Outdoor News

Losing Elk 03/01/10

Northern Idaho-More than 50 percent of the elk in a Northern Idaho research zone have disappeared. Idaho Fish and Game released research showing a 57 percent loss in the Lolo Zone elk population since 2006. The wolf hunt is still open in the area until the end of March. The wolf kill limit is 27. Hunters have killed 11 wolves in the Lolo Zone which includes Idaho and Clearwater County. 

Outdoors for Auction 02/23/10

Idaho-Tackle deer, milk fish and band birds. Idaho Fish and Game is offering the public a chance to be a biologist for a day. Forty outdoor trips are up for auction through the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The auction closes February 28, 2010.

Guns Legalized in Yellowstone 02/18/10

Yellowstone National Park-A change in federal law effective February 22, allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws, to possess those firearms in national parks. Possession is subject the laws of the park's hosting state. Yellowstone spans portions of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. All three states allow open carry of handguns and rifles on one’s person or in a vehicle. They all also allow concealed carry of firearms with a permit.

Park Wolf Numbers Down 02/17/10

Yellowstone National Park-Yellowstone's wolf population declined for the second year in a row. The population dropped 23 percent between 2008 and 2009. Researchers suspect malnutrition, mange or wolves killing each other as the cause. The population peaked at 174 in 2003. It is now under 100. 

Wildlife Conditions Update 02/12/10

Southeast Idaho-Wild animals around the region are in good condition. Snow levels are minimal and temperatures are mild. Most areas have natural forage available through the snow and animals are moving freely.

Upcoming Chinook Salmon Season 02/08/10

Idaho-Pre-season forecasts show a strong salmon run for 2010. Last year anglers fished for more than 60,000 hours and averaged one salmon caught every 12 fishing hours. It was the first time in more than 30 years that the Salmon River was open to salmon fishing.

Spring Steelhead Season Opens 01/25/10

Idaho-Spring steelhead fishing season is open on sections of the following rivers in Idaho:Salmon, Little Salmon, Snake, Clearwater and Boise. The season runs through April 30 in most areas. 

Teton Ice Park Permit Pulled 01/23/10

Alta, WY-The U.S. Forest Service closed Teton Ice Park  at Grand Targhee Resort due to public access concerns and insurance issues. The park agreed to allow public access on a limited basis, but had to change insurance carriers. The new Ice climbing area is closed while the Forest Service reviews the new insurance plan. Review could take up to 30 days.

Yellowstone Continues to Shake 01/22/10

Yellowstone National Park--A swarm of earthquakes are still rattling the nation's first national park. Researchers recorded 1,033 quakes in six days between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone, Montana. Yellowstone averages nearly 1,200 earthquakes a year, with 80 swarms in the last 25 years.

Earthquakes Swarm Yellowstone 01/20/10

Yellowstone National Park--Ongoing earthquakes are shaking Yellowstone National Park. The swarm of quakes is located about 10 miles northwest of Old Faithful. The largest quake in the swarm registered a magnitude of 3.7 January, 19. The Univeristy of Utah Seismograph Station has 469 quakes on record since January 17.

Fish and Game Chopper Crash 01/12/10

Kelly Creek Area, Idaho--A helicopter carrying two Idaho Fish and Game biologists crashed Friday, January 8, in the Kelly Creek area on the North Fork of the Clearwater River. The two researchers and pilot were on a wildlife collaring operation at the time of the crash. None of them suffered life-threatening injuries. The last Idaho Fish and Game chopper crash happened in 2000 in Northern Idaho killing one biologist.

Teton Ice Park Public Access 01/11/10

Alta, WY-Teton Ice Park  at Grand Targhee Resort is now open to the public, but on a limited basis due to Forest Service requirements. Climbers must go through orientation and pay membership dues to use the ice park outside of reserved classes. All climbing must be supervised by guides teaching at the park. Dues are $10 per day or $40 per season.

Record Year at Yellowstone 01/07/10

Yellowstone, MT--Yellowstone National Park hosted a record number of visitors in 2009. Nearly 3.3 million people visited the world’s first national park last year, up 7.5% from 2008 and up 4.6% from the previous record of 3.15 million visitors set in 2007.