Hook & Bulletin

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.

Ep. 59 - Clearwater Broodstock, Moose Vandalism, and Working On Your Turkey Tongue

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 springFull 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 springFull 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 reportFull 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 IdahoFull 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.

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/