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Articles by Roger Phillips
Urge Idaho’s legislators to support protection of public lands | Opinion Original
I love Idaho and its beautiful land. I’m grateful that I get to raise my family here. Even though Idaho’s growth rate is booming, I believe Idaho as a whole has struck a great balance between its population growth and keeping our scenic lands protected. I urge Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, and Congressman Fulcher to support the Public Lands Integrity Act. This Act helps Idahoans to remain good stewards and protectors of the land we love while also supporting our local farmers, ranchers and hunters.
Point-counterpoint: Mule deer: Idaho’s chosen ones
Outdoor writers Roger Phillips and Eric Barker lobby for their favorite deer species Mule deer buck in golden grass.Brett Swain/Adobe Stock Image Whitetails are dancy, prancy, neurotic little deer, and that’s just the does and fawns. You’re walking along, and suddenly one rears its head like it can’t believe you’ve entered its space. At first, the whitetail may seem more curious than alarmed, at which point it will laser you with a doe-eyed stare.
Hunters and recreationists: Know current fire restrictions
Wildfires can threaten public safety, property and productive wildlife habitat, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent them from starting. Carelessness with fire, unfortunately, is the cause of many wildfires, so people need to be extra cautious during late summer and early fall. Wildfire season typically lasts from summer through the first significant rain or snow of fall, so don't let a chilly evening or a brief rainstorm (or snowstorm) lull you into thinking the wildfire season is over.
Trees by Roger Phillips
‘Roger contributed so much to the study and enjoyment of the plant world, both in gardens and the wild, and this new edition [of Trees] is sure to attract and encourage a new generation of tree enthusiasts’ Roy Lancaster The eagerly anticipated expanded and revised edition of Roger Phillips’s original bestseller Trees – the classic tree identification guide.
Fish and Game Reports Loss of Young Chinook at McCall Hatchery
MCCALL - Idaho Fish and Game reported a mortality event that resulted in about 33,000 young Chinook dying at the McCall Fish Hatchery in late July. The fish died from a lack of adequate oxygen supply in the rearing unit where they were being held. The hatchery is rearing about 1.5 million young Chinook that will be released in the spring to migrate to the ocean.
2025 Art Contest: Design Next Year’s Hard Card for Idaho Fish and Game Licenses
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking art submissions for the 2025 durable hard card licenses. Each year Idaho Fish and Game issues hard card licenses that fit in your wallet and include collectable art of Idaho’s iconic species. Submission will be taken for bighorn sheep, mountain goat, redband trout and sockeye salmon. One fish and one big game submission will chosen. Each winner will receive a $1,000 for use of their artwork.
Discover Idaho’s Great Lakes
Article by Roger Phillips Photography by Roger Phillips Originally published in Boise Lifestyle Idaho is known internationally for its abundant, free-flowing rivers, but that sometimes means its amazing lakes and reservoirs are overlooked. In every region of the state, there are lakes with postcard scenery, cool, clean water and lots of fun things to do. If you haven’t experienced them, you are missing out on a fantastic part of Idaho’s outdoors.
Join Fish and Game in Celebrating 125 Years of Conserving Idaho’s Wildlife
Protecting Idaho’s wildlife since 1899 BOISE - In 1899, the Idaho Legislature established the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage Idaho's fish, wildlife and habitat on behalf of the public, and Fish and Game officials invite people to share in celebration of that mutual effort.
Homemade Dandelion Beer Recipe – Mother Earth News
Looking for a refreshing, fizzy drink thats good for treating upset stomachs, indigestion and clearing the kidneys and bladder? Try out this dandelion beer recipe.
Idaho Fish and Game Will Introduce 'e-tags' for Salmon and Steelhead Fishing on April 1
IDAHO - Idaho Fish and Game is implementing electronic salmon and steelhead permits to allow “e-tagging” of harvested salmon and steelhead through the Go Outdoors Idaho mobile app starting on April 1. E-tagging will be optional when you buy your permits, and paper tags will still be available for those who prefer the traditional method of tagging fish. E-tagging will allow salmon or steelhead anglers to “notch” their permits electronically through the Go Outdoors Idaho app.
Walleye aren't bad fish, just wrong for Idaho
Like a romcom movie, the relationship between walleye and Idaho is complicated. Some anglers enjoy them as a tasty fish, but walleye tend to upset the balance of existing fish populations, so it won’t be an entertaining story if walleye populations expand across the state. Idaho and walleye just aren’t a good match in most places, and here’s why. Walleye are native to large Midwestern lakes that tend to have large and prolific forage bases of minnows, shiners, chubs and other small baitfish.
Late season fishing can be productive
When people see anglers wading streams during frigid weather and ask "what are they doing?" The short answer is, probably catching fish. Late fall and winter are often overlooked on Idaho's rivers and streams for the simple reason many people don't want to deal with the cold, but trout and whitefish remain fairly active during cold temperatures, and there's no reason you can't catch them. Late-season fishing has its advantages.
Heed advice to respect Snake River closures due to quagga mussels
Idaho Fish and Game reminds all hunters, anglers, and trappers to beware of closures in the Snake River between Twin Falls and Niagara Springs, along with nearby waterways, due to the recent discovery of highly invasive quagga mussels by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. ISDA is currently surveying the area to learn the extent of mussel larvae in the river and planning aggressive management actions.
Last day to enter Super Hunt
For just $6 per entry or $20 for Super Hunt combo, you can enter to win the hunt of a lifetime Deadline for the second Super Hunt drawing is Aug. 10. The second Super Hunt drawing will include tags for two elk, two deer, two pronghorn and one moose hunt. A Super Hunt Combo that includes one tag for each of those species will also be drawn. All winners will be notified in mid-August.
Big game hunters: Check for hunt changes before buying your tags
Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | Omny Studio Big game hunters are reminded to check for changes to the 2023 big game seasons that were adopted by the Commission in their March meeting. Due to harsh winters, and other population factors, changes were made to many hunts that could affect hunters expecting the same as last year.
Ten Tips for Catching Idaho’s Biggest Fish This Summer
Summer is here and many anglers are getting on the water and hoping to catch the big one that doesn’t get away. Big fish are milestones for anglers and long-lasting memories that will be retold for years. While it’s not unheard of to luck into a trophy-sized fish, you can improve your chances considerably by targeting those lunkers and adapting your fishing tactics to increase your odds of catching one.
Boat etiquette for boating season
As summer arrives, more people will be boating and boat ramps can get busy. There are a handful of simple tips to ensure things go as quickly and efficiently as possible. Everyone is trying to enjoy their day on the water, so people need to work together. When launching a boat: • Prep the boat and have it ready to launch before backing down the boat ramp. Have plugs in, boat unstrapped from the trailer and everything loaded including coolers, life jackets, fishing gear, etc.
Fish and Game hosts public comment
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will host a series of public meetings in April about administrative rule changes. The proposed changes should only minimally affect the average angler, but for transparency the department will provide several meetings for public comment from April 5 to May 5.
Expert ice fishing: IDFG staff share their tips so you can catch more fish
Ice fishing can be pretty darned simple. Drill a hole, drop a baited hook and wait for a fish to bite. It really can be that simple if you’re just starting. But like all fishing, there are more ice fishing skills you can learn to catch more fish, and those skills can come from trial-and-error experience, or learning from experts. If you're brand new to ice fishing and want to learn more, including ice fishing safety, see our ice fishing webpage.
Roger Phillips: The government should recommit to LGPS pooling
It is clear ministers feel the pace and progress of their flagship reform hasn’t been fast enough, writes the chair of the Local Government Pension Scheme advisory board. Cllr Phillips will speak at the LGC Investment & Pensions Summit taking place in Leeds on 8-9 September. View the programme and book your place here. Myself and the scheme advisory board secretariat team from the Local Government Association are looking forward to being back in Leeds again in a few short weeks.
F&G welcomes first sockeye of 2022 to the Sawtooth Basin, and more are on the way
By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Friday, July 29, 2022 - 4:03 PM MDT Sockeye return at Lower Granite Dam is nearly three times the 10-year average the third-highest on record at the dam Idaho Fish and Game trapped two sockeye at fish traps in the Sawtooth Basin near Stanley on July 28, which are the first fish for 2022 and part of what could be the largest sockeye return in years.
Chinook fishing season will end on the South Fork of the Salmon River on July 21
Idaho Fish and Game will close Chinook salmon fishing on the South Fork of the Salmon River at the end of fishing hours on Thursday, July 21. The sport fishing share of the harvest will have been reached by that time. Anglers can see what areas remain open for fishing by checking the Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules webpage.
Chinook fishing season will end on the South Fork of the Salmon River on July 21
By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Monday, July 18, 2022 - 3:10 PM MDT Idaho Fish and Game will close Chinook salmon fishing on the South Fork of the Salmon River at the end of fishing hours on Thursday, July 21. The sport fishing share of the harvest will have been reached by that time. Anglers can see what areas remain open for fishing by checking the Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules webpage.
July Sockeye Salmon Counts at Lower Granite Dam Could Signal a Larger Return than in Recent Years, According to IDFG
IDAHO - It's still early in the return, but signs are promising for an improved Idaho sockeye salmon run based on dam counts on the Columbia and Snake rivers, according to Idaho Fish & Game Public Information Supervisor Roger Phillips. Through July 10, 2022, a total of 584 sockeye have crossed Lower Granite Dam located about 30 miles downstream from Lewiston.
July sockeye counts at Lower Granite Dam could signal a larger return than in recent years
By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Monday, July 11, 2022 - 3:22 PM MDT Fish are crossing the dam in good numbers, but still have a long ways to go to reach their spawning grounds It’s early in the return, but signs are promising for an improved Idaho sockeye run based on dam counts on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Through mid July (July 10), 584 sockeye have crossed Lower Granite Dam located about 30 miles downstream from Lewiston.
Catch more trout (or your first) with these 10 time-tested tips
Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game Outdoors Trout are the most popular game fish species in Idaho and plentiful in the entire state and all types of waters from small streams and ponds to Idaho’s largest lakes and reservoirs.
Idaho Fish & Game Commission Sets Chinook Season to Open April 23 for Clearwater, Snake and Salmon Rivers
LEWISTON - The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has approved spring Chinook fishing seasons for the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon River drainages, which are set to open April 23. According to the IDFG, the preseason forecast for adult Chinook returning to Idaho is 39,631, which would be the highest run since 2015.
F&G Commission sets Chinook season to open April 23 for the Clearwater, Snake and Salmon rivers
Press Release By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 10:43 AM MDT Forecast for Chinook could be best return since 2015 Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved spring Chinook fishing seasons for the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon River drainages, which will open April 23.
Research finds fewer wild steelhead are caught by anglers and survive at high rates after being released Original
A two-year study showed Idaho’s wild steelhead are caught by anglers less often than hatchery fish, and they survive at a very high rate after being caught and released. That’s good news for anglers because wild steelhead survival is critical to continuing fishing seasons and ensuring they are protected while anglers target hatchery fish.
Hunters: Please fill out your big game hunter reports
Hunters: Please fill out your big game hunter reports 1 of 2 Youth attending the mentored youth pheasant clinic receive training in safe gun handling at the Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area. Mandatory Hunter Report logo Roger Phillips Idaho Department of Fish and Game Idaho Fish and Game needs all big game hunters to help by taking a few minutes to fill out their mandatory hunter reports regardless of whether they harvested, or even if they bought a tag, but didn’t hunt.
F&G needs hunters' help to monitor for CWD and prevent it from entering Idaho
F&G needs hunters' help to monitor for CWD and prevent it from entering Idaho A Fish and Game staff member kneels on the ground while retrieving lymph nodes from the head of a mule deer buck Sara Cassinelli/Idaho Fish and Game Roger Phillips Idaho Department of Fish and Game Chronic wasting disease is a threat to Idaho’s big game animals, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game needs to prevent it from entering the state and monitor for it within the state.
Hunters, anglers and other recreationist's guide to wildfire season
Hunters, anglers and other recreationist's guide to wildfire season Wildfire near Riggins. Roger Phillips/Idaho Fish and Game Roger Phillips Idaho Department of Fish and Game Wildfires can threaten public safety, destroy property, harm productive wildlife habitat, create nuisance smoke, and much more.
Hunters, anglers and other recreationist’s guide to wildfire season
Wildfires can threaten public safety, destroy property, harm productive wildlife habitat, create nuisance smoke, and much more. It’s in everyone’s interest to prevent wildfires from occurring, and human-caused wildfires are unfortunately common during summer, but doing your part to prevent wildfires can make a difference to reduce them.
F&G Commission amends wolf hunting and trapping seasons to align with new state law
F&G Commission amends wolf hunting and trapping seasons to align with new state law This Nov. 7, 2017, file photo provided by the National Park Service shows a wolf in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. Jacob W. Frank/National Park Service via AP, File Roger Phillips Idaho Department of Fish and Game BOISE — During a conference call on Thursday, June 17, Idaho Fish and Game commissioners amended current wolf trapping and hunting seasons in response to recent legislative direction.
Chinook fishing on South Fork Salmon River opens Saturday, June 26
Tuesday, June 22, 2021-Season opens for two days, then is scheduled to reopen on July 2 if enough fish are available. Chinook fishing on the South Fork of the Salmon River opens Saturday, June 26 and closes at the end of fishing hours on Sunday, June 27. If harvest objectives are not met on the opening weekend, it will then reopen four days per week, Friday through Monday, until the season is closed by the Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Chinook fishing on South Fork Salmon River opens Saturday, June 26
Press Release By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 9:42 AM MDT Season opens for two days, then is scheduled to reopen on July 2 if enough fish are available Chinook fishing on the South Fork of the Salmon River opens Saturday, June 26 and closes at the end of fishing hours on Sunday, June 27.
Free Fishing Day is June 12
F&G will not host events this year, but otherwise, Free Fishing Day will mostly be the same Free Fishing Day is June 12, and anyone can enjoy a day of fishing without a fishing license, but all other rules still apply. Free Fishing Day is an Idaho tradition that usually includes Fish and Game employees and volunteers bringing fishing gear to various fishing spots and loaning rods, reels and tackle and helping people learn to fish.
Free Fishing Day is Saturday. Here's what you need to know for a fun day of fishing
A family fishes for trout in the Horseshoe Bend Pond. Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game Roger Phillips Idaho Department of Fish and Game BOISE — Free Fishing Day is Saturday, and anyone can enjoy a day of fishing without a fishing license, but all other rules still apply.
Idaho Fish and Game hatcheries reopen for visitors
Officials ask that people continue to practice safe social distancing. Fish and Game has reopened its hatcheries to visitors in response to reduced Covid restrictions, but will not offer tours at this time. All public visits will be self-guided. Hatcheries have been closed to visitors since spring of 2020, but they have traditionally welcomed the public to see their operations and displays. Fish and Game operates 20 fish hatcheries statewide, which raise, manage and support resident fish species.
Idaho Fish and Game hatcheries reopen for visitors
Idaho Fish and Game hatcheries reopen for visitors ROGER PHILLIPS Idaho Department of Fish and Game BOISE — Fish and Game has reopened its hatcheries to visitors in response to reduced COVID-19 restrictions, but will not offer tours at this time. All public visits will be self-guided. Hatcheries have been closed to visitors since spring of 2020, but they have traditionally welcomed the public to see their operations and displays.
Large lakes and reservoirs are great destinations for Memorial Day weekend
Spring is a great time to fish lakes and reservoirs, and these water can accommodate lots of anglers. Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off to camping season for many Idahoans, which coincides with one of the best times of year for fishing Idaho’s lakes and reservoirs. Even if you’re not planning to travel for the weekend, there are great fishing opportunities throughout the state ranging from lakes and reservoirs to community ponds.
Hunters will see big reduction in antlerless moose, similar sheep and goat tags for 2021-22 seasons
Hunters will see big reduction in antlerless moose, similar sheep and goat tags for 2021-22 seasons ROGER PHILLIPS Idaho Department of Fish and Game NAMPA — The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Jan. 28 set moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons for 2021-22 during its meeting in Nampa.
Chinook season proposals are now available and a virtual open house is Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. MST.
Press Release By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Monday, February 1, 2021 - 3:24 PM MST Deadline for public comment is Feb. 21 Fish and Game will be setting new seasons for upcoming spring and summer Chinook fisheries and gathering public input on the upcoming season proposals from Feb. 11 to Feb. 21. The easiest way for the public to view and comment on the proposed seasons is online at idfg.idaho.gov/chinook.
New F&G licensing system gives buyers more options and features
Idaho Fish and Game has launched a new licensing system with a new contractor, and hunters, anglers and trappers will see new and more customer friendly services and options when buying licenses, tags and permits. Here’s a quick look at some of the differences they will see. If you buy licenses, tags and permits at vendors No changes, but more buying options.
New F&G licensing system gives buyers more options and features
New F&G licensing system gives buyers more options and features ROGER PHILLIPS Idaho Department of Fish and Game BOISE — Idaho Fish and Game has launched a new licensing system with a new contractor, and hunters, anglers and trappers will see new and more customer friendly services and options when buying licenses, tags and permits. Here’s a quick look at some of the differences they will see. If you buy licenses, tags and permits at vendors No changes, but more buying options.
The Snake River is an accessible and excellent place to hunt waterfowl
The Snake River is an accessible and excellent place to hunt waterfowl 1 of 2 Duck hunting with a dog near the Snake River. ROGER PHILLIPS Idaho Department of Fish and Game GLENNS FERRY — The Snake River in southern Idaho is a stopover and breeding area for tens of thousands of ducks and geese, which means it’s also a destination for waterfowl hunters.
Youth pheasant season runs Oct. 3-9, new stocking areas added this year
Youth pheasant season runs Oct. 3-9, new stocking areas added this year 1 of 2 Happy smiles after a successful mentored youth pheasant hunt at the Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area. BOISE — The youth pheasant hunting season runs from Saturday through Oct. 9. Youth ages 17 years and younger with an Idaho hunting license can participate in the youth pheasant hunt so long as they're accompanied by an Idaho licensed hunter age 18 years or older.
Use emergency gear during your hunting trip for more than emergencies
Use emergency gear during your hunting trip for more than emergencies 1 of 2 Survival gear for hunting and emergencies when recreating outdoors. BOISE — As hunters, we’ve been told for years we should carry emergency gear, and it’s good advice. A lot can happen in the woods during hunting season, from getting lost, to being injured, to spending an unexpected night outdoors, or having to endure a nasty storm.
Know Idaho's trespassing laws before you go hunting or fishing
Know Idaho's trespassing laws before you go hunting or fishing 1 of 2 BOISE — Hunters, anglers and other people recreating should be aware of Idaho trespass laws before they head into the field. Trespass laws changed in 2018, and here are some basic things to remember: You need permission to be on private land. It’s the responsibility of the hunter/angler to know if they’re on private land. The laws affecting how landowners must post their property changed in recent years.
Know Idaho's trespassing laws before you go hunting or fishing
Hunters, anglers and other sportsmen and women should be aware of Idaho trespass laws before they head into the field. Trespass laws changed in 2018, and here are some basic things to remember: You need permission to be on private land. It’s the responsibility of the hunter/angler to know if they’re on private land. The laws affecting how landowners must post their property changed in recent years. Fines have been stiffened for trespass violations.
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