Hunting and Fishing Information
Learn more about rules and regulations on property managed by TNC in Idaho.
Idaho’s fishing and hunting community has a long tradition of supporting the conservation of our lands, waters and wild places. We thank you for your interest in properties owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
While some TNC properties are open for sporting opportunities, some are closed to hunting and fishing due to access limitations or other conditions. In all cases, TNC considers the biological effects of hunting and fishing to ensure the protection of the plants, animals and natural communities. As such, some sensitive habitats are not currently publicly accessible.
As a general matter, TNC supports access to public lands when consistent with good conservation management.
TNC properties that are not listed below are closed to the public for hunting or fishing.
GUIDELINES
Look for posting and/or marking of our boundaries. Please ensure you are on TNC land where hunting and fishing are allowed, and respect the property rights of adjacent landowners.
Hunters and anglers on TNC preserves should observe all Idaho Department of Fish & Game regulations and follow the same rules applicable to state lands, including obtaining all required government licenses or permits. An exception to the state land rules is that trapping is prohibited on all TNC preserves.
Please be courteous and respect other visitors.
All recreational activity (including hunting and fishing, for example) on TNC lands is at each individual’s own risk. TNC assumes no liability or responsibility of any kind with respect to that activity.
Properties
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Ball Creek Farm Preserve is a 2300-acre nature preserve of wetlands and working farm land, located 12 miles north of Bonners Ferry.
Hunting: No big game hunting or trapping. Waterfowl and turkey hunting are allowed during the hunting season. Access is provided by the Westside County road and TNC road.
Fishing: Fishing allowed in the Kootenai River only.
Dogs: Allowed but must be under owners' control at all times.
Contact: kmcclintock@tnc.org -
Crooked Creek is composed of high-quality sagebrush steppe habitat that supports a dense population of Greater sage-grouse and other common and rare species.
Hunting: No trapping. Hunting by permission only. There is no motorized access.
Fishing: N/A
Dogs: Allowed but must be under owners' control at all times.
Contact: dusty.perkins@tnc.org -
Flat Ranch Preserve offers incredible wildlife viewing and wildflower displays just 15 minutes from Yellowstone National Park.
Hunting: Waterfowl hunting only, by permission within designated area along river corridor. See the waterfowl hunting map and follow all rules posted at preserve visitor center. Trapping prohibited. Access at the marked entrance on HWY 20 only.
Fishing: Open to fishing.
Dogs: Allowed but must be under owners' control at all times and must be leashed May through July. Please keep dogs at a safe distance from wildlife and livestock to prevent conflicts.
Contact: mward@tnc.org -
Formation Springs features clear-flowing water, wetlands, and travertine terraces located 5 miles from Soda Springs. This property is managed in cooperation with Bureau of Land Management.
Hunting: No hunting or trapping allowed.
Fishing: N/A
Dogs: Allowed but must be under owners' control at all times.
Contact: dusty.perkins@tnc.org -
Located in Hells Canyon, Garden Creek rewards visitors with stunning vistas, beautiful spring wildflower displays and abundant wildlife. Access is by foot or by jet boat tours from Lewiston.
Hunting: Open to hunting. Keep a minimum of ¼ mile distance from all buildings on property.
Fishing: Available from the beach, daytime use only.
Dogs: Allowed but must be under owners' control at all times.
Contact: dusty.perkins@tnc.org -
Located in the Wood River Valley of central Idaho, the 10,400-acre Rinker Rock Creek Ranch provides diverse habitat and water sources for wildlife.
Hunting: The ranch has been acquired by the University of Idaho, which manages public use and access. Hunting is permitted, with access by foot and on designated motorized roads only. No sage grouse hunting and no trapping. Motorized vehicles are limited to designated roads: Rock Creek Road, Glendale Road, Hatty Gulch and East Fork Rock Creek Road. Seasonal restrictions may apply to all types of access.
Fishing: Open to fishing.
Dogs: Allowed but must be under owners' control at all times.
Contact: dusty.perkins@tnc.org -
A desert spring creek, Silver Creek offers a wildlife oasis and world-class trout stream that runs through over 874 acres of TNC property near Picabo.
Hunting: No big game hunting or trapping. Waterfowl hunting is allowed only on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the hunting season. You must sign-in at the hunter registration box at the Kilpatrick Bridge kiosk before entering the preserve to hunt. Access for hunting is by boat only. Please read our Waterfowl Hunting policy.
Fishing: Open only to catch-and-release fly-fishing with a single barbless hook, Memorial Day weekend through November 30th. Sign-in is required daily and anglers must use designated fishing access points.
Dogs: Dogs are prohibited except for retrieving waterfowl during hunting season. Dogs must enter by boat and remain with the hunter at all times unless retrieving waterfowl.
Contact: silvercreek@tnc.org -
Public access is from the river only and restricted to 100 feet above high-water mark
Hunting: No hunting or trapping allowed.
Fishing: Allowed from boat only.
Dogs: Please note dogs are not allowed on the preserve.
Contact: dusty.perkins@tnc.org
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