Hook & Bulletin

Ep. 101 - Winter Stream Fishing, Unit 32 Elk, and Bighorn Sheep Pneumonia Outbreak

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, we’re talking about winter stream fishing, a recap of the Jan. 15 Commission meeting, a Southwest Idaho bighorn sheep herd pneumonia outbreak, and a plan to reduce agriculture damage from elk herd on private land in Unit 32. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:01) F&G Commission hears plan to reduce agriculture damage from elk herd on private land in Unit 32 
(00:04:53) Fish and Game will lethally remove a small bighorn sheep herd in response to pneumonia outbreak in Southwest Idaho 
(00:10:47) Break out the neoprene: Winter stream fishing is a perfect opportunity to stay outdoors and catch fish 
(00:16:13) Fish and Game will restrict access to Boise River WMA for second winter 
(00:18:29) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ January 2026 Commission Meeting recap (WATCH)▪️ Magic Valley Region hunter ed classes ▪️ How Idaho's wildlife survives winter▪️ Panhandle Region huntertrapper ed classes this year 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 100 - Don't Feed Deer and Elk, Island Park Reservoir Discovery, and Negotiated Rulemaking

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, we’re talking about what happens when you feed backyard deer and elk, the deadline for purchasing your nonresident tags from this year’s draw, a shocking discovery in Island Park Reservoir, here’s how Fish and Game proposals could affect hunting technology rules. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:54) Here’s how IDFG proposals could affect hunting technology rulesFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/heres-how-idfg-proposals-could-affect-hunting-technology-rules 
(00:08:14) Feeding backyard deer and elk does more harm than good Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/feeding-backyard-deer-and-elk-does-more-harm-good-0 
(00:16:39) Illegally introduced yellow perch caught in Island Park ReservoirFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/illegally-introduced-yellow-perch-caught-island-park-reservoir 
(00:18:38) F&G seeks landowners for Clearwater's Managed Hunt ProgramFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-seeks-landowners-clearwaters-managed-hunt-program 
(00:20:28) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/results-nonresident-deerelk-tag-drawing-now-available-successful-applicants-have-until-jan ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/applications-spring-black-bear-controlled-hunts-open-jan-15-0 ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/become-idaho-master-naturalist-introductory-meeting-scheduled-pocatello-0 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 99 - Pneumonia Outbreak, Bird B&B's, and Being a 'Good Neighbor'

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, we’re talking about a bighorn sheep pneumonia outbreak in Southwest Idaho, the proper way to feed birds in your backyard, how to be a 'Good Neighbor,' and what the heck do white-tailed deer, beavers, and loggers all have in common? Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:00) How white-tailed deer, beavers and loggers share a fascinating chapter in Idaho's natural historyFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/how-white-tailed-deer-beavers-and-loggers-share-fascinating-chapter-idahos-natural-historyWATCH: The History of White-Tailed Deer (YouTube)
(00:03:24) The Birds and The Seeds: Let’s talk about winter bird feedingFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/birds-and-seeds-lets-talk-about-winter-bird-feeding-0 
(00:08:25) Good Neighbors in the Clearwater RegionFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/video-podcast-good-neighbors-clearwater-regionPODCAST: Shootin' the Bull Ep. 13 – "Good Neighbors and Elk Landscaping"
(00:10:00) Pneumonia outbreak detected in Reynolds Creek bighorn sheep in Southwest IdahoFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/pneumonia-outbreak-detected-reynolds-creek-bighorn-sheep-southwest-idaho 
(00:11:22) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/four-moose-relocated-university-idaho-arboretum ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-completes-fish-survey-snake-river-below-american-falls-dam-southeast-idaho ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/wolf-trapper-certification-courses-slated-throughout-state-2026  ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-provide-trapper-wolf-trapper-and-hunter-education-classes-glenns-ferry 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 98 - The Gift of the Outdoors, Burbot Science, and Fish-Carrying Llamas

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, we’re talking about two Washingtonians getting charged for poaching a bull moose, keeping a close eye on the highways this time of year, fish-carrying llamas, and giving the gift of the outdoors. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:18) Give your friends or family the gift of the outdoors this holiday seasonFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/give-your-friends-or-family-gift-outdoors-holiday-season 
(00:05:12) Two Washington residents charged with alleged unlawful take and waste of a bull moose in North IdahoFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-washington-residents-charged-alleged-unlawful-take-and-waste-bull-moose-north-idaho 
(00:07:16) It’s a bike! It’s a plane! It’s a… llama?...... carrying fish?Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/its-bike-its-plane-its-llama-carrying-fish 
(00:11:10) Watch for wildlife on highways and avoid costly collisionsFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/watch-wildlife-highways-and-avoid-costly-collisions 
(00:12:58) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/help-fish-and-game-study-burbot-kootenai-river-and-earn-rewards-process ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/bridge-replacement-temporarily-close-boardwalk-and-kayak-launch-billingsley-creek-south ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-games-frank-c-jones-king-hill-access-site-magic-valley-region-reopen-dec-13 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 97 - Chain Lake Bass, Sterile Fish, and Small Game Huntin’

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, we’re talking about largemouth bass in Coeur d’Alene’s Chain Lakes, why we stock sterile fish, some upcoming flight surveys in various parts of the state, and three small game species that’ll help fill the gaps in your freezer. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:11) Fill every crevice of your freezer by hunting these small game species this winterFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fill-every-crevice-your-freezer-hunting-these-small-game-species-winter-1
(00:07:09) New Fish and Game study underway on largemouth bass in Coeur d’Alene’s Chain LakesFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/new-fish-and-game-study-underway-largemouth-bass-coeur-dalenes-chain-lakes 
(00:09:16) Why stock sterile fish?Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/why-stock-sterile-fish 
(00:15:52) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deer-population-surveys-near-salmon-and-challis-begin-soon ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/big-game-surveys-and-capture-operations-occur-december-and-early-january-throughout-magic ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/statewide-trout-stocking-highlights-december-2025 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 96 - Teton Canyon Deer and Elk, Poached Bighorn, and Bird Seed Sale

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, we’re talking about a bighorn sheep shot and left to waste near Riggins, some interesting findings from a North Idaho check station, an opportunity to comment on Idaho Fish and Game’s new Draft Strategic Plan, and Teton Canyon elk and deer herds. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:12) Seasonal motorized closures and habitat work aim to secure the future of the Teton Canyon elk and deer herdsFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/seasonal-motorized-closures-and-habitat-work-aim-secure-future-teton-canyon-elk-and-deer 
(00:05:03) Idaho Fish and Game seeking comments on its Draft Strategic PlanFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-fish-and-game-seeking-comments-its-draft-strategic-plan 
(00:06:46) Bighorn sheep shot and left to waste near RigginsFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/bighorn-sheep-shot-and-left-waste-near-riggins 
(00:08:28) Recent Fish and Game check station on Interstate 90 shows need for improved CWD transport complianceFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/recent-fish-and-game-check-station-interstate-90-shows-need-improved-cwd-transport 
(00:10:44) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/mk-nature-centers-bird-seed-sale-fundraiser-runs-dec-5-6 ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/deer-population-surveys-near-salmon-and-challis-begin-soon ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/turn-lake-pend-oreille-fishing-logbooks-dec-12-chance-win-prizes-and-swag ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/farragut-shooting-range-center-announces-updated-days-and-hours-operation 
 
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 95 - Juniper Cuttin', Kokanee Fingerlings, and Waterfowl Hunting (on a Budget)

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, we’re talking about kokanee fingerlings, changes to muzzleloader elk seasons in the Palouse and Dworshak zones, a cool collaborative juniper removal project in the Magic Valley Region, and waterfowl hunting on a budget. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:24) Don't let a lack of gear stop you from waterfowl huntingFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/dont-let-lack-gear-stop-you-waterfowl-hunting-0 
(00:08:12) Collaborative juniper removal efforts in the Magic Valley Region improve wildlife habitat in southern IdahoFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/collaborative-juniper-removal-efforts-magic-valley-region-improve-wildlife-habitat-southern 
(00:10:49) Changes to muzzleloader elk seasons in Palouse and Dworshak zonesFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/changes-muzzle-loader-elk-seasons-palouse-and-dworshak-zones 
(00:12:11) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/everything-nonresident-hunter-needs-know-about-2026-tag-drawing ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/about-1-million-fingerling-kokanee-will-be-ready-spring-stocking-thanks-captive-broodstock ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/icymi-idaho-fish-and-game-commission-meeting-nov-20 ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fg-seeking-public-input-idaho-upland-game-turkey-and-furbearer-season-setting-2026-2027 
ADDITIONAL LINKS
SHOOTIN' THE BULL: Idaho's First Nonresident Tag Drawing (Listen Here)
ICYMI: Listen to the November 2025 Commission Meeting
RECAP: Full November 2025 Commission Meeting (Watch Here)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: 2026-2027 Upland Game, Turkey, and Furbearer Season Setting Proposals
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 94 - November 2025 Commission Meeting (Bonus Episode)

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.
Listen to the full recap of the November 20, 2025 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Lewiston. You can also rewatch the November 2025 commission meeting on our YouTube channel.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00:00) - Opening Comments(00:00:55) - Review of Public Comment(00:05:35) - Summary of Western States Hunting Technology Regulations and Action Items for Commission Approval (Action Requested by Department)(00:28:24) - Administrative Rules – Adoption of Pending Rules (Action)(01:28:06) - Refund / Raincheck Report (Action)(01:40:52) - Fishing Licenses for Foster Families and Foster Parents Discount Order (Action)(01:44:19) - Harris Trust Land Acquisition (Action)(01:53:27) - IDFG Strategic Plan Update – Draft Review and Public Outreach Preview(02:14:51) - Nonresident Tag Draw Update(02:22:35) - General IFWF Update and Selection of IFWF Commission Liaison (Action)(02:26:13) - Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Update(02:38:30) - Hemorrhagic Disease in North Idaho White-tailed Deer(02:58:30) - Wildlife Diversity Program and Funding Overview(03:19:15) - Avian Predation Management Plan (Piscivorous Birds)(03:45:06) - History of White-tailed Deer in Idaho(04:20:41) - Jacks Creek (Owyhee) Bighorn Sheep Augmentation(04:58:49) - Upland Game and Furbearer Season Setting Preview(05:36:10) - Dworshak Reservoir – Research and Management(05:51:42) - Appoint Commissioner Representative to WAFWA (Action)(05:53:10) - Setting the 2026 Commission Calendar(06:00:39) - Director’s Report