Idaho Fish and Game Honor Guard debuted
during May’s Idaho Peace Officer Memorial Day.Idaho Fish and Game Law Enforcement
Idaho Fish and Game's 104 conservation officers are dedicated to protecting our fish and wildlife resources for generations to come. Our conservation officers are aware that the future of Idaho's fish and wildlife resources rests in the future of our children. Without an appreciation for wild places and wild things, support for fish and wildlife will decrease. Across the country hunter and angler numbers are trending downward. The North American Wildlife Model teaches us that our rich wildlife resources are a result of the passions, activities and support that is generated from hunters and anglers. Idaho has a rich heritage of hunting and angling, and we enjoy an abundant fish and wildlife resource.
From the Chief —
Enforcement Chief Jon Heggen
I am often asked, "What do you (conservation officers) do in the winter?"
If I'm scratching my head it's not because I'm trying to figure out an answer. More likely it's, where do I start? From my first winter as an Idaho conservation officer 20 years ago, I learned that winter was no time to kick back. Depending on the winter, I could be working seven days a week paneling haystacks from antelope, deer and elk and baiting the same animals away from those haystacks. Or I could be moving moose from Idaho Falls and hauling them above Mackay.
During that first winter in Arco, these tasks kept me plenty of busy. I still found time to help the biologists count deer and elk on the winter range, and check a few ice fishermen on the local reservoir. There were bobcat trappers and lion hunters to interact with also. And after those winter game counts were completed we also had opportunities to sit down at the regional office and discuss next year's season recommendation.
There really is no slow time of year for the conservation officer.
Our successful steelhead program provides anglers plenty of opportunities on the Clearwater and Salmon rivers. Ice fishing, from Island Park to Cascade reservoirs, always provides the conservation officer with opportunities to visit with anglers. The snow up north has caused moose to wonder through the cities and onto highways, keeping our officers and biologists busy chasing them back into the woods.
And there are always those few bad apples who refuse to play by the rules. I keep receiving reports of folks spotlighting deer on the winter range and even heard of someone taking a turkey three months before the season. Officers are still following up on leads from last fall's unsolved poachings involving moose, deer, elk, and geese. After solving the crime and catching the poacher, the work does not stop as the legal system takes over with arraignments, pre-trials and trials.
No, there is no such thing as a slow winter for the conservation officer.
Take some time this winter to view and watch wildlife, from a distance, and breathe some of that cold crisp and clean air.
And remember, anytime you see someone stealing your wildlife, you can help us protect wildlife resources when you "Make the Call" to Citizens Against Poaching at 1-800-632-5999.
Enforcement Bureau: (208) 334-3736
Bureau Chief: Jon Heggen
Assistant Bureau Chief: Chris Wright
Assistant Chief - Operations: Greg Wooten
