Hook & Bulletin

Ep. 67 - Anderson Ranch Kokanee With Mike Peterson & Tucker Brauer

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

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 summerFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/got-good-set-eyes-and-green-thumb-become-community-scientist-and-help-fg-monitor-monarchStatewide Milkweed & Monarch Survey: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/db39ee5cbb634608bb057a5cd851e4a1 
(00:04:22) Here's how public input helped shape big game seasons in Southwest IdahoFull 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 ArbuckleFull 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.

Ep. 65 - Game Warden Stories, Hot Kokanee Tips, and Archery Range Back Open

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 openFull 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 runsFull 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 RegionFull 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 fishFull 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.

Ep. 64 - Turkey Legs, Wildlife Babies, and Big Game Controlled Hunts

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 outcomesFull 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 5Full 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 turkeysFull 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 1Full 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.

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

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

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-MarchFull 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 28Full 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 AberdeenFull 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.

Ep. 61 - 2024 Big Game Harvest Stats, Gettin’ Lekky in SW Idaho, and Litter Bugs

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 2024Full 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 grouseFull 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 seasonFull 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 landFull 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 onlineFull 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.

Ep. 60 - Public Land Turkeys, Boise River WMA, and Avoiding Conflicts With Groggy Bears

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 huntingFull 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 bootsFull 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 springFull 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.