water management; finding the abundance sweet spot; stocking hatchery fish; how do you count a reservoir-worth of fish?; kokanee per hour; creel surveys; when the bite gets hot; what is a kokanee angler?; kokanee boat wraps; relying too much on fish finders; what the heck is shoepeg corn?; trawling vs. trolling; rubber snubbers and your basic kokanee rig; when to change colors; flesh quality; slabs and bluebacks; and more.

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

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

Ep. 66 - Idaho’s First Game Warden, Monitoring Monarchs, and Public Input at Work May 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 Idaho’s first game warden, grizzly bear trapping in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, how public input helped shape big game seasons in Southwest Idaho, and how to help Fish and Game monitor monarch butterflies this summer. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:18) Become a community scientist and help F&G monitor monarch butterflies this summer
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/got-good-set-eyes-and-green-thumb-become-community-scientist-and-help-fg-monitor-monarch
Statewide Milkweed & Monarch Survey: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/db39ee5cbb634608bb057a5cd851e4a1

(00:04:22) Here's how public input helped shape big game seasons in Southwest Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/heres-how-public-input-helped-shape-big-game-seasons-southwest-idaho

(00:13:08) Celebrating and honoring Idaho’s first state game warden, Charles Henry Arbuckle
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/celebrating-and-honoring-idahos-first-state-game-warden-charles-henry-arbuckle

(00:18:42) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-begins-annual-grizzly-bear-research-trapping-caribou-targhee-national-forest-1
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/now-available-controlled-hunt-drawing-results-moose-bighorn-sheep-and-mountain-goat-1

(00:20:19) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Can you use archery equipment to hunt waterfowl, other migratory birds, pheasants, sage grouse (with tag), and sandhill cranes (with tag)?"

📬 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. 65 - Game Warden Stories, Hot Kokanee Tips, and Archery Range Back Open May 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 some of the illegal activities Salmon Region conservation officers encounter in the field, how to check a salmon and steelhead fishery’s pulse, some statewide lake and pond closures to be aware of, and an exciting announcement at the Boise River WMA. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:00) SW Idaho Archers Rejoice: Boise River WMA archery range is back open
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/sw-idaho-archers-rejoice-boise-river-wma-archery-range-back-open

(00:03:59) Checking the pulse of Idaho's salmon and steelhead runs
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/checking-pulse-idahos-salmon-and-steelhead-runs

(00:07:41) It’s ‘never a dull day’ for Fish and Game officers in Idaho’s Salmon Region
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/performing-emergency-cpr-responding-possible-duis-its-never-dull-day-fish-and-game-officers

(00:12:25) F&G staff gives kokanee fishing tips to help you better understand (and catch) these unique fish
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-staff-gives-kokanee-fishing-tips-help-you-better-understand-and-catch-these-unique-fish

(00:15:27) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-city-caldwell-partnering-address-invasive-weeds-rotary-pond
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/several-fish-and-game-fishing-and-boating-access-sites-panhandle-region-will-be-temporarily
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-access-closure-winchester-lake-may-12-16

(00:17:16) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "I went through and got a deer tag for myself, and was wondering how to get my son an antelope tag. Can I just buy the license and put him in for a draw hunt?"

📬 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. 64 - Turkey Legs, Wildlife Babies, and Big Game Controlled Hunts May 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 the opening of big game controlled hunt applications, turkey leg bands, May’s rainbow trout stocking report, and why 'rescuing' baby wildlife can lead to bad outcomes. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:55) Look, don't touch: Despite good intentions, 'rescuing' baby wildlife can lead to bad outcomes
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/look-dont-touch-despite-good-intentions-rescuing-baby-wildlife-can-lead-bad-outcomes

(00:04:20) Controlled hunt application period for deer, elk, pronghorn, swan and fall black bear and turkey runs May 1 through June 5
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/controlled-hunt-application-period-deer-elk-pronghorn-swan-and-fall-black-bear-and-turkey-1

(00:07:45) Turkey hunters in North Idaho are reminded to report leg bands from harvested turkeys
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/turkey-hunters-north-idaho-are-reminded-report-leg-bands-harvested-turkeys

(00:08:37) Application period for fall 2025 swan controlled hunt opens May 1
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/application-period-fall-2025-swan-controlled-hunt-opens-may-1

(00:09:46) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/statewide-trout-stocking-highlights-may-2025
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/warm-slough-access-site-moves-day-use-only-feb-1-sept-30
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/shooting-skills-clinic-planned-salmon-may-10

📬 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. 63 - These Hooves Were Made for Walkin' With Sierra Robatcek Apr 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.

Host Connor Jay Liess sits down with Ben Bieri (Digital Content Specialist) and Sierra Robatcek (Big Game Habitat Staff Biologist) to chat about how Fish and Game tracks migratory species—deer, elk, and pronghorn—and why that information is so invaluable.

Additional topics: Mispronouncing Sierra's last name; what is a habitat biologist?; Sierra's personal migration from Colorado; Fish and Game family; the difference between mule deer and wolverines; more to habitat than meets the eye; regional biologist vs. staff biologist; why does mule deer migration matter to sportsmen?; the pursuit of food; uncovering 12,000-year old migration routes; crossing five different highways; herds of moose; pronghorn can't jump; nature vs. nurture; how Idaho Fish and Game tracks animals; deer muggers; slingin' animals; what's the data for?; conservation relationships matter; why does a town deer stay in town?; animal-safe fencing; and more.

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

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

Ep. 62 - Do Jakes Gobble, Kokanee Curveballs, and Winter Fawn and Calf Survival Update Apr 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.

This week on the Hook and Bulletin, we’ll be talking about a couple of Commission actions set during last week’s special conference call, why there’s no “one size fits all” playbook for successful kokanee fisheries, an opportunity to try your hand at Dutch oven cooking, and how collared mule deer fawns and elk calves have been faring so far during winter. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:18) Here’s how mule deer fawns and elk calves have fared through mid-March
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/heres-how-mule-deer-fawns-and-elk-calves-have-fared-through-mid-march

(00:05:28) Spearfishing opportunities could expand, F&G taking comment on proposals until April 28
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/spearfishing-opportunities-could-expand-fg-taking-comment-proposals-until-april-28

(00:06:55) An Angler's Guide to Kokanee Management: How F&G manages cyclical populations (VIDEO)
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/anglers-guide-kokanee-management-how-fg-manages-cyclical-populations-video
🎥 "The Future of Idaho's Kokanee": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur70k2IAHsA

(00:11:33) Idaho Fish and Game investigating illegal killing of a pronghorn near Aberdeen
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-investigating-illegal-killing-pronghorn-near-aberdeen

(00:12:46) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-sets-migratory-game-bird-seasons-2025-26
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-commission-rescinds-snake-river-hunting-fishing-and-trapping-closure-2
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/introduction-dutch-oven-cooking-class-be-hosted-farragut-shooting-range-center-may
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/youth-outdoor-skills-day-event-set-may-10-beaver-dick-park
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/kids-fishing-day-hordemann-pond-moscow

(00:15:21) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Do jakes gobble?"

📬 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. 61 - 2024 Big Game Harvest Stats, Gettin’ Lekky in SW Idaho, and Litter Bugs Apr 17, 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 unique population of sharp-tailed grouse in Southwest Idaho, why you need to watch out for coyotes this time of year, exterminating Idaho's public lands of litter bugs, and a deep dive into the 2024 Hunter Harvest Report. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:06) Hunter Harvest Report: Idaho deer and elk hunters go 3 for 3 in 2024
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunter-harvest-report-idaho-deer-and-elk-hunters-go-3-3-2024

(00:11:38) Gettin’ Lek-ky: A look at the unique and peculiar lives of SW Idaho’s sharp-tailed grouse
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/gettin-lek-ky-look-unique-and-peculiar-lives-sw-idahos-sharp-tailed-grouse

(00:16:16) Springtime can bring conflicts with off-leash dogs and coyotes during breeding season
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/springtime-can-bring-conflicts-leash-dogs-and-coyotes-during-breeding-season

(00:22:10) Don't Be a Litter Bug: Spring cleaning for Idaho’s public land
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/dont-be-litter-bug-spring-cleaning-idahos-public-land

(00:25:19) 2025-26 Idaho Big Game Season and Rules available online
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/2025-26-idaho-big-game-season-and-rules-available-online

(00:27:07) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/attention-anglers-spring-fishing-closures-multiple-magic-valley-region-fisheries-are-effect
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hat-working-group-final-recommendations-advance-negotiated-rulemaking
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-games-managed-hunt-program-looking-enroll-properties-2025-hunting-season
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/road-work-craig-mountains-wapshilla-ridge-starting-april-14

(00:29:40) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "I’ve found online that disabled vets can get reduced prices, but do I have to be a resident for that?"

📬 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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