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Boise, Idaho - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) invites all Americans to celebrate National Fishing and Hunting Day on Sept. 28 by visiting public lands throughout Idaho.  Here, Americans can hunt, fish, and watch wildlife while exploring the great outdoors. The BLM manages diverse habitats to support fish and wildlife game species, affording superior hunting opportunities and world-class fishing.

“The BLM is committed to providing widespread access to America’s public lands for recreation,” said BLM Idaho Recreation Lead Robin Fehlau. “Over 99 % of BLM-managed lands are open to hunting and fishing, and BLM coordinates with local communities and our valued partners to actively expand access to these opportunities. The BLM supports hunting and fishing as meaningful forms of conservation.”

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation,” more than 101.6 million Americans, or 40% of the U.S. population age 16 and older, pursued wildlife-related recreation. The survey also reports that hunting, fishing, and other wildlife related activities contributed an estimated $156.3 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016. In FY 2017, BLM-managed public lands received 7.3 million hunting and fishing visits, helping to support local economies.

Fishing and hunting on public lands in Idaho are managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Be sure you review all regulations before heading out on your outdoor adventure. Hunters and anglers on public lands must have the required state license(s).

Hunting

The BLM manages wildlife habitat on 1 out of every 10 acres of land in the United States. Unless specifically prohibited, public lands managed by the BLM are open to hunting. Please check with your local BLM office in the region you plan to visit to check on closures, restrictions and safety tips before you plan your trip. 

It is important to hunt only on lands where it is legally allowed. Private land is open to hunting only if you have the permission of the land owner. If you do not have permission to hunt, you are trespassing and can be prosecuted. Crossing private lands to access public lands is not permitted, unless you first obtain permission from the private landowner. Consult BLM maps before heading out to ensure land status. You can also review this interactive Idaho Hunt Planner.

Idaho is home to more than 300 protected nongame birds. Please remember that it is unlawful to shoot or harass threatened, endangered or protected nongame birds.

Idaho offers some of the best chukar and gray partridge hunting in the West. These upland birds thrive on large tracts of public land, with the best distribution in the Clearwater, Magic Valley and Southwest regions.

Fishing

The BLM manages over 130,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams and provides countless public recreational fishing access opportunities throughout the United States.

BLM-managed lands are open for fishing unless specifically closed for specific resource protection purposes. Anyone 14 years and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Idaho with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Consider using nontoxic tackle as inexpensive and ecologically sound alternatives to lead fishing weights.

The South Fork of the Snake River supports the largest native cutthroat fishery outside of Yellowstone National Park.  Among recreationists throughout the country, the South Fork is known as a premier blue ribbon trout fishery, and was selected as the host site for the 1997 World Fly-Fishing Championship.

Know Before You Go:

• Plan your route in advance. Consult BLM maps for more information.
• Be prepared. Weather and conditions may change quickly, so pack accordingly. Always bring a first-aid kit, extra water, food and dry clothing.
• Follow Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly ethics. Preserve the outdoors for future generations by using designated routes and packing out all trash.
• Let others know your plans. Before leaving, make sure you let someone else them know where you will be and when you will be back. 
• Make sure your equipment is in proper working condition. By checking your equipment, you decrease risk of injury to yourself and others, or accidentally starting a wildfire on public lands. Take steps to make sure trailer chains aren’t dragging, and stay on roads and trails.
• Prevent wildfire. The fire prevention order is in effect through Oct. 20, 2019.
• Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by practicing clean, drain and dry.

Learn more about hunting and fishing opportunities on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management Idaho.