Hook & Bulletin

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 60 - Public Land Turkeys, Boise River WMA, and Avoiding Conflicts With Groggy Bears Apr 10, 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 Commission Community Challenge Grants deadline, the Boise River WMA, how to avoid conflicts with post-hibernation bears, and hitting public lands in search of wild turkeys. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:23) Embrace the challenges and rewards of wildland turkey hunting
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/embrace-challenges-and-rewards-wildland-turkey-hunting

(00:07:44) The closure of a portion of Boise River WMA ended on April 1, but read this before you dust off your hiking boots
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/closure-portion-boise-river-wma-ended-april-1-read-you-dust-your-hiking-boots

(00:10:43) F&G offers tips to avoid conflicts as bears come out of hibernation this spring
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-offers-tips-avoid-conflicts-bears-come-out-hibernation-spring

(00:13:55) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deadline-alert-applications-fg-commission-community-challenge-grants-are-due-april-15
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/angler-survey-taking-place-coeur-dalene-lake-2025
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/reminder-turn-kootenai-river-angler-science-program-packets-april-15-chance-win-prizes

(00:15:30) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "How does the lifetime hunting license work?"

📬 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. 59 - Clearwater Broodstock, Moose Vandalism, and Working On Your Turkey Tongue Apr 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 upcoming hunter ed courses just in time for spring turkey season, moose getting in to trouble seemingly all over the state, some season openers you’re gonna wanna take note of, and a few family-friendly fishing waters to hit this spring. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:01:33) Dust off the fishing rod and plan your next family fishing outing this spring
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/dust-fishing-rod-and-plan-your-next-family-fishing-outing-spring-1

(00:04:15) Take hunter education now, and hunt turkeys this spring
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/take-hunter-education-now-and-hunt-turkeys-spring

(00:07:22) Southfork Clearwater localized broodstock program celebrates another successful year. Here's the full report
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/southfork-clearwater-localized-broodstock-program-celebrates-another-successful-year-heres

(00:09:43) Idaho Fish and Game relocates cow and calf moose from University of Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-relocates-cow-and-calf-moose-university-idaho

(00:11:16) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-relocates-female-moose-and-calf-community-bingham-county
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-relocates-young-bull-moose-chubbuck
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/icymi-idaho-fish-and-game-commission-meeting-march-26-2025
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-sets-spring-chinook-seasons-april-26
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/bear-lake-fishery-focus-april-9-public-meeting

(00:13:17) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "If a boat launch area along the snake river has an associated fee season, is the fee required to be paid only by those launching boats?"

📬 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. 58 - A Nose for Trouble with K9 Officer Blue Apr 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.

Host Connor Jay Liess sits...sitttts (good boy) down with Idaho Fish and Game K9 Enforcement Officer Blue. Blue is a member of Fish and Game's enforcement team, and together with handler Criag Mickelson, provides valuable support both in the field and in the office. Officer Blue is 10 years old—or 70 years old, depending on how you ask—and is a member of the black lab family.

If you got a lab at home, I promise they’re really going to love this episode.

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

🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/

P.S. Happy April Fool's Day from Idaho Fish and Game

Ep. 57 - The Director's Cut with Jim Fredericks Mar 27, 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.

Hosts Connor Jay Liess and Ben Bieri are joined by Roger Phillips (Public Information Specialist) and Idaho Fish and Game Director, Jim Fredericks, in celebration of the podcast's one-year anniversary. Director Fredericks discusses many of the challenges the department faces—including the state's growth, access, and technological advances in hunting and fishing—in addition to celebrating many of the wins the agency has worked hard to accomplish, many of which in collaboration with Idaho's sportsmen and women.

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

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🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, check out our website.

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Ep. 56 - Spring Break…Out the Fishing Rods, Southwest Elk, and Responsible Shed Hunting Mar 20, 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 taking a deep dive into kokanee fisheries, how to shed hunt responsibly, a reminder to tune in for the March Commission meeting, and why you should be fishing on Spring Break. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00:53) 10 reasons to go fishing during spring break
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/10-reasons-go-fishing-during-spring-break

(00:04:31) Shed Hunt Responsibly: Just because snow has melted doesn’t mean winter is over for elk and deer
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/shed-hunt-responsibly-just-because-snow-has-melted-doesnt-mean-winter-over-elk-and-deer

(00:11:03) Building better kokanee fishing through ‘captive broodstock’ that may stabilize stocking numbers
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/building-better-kokanee-fishing-through-captive-broodstock-may-stabilize-stocking-numbers

(00:19:06) Here’s what F&G biologists learned from two elk surveys in Southwest Idaho, and how it could shape hunting next year
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/heres-what-fg-biologists-learned-two-elk-surveys-southwest-idaho-and-how-it-could-shape

(00:23:45) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-commission-meeting-march-25-26-boise
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/mark-your-calendars-fish-and-game-will-be-hosting-lake-pend-oreille-state-lake-open-house
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-seeks-information-illegal-shooting-elk-magic-valley-region
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/moose-bighorn-sheep-and-mountain-goat-2025-26-seasons-and-rules-booklet-available-online
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/salmon-region-irrigators-asked-contact-fish-and-game-turning-ditch-water-spring

(00:26:01) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "How far away do I need to be positioned from a government-maintained road to discharge a firearm legally? I know it is unlawful to shoot from and over government-maintained roads, but what about 20 yards or even 100 yards from the edge of the road?"

📬 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. 55 - A Very, Merry Terry Thompson Farewell Mar 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.

Hosts Connor Jay Liess and Ben Bieri sit down with Magic Valley Regional Communications Manager, Terry Thompson. After a 34-year, multi-state career, Terry is finally hanging up his spurs and riding off into the sunset this spring and shares some of the innerworkings of a communications pro in the world of fish and wildlife.

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

🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/

Ep. 54 - Migratory Game Bird Proposals, Spring Turkey Draws, and Dead Swans Mar 13, 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 spring turkey controlled hunts, a couple of wildlife crimes down in Southeast Idaho, upcoming hunter ed classes, and why right now is an important time of year if you’re a waterfowl hunter. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

Public comment for 2025-26 migratory game bird season proposals now open
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/public-comment-2025-26-migratory-game-bird-season-proposals-now-open

Idaho Fish and Game investigating two swans and three deer illegally killed in southeast Idaho
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-investigating-two-swans-and-three-deer-illegally-killed-southeast-idaho

Draw results available for spring turkey controlled hunts
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/draw-results-available-spring-turkey-controlled-hunts-1

RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/trapper-education-course-planned-march-15-stanley
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/instructor-led-hunter-bowhunter-education-course-offered-salmon
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunter-bowhunter-and-wolf-trapper-education-classes-coming-southeast-region

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Having a group application with one non-resident. Are the odds better to apply as a group of 3 residents and have the non-resident apply alone? I understand there is a certain percentage of tags allocated to non-residents. So, correct me if I'm wrong. If our party of 4 were to get selected and there were no non-resident tags left, that would deselect us as successful applicants? Or how would that work?"

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

🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/

Ep. 53 - Black Bear Results, Strategic Plan, and 100,000 Reasons to Go Steelheading Mar 06, 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 spring black bear draw results, community challenge grants, public input on Fish and Game’s 2025 Strategic Plan process, and 100,000 reasons to go steelhead fishing this year. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

Thinking about spring steelheading? Here's 100K reasons to do it this year
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/thinking-about-spring-steelheading-heres-100k-reasons-do-it-year

Draw results available for spring black bear controlled hunts
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/draw-results-available-spring-black-bear-controlled-hunts-0|
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/attention-bear-hunters-bear-id-course-required-hunt-2025-0

Fish and Game announces schedule for public input on 2025 Strategic Plan Update
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-announces-schedule-public-input-2025-strategic-plan-update

RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/application-period-fg-commission-community-challenge-grants-open-until-april-15-0
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/attention-steelhead-anglers-camping-not-allowed-pull-offs-along-sf-clearwater
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/stonebraker-access-yes-parking-area-closed-until-temperature-drops

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

“What’s the best way to fish for steelhead?”

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

🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/

Ep. 52 - Managing North Idaho's Fisheries with Andy Dux and Joe DuPont Feb 27, 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, guest host TJ Ross (Panhandle Regional Communications Manager) heads to Lewiston to chat with regional fisheries managers Joe DuPont (Clearwater Region) and Andy Dux (Panhandle Region).

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

🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/

Ep. 51 - The Power of Volunteers, Chinook Seasons, and Big Game Scoring Day Feb 20, 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 e-tagging reminders, a brand-new video highlighting the work of our staff and volunteers who planted roughly 40 million sagebrush and bitterbrush seeds along the scars of the Paddock Fire, a few upcoming events in parts of the state, and an important note for salmon anglers. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00:55 | Anglers: Give your input for the proposed 2025 spring/summer Chinook salmon seasons
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/anglers-provide-feedback-management-strategies-2025-spring-and-summer-chinook-salmon-seasons

00:01:54 | Attention steelhead and salmon anglers: E-tagging is available; here's how to buy and use it
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/attention-steelhead-and-salmon-anglers-e-tagging-available-heres-how-buy-and-use-it

00:03:39 | Volunteers plant 40 million seeds to rehabilitate burned wildlife habitat (VIDEO)
Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/volunteers-plant-40-million-seeds-rehabilitate-burned-wildlife-habitat-video

00:05:03 | RAPID FIRE BULLETIN

▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/portion-sterling-wildlife-management-area-will-be-closed-prescribed-burn-improve-wetlands
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-citizens-shooting-range-advisory-committee-meet-feb-24-6-pm-mst-boise-and-virtually
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-offering-wolf-trapper-certification-course-2025-idaho-sportsman-show
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-schedules-big-game-scoring-day-march-13

00:07:16 | QUESTION OF THE WEEK

“Is prescribed fire used in Idaho to help mitigate massive wildfires?”

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

🔗 FOR MORE INFORMATION, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/

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