Hook & Bulletin

Ep. 58 - A Nose for Trouble with K9 Officer Blue

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

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.

Ep. 56 - Spring Break…Out the Fishing Rods, Southwest Elk, and Responsible Shed Hunting

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 breakFull 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 deerFull 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 numbersFull 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 yearFull 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.

Ep. 55 - A Very, Merry Terry Thompson Farewell

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

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 openFull 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 IdahoFull 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 huntsFull 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

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 yearFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/thinking-about-spring-steelheading-heres-100k-reasons-do-it-year 
Draw results available for spring black bear controlled huntsFull 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 UpdateFull 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

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

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 seasonsFull 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 itFull 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/