Hook & Bulletin

Ep. 77 - State Record Laker, Western Trout Challenge, and a K9 Calls It Quits

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 several wildlife crimes and convictions around the state, a K9 officer decides he’s ready to retire, the hardest trout fishing challenge you’ve probably never heard of, and one lucky angler’s new state record lake trout. Hosted by Fish and Game’s Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess.
IN THIS EPISODE
(00:02:00) Payette Lake produces new state record lake troutFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/payette-lake-produces-new-state-record-lake-trout 
(00:05:15) Multiple wildlife crimes around the stateFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/two-saint-maries-men-charged-alleged-unlawful-take-seven-white-tailed-deer-north-idaho Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/rexburg-man-convicted-wildlife-violations
(00:10:50) Want a summer adventure? Try the Trout Challenge!Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/want-summer-adventure-try-trout-challenge🐟 Western Native Trout Challenge website: https://westernnativetroutchallenge.org/ 
(00:13:47) Fish and Game K9 Officer Hudson in the Panhandle Region is retiringFull story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-k9-officer-hudson-panhandle-region-retiring 🐾 Enforcement Bureau K9 Program: https://ifwf.org/?idfg_partnerships=enforcement-bureau-k9-program 
(00:16:57) RAPID FIRE BULLETIN
▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/upper-salmon-river-closed-chinook-fishing-july-20 ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/dock-upgrade-begins-cj-strike-narrows-public-access-closed-until-aug-1 ▪️ Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/hunter-education-courses-offered-july-and-august-salmon 
(00:18:52) QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Is jug lining for catfish in Idaho, specifically in southwest Idaho, legal?"
📬 Submit a question for the Hook and Bulletin at podcast@idfg.idaho.gov.
🔗 For more information, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov.

Ep. 76 - July 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 July 17, 2025 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. You can also rewatch the July 2025 commission meeting on our YouTube channel.
IN THIS EPISODE
(0:00:00) - Opening Comments (0:01:13) - Review of Public Comment (0:05:25) - Non-Resident Tag Draw Framework & Tag Issuance (Action) (0:13:16) - Rulemaking (Action) (0:38:56) - Commission discussion on trail cameras (1:00:54) - Rulemaking (cont.) (Action) (1:03:10) - Commission discussion on Motorized Hunt Rule (1:12:20) - 2026 Outfitter Allocation and Non-Resident Tags (Action) (1:53:14) - Sage-grouse season setting (Action) (2:07:18) - Sage-grouse discount order #25-19 – Falconry (Action) (2:09:29) - Mountain Goat Management Plan (Action) (2:18:26) - Release of Bighorn Sheep Auction and Lottery Tags for Auction/Lottery (Action) (2:24:54) - Elk Controlled Hunt Area 36A-3 Addition (Action) (2:28:02) - CWD Management (Action) (2:48:06) - Duck Hunter Survey and Zone Changes (Action) (3:07:27) - Recipients of the Commission Community Challenge Grant (Action) (3:15:27) - FY27 Budget Forecast (Action) (3:29:14) - Idaho Code Clean-up (3:33:25) - Wolf Population Estimation (3:50:57) - Hatchery Program Overview (4:10:30) - Kootenai River Fish Research (4:27:53) - Director’s Report

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.