Hook & Bulletin

Ep. 75 - Shootin' the Bull Podcast, Nampa Hatchery, and Magic Valley Elk Season Changes

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 IdahoFull 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 ForestFull 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

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 JulyFull 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 backFull 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 adventuresFull 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 areasFull 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 ParkFull 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

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 booksFull 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 fishFull 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 populationsFull 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

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 swanFull 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 seasonsFull 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 ChairFull 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 advantageFull 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.

Ep. 71 - State Record Carp, Free Fishing Day, and Super Hunt Drawing

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 carpFull 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 AugustFull 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 YearFull 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
Southwest Region: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fgs-southwest-region-sponsoring-three-big-free-fishing-day-events-june-14
Magic Valley Region: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-host-free-fishing-day-event-riley-pond-june-14
Southeast Region: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/catch-fun-free-fishing-day-southeast-region-0
Upper Snake Region: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/free-fishing-day-events-scheduled-upper-snake
Salmon Region: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/free-fishing-day-events-planned-salmon-and-challis 
(00:10:54) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/lower-salmon-river-and-portions-clearwater-river-basin-closed-chinook-salmon-fishing ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/pollinator-celebrations-planned-pocatello-during-june ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/summer-birding-walks-planned-edson-fichter-nature-area 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 70 - Sardines and The South Hills with Sam Oberto

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

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 RiverFull 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 27Full 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 ParkFull 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.

Ep. 68 - A Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Special

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 destinationFull 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 summerFull 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 fishingFull 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 lurkFull 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 WildFull 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.