LEWISTON, ID — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is reminding hunters, anglers, and trappers that they are required to stop at all Fish and Game check stations, whether they were successful in their outing or not.

Check stations allow Fish and Game staff to collect valuable data about wildlife harvests and gather samples for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. They also provide an opportunity for hunters to ask questions, confirm regulations, and help biologists monitor the health of Idaho’s wildlife populations.

Those who harvested game should keep their animals easily accessible, as staff will need to inspect the carcass, license, and tag. Officials note that the process typically takes only a few minutes. Even hunters or anglers without any harvest must stop when check stations are active—bypassing a station may result in a citation.

Most check stations, referred to as management stations, are set up annually in the same locations. However, Fish and Game also operates unannounced enforcement check stations at various locations throughout the state.

Common violations seen each year include failing to properly notch and attach tags, not carrying a proxy statement when transporting game for another person, and neglecting to keep evidence of species or sex attached to the carcass. Hunters in CWD management zones should also be aware of additional restrictions on transporting whole carcasses.

Hunters and anglers can review these requirements in the 2025 Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet or visit idfg.idaho.gov for more information on tagging, proxy statements, and evidence-of-sex regulations.