Idaho Fish and Game
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is a state government agency, founded in 1909, that manages Idaho's fish and wildlife resources. It serves resident and non-resident hunters, anglers, and conservation stakeholders through license sales, tags, permits, hatchery programs, and 400+ recreation sites across seven regional offices statewide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1909
- HeadquartersBoise, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Idaho Fish and Game does
Idaho Fish and Game, officially the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, is the state government agency of Idaho responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources across the state, founded in 1909 with the construction of the Sandpoint Fish Hatchery. The agency serves resident and non-resident hunters, anglers, wildlife education participants, and conservation stakeholders through seven regional offices (Panhandle, Clearwater, Southwest, Magic Valley, Southeast, Upper Snake, Salmon) headquartered in Boise. Its core portfolio includes license/tag/permit sales (hunting, fishing, controlled hunts, specialty permits), digital trip-planning tools (Hunt Planner, Fishing Planner), and an electronic salmon and steelhead tagging system delivered via the GoOutdoorsIdaho mobile app and website. Underlying technology centers on the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (IFWIS), a GIS-backed data and mapping platform, supplemented by live webcams (osprey cam), online stocking schedules, and species observation reporting.
The agency operates fish hatcheries and a statewide stocking program that released over 1 million captive-bred kokanee fingerlings and approximately 240,000 catchable rainbow trout monthly during peak seasons, and manages hundreds of thousands of acres of wildlife management areas (including a recent 280-acre Tex Creek WMA expansion) plus 400+ recreation sites. It maintains three educational facilities — MK Nature Center (Boise), WaterLife Discovery Center (Sandpoint), and Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area — and publishes the Wildlife Express children's newsletter. Enforcement operations investigate wildlife crimes (poaching tip line: 1-800-632-5999) and conduct population management activities such as elk relocations and wildlife underpass construction with the Idaho Transportation Department.
The agency's revenue model is structured as a public-sector funding mechanism rather than commercial sales: license fees, tag fees, controlled-hunt application fees, federal excise taxes on hunting/fishing equipment, state appropriations, and donations funneled through the supporting Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation 501(c)(3). Pricing is publicly disclosed and tiered by residency (resident vs. non-resident), species, and hunt type (general season OTC vs. controlled draw), with one-time license purchases, specialty permits (archery, muzzleloader, salmon/steelhead), and hunter education ($8 registration) as the primary monetization vectors. Distribution spans self-serve online, mobile app, phone (800-554-8685), seven regional offices, and authorized license vendors throughout the state.
Idaho Fish and Game firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Idaho Fish and Game
- Legal name
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- Website
- https://idfg.idaho.gov
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1909
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is a state government agency, founded in 1909, that manages Idaho's fish and wildlife resources. It serves resident and non-resident hunters, anglers, and conservation stakeholders through license sales, tags, permits, hatchery programs, and 400+ recreation sites across seven regional offices statewide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Idaho Fish and Game industry classification
Industry- Product category
- State Wildlife Management
- NAICS
- Fishing, Hunting and Trapping (114), Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries (112511)
- SIC
- Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aquaculture & Fish Health Services (AFAEANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Aquaculture & Fisheries Operations (EDAOAOAK)
Keywords
Where Idaho Fish and Game is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boise
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
Idaho Fish and Game business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Revenue from sale of hunting and fishing licenses to residents and non-residents. Licenses are required for hunting and fishing activities in Idaho.
- Tags (Big Game, Elk, Deer, etc.): Revenue from sale of tags for big game hunting including deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and controlled hunt tags.
- Permits and Special Authorizations: Revenue from permits such as archery permits, muzzleloader permits, salmon/steelhead permits, swan permits, and other special use permits.
- Facility and Education Donations: Donations received through Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation for education centers and programs including WaterLife Discovery Center and MK Nature Center.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Resident Hunting/Fishing Licenses |
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | Non-Resident Hunting/Fishing Licenses |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | Controlled Hunt Tags |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Hunter Education Course |
| Unit Pricing | Annual | Specialty Permits |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Idaho Fish and Game product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Idaho Fish and Game is a state government agency that issues hunting and fishing licenses, tags, and permits to residents and non-residents, operates fish hatcheries and stocking programs that release hundreds of thousands of trout and over one million kokanee fingerlings annually, manages millions of acres of wildlife management areas and 400+ recreation sites, enforces wildlife laws, and provides hunter education and three educational nature centers (MK Nature Center, WaterLife Discovery Center, Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area). Sales and management are supported by the GoOutdoorsIdaho online licensing platform, the IFWIS data/GIS system, and e-tagging mobile technology.
Product overview
Idaho Fish and Game operates as a state government agency providing a portfolio of outdoor recreation services centered on hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. The core offerings include the Hunt Planner and Fishing Planner online tools for trip planning, the Licenses/Tags system for permit sales, and the E-Tagging digital harvest recording system. The agency maintains three educational facilities (MK Nature Center, WaterLife Discovery Center, and Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area) and publishes the Wildlife Express educational newsletter. Additional services include Hunter Education certification programs, a Controlled Hunt lottery system, the Idaho Species Catalog for wildlife observation reporting, and a Fish Stocking Program. The portfolio functions primarily as an informational and regulatory platform rather than a unified software product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- WaterLife Discovery Center: A habitat education and interpretive area on the shores of the Pend Oreille River near Sandpoint, Idaho, combining a fish hatchery, nature trails, wildlife watching areas, and underwater viewing opportunities.
- MK Nature Center
- Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area
- Wildlife Express
Products and services
- Hunt Planner Online planning tool that allows hunters to view seasons, rules, harvest statistics, drawing odds, and controlled hunt results to plan their hunting trips.
- Fishing Planner Online planning tool that helps anglers locate fishing spots, view stocking schedules, and access fishing information across Idaho's regions.
- Licenses, Tags, and Permits Online and in-person sales system for hunting licenses, fishing licenses, tags, and permits including resident, nonresident, and controlled hunt applications.
- E-Tagging Electronic salmon and steelhead harvest recording system available through the GoOutdoorsIdaho app, replacing traditional paper tags for more precise fisheries management.
- Hunter Education Program Mandatory certification program teaching safe gun handling, hunting regulations, ethics, and wildlife identification, including bowhunter education and youth programs.
- Controlled Hunt System Lottery-based system for allocating limited hunting tags for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and specialty hunts through online application and drawing processes.
- Fish Stocking Program Statewide program stocking catchable rainbow trout and other species into Idaho lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, with schedules published by region.
- MK Nature Center 4.6-acre wildlife education center along the Boise River Greenbelt featuring underwater viewing windows, educational displays, and programs for visitors.
- WaterLife Discovery Center Self-guided habitat education and interpretive center on the Pend Oreille River near Sandpoint, featuring fish hatchery, nature trails, and underwater viewing.
- Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area Five-acre registered Backyard Wildlife Habitat area within Lewiston city limits featuring paved trails, an underwater viewing window, and an observation gazebo.
- Wildlife Express Newsletter Monthly newsletter for elementary school-age children teaching wildlife species lessons, available as PDF downloads with coordinating activities.
- Idaho Species Catalog Online database enabling users to explore and report wildlife sightings across Idaho including roadkill and species observations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1 million kokanee fingerlings released from first captive broodstock program
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Idaho Fish and Game
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Idaho Fish and Game technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Idaho Fish and Game partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Idaho Fish and Wildlife FoundationcoreNon-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports Idaho Fish and Game through fundraising, donations, and grants for conservation and education programs. Hosts the WaterLife Discovery Center donations and other Fish and Game education initiatives.
- Pend Oreille Master Naturalist ChaptercoreVolunteer organization that assists with maintenance of WaterLife Discovery Center facility and grounds, provides environmental outreach events to the local community, and uses the center for chapter meetings.
- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)majorLead agency for wildlife underpass project on US-30 near Montpelier, including installation of concrete box culverts, bridge, and 6 miles of 8-ft tall fencing.
- Coeur d'Alene TribemajorPartner in fisher reintroduction project in the Panhandle Region, cooperating on wildlife management efforts.
- U.S. Army Corps of EngineersmajorPartner in fisher reintroduction project in the Panhandle Region for wildlife management cooperation.
- Idaho Trappers AssociationcorePartner in fisher reintroduction project, cooperating on wildlife management.
- Rocky Mountain Elk FoundationmajorConservation organization that provided funding for Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area expansion (280 acres).
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)majorPartner in prescribed burns at Market Lake Wildlife Management Area and wildlife underpass project. Co-closed Boise River WMA due to Claremont Fire.
- US Fish and Wildlife ServicemajorPartner in WaterLife Discovery Center supporters and Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team for bear research protocols.
- Natural Resources Conservation ServicecoreWaterLife Discovery Center supporter providing conservation assistance.
- AvistaminorWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - utility company providing funding for conservation.
- Bonner County Sportsmen's AssociationminorWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - sportsmen's organization providing community support.
- Lake Pend Oreille School DistrictcoreWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - education partner for student field trips and programs.
- Trout UnlimitedcoreWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - conservation organization focused on coldwater fisheries.
- Safari Club InternationalminorWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - hunting advocacy organization.
- Greater Sandpoint Chamber of CommerceminorWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - business organization supporting local tourism.
- Sandpoint RotaryminorWaterLife Discovery Center supporter - service organization providing volunteer support.
- Friends of the MK Nature CentercoreNon-profit organization supporting MK Nature Center operations, programs, and facility improvements. Manages gift shop and bird seed sales fundraiser.
- Idaho Department of Fish and GamecoreIdaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a supporting 501(c)(3) organization for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, handling donations and grants.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Idaho Fish and Game competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Ducks Unlimited: Major conservation NGO that partners with Idaho Fish and Game on wetland habitat work. Thematically adjacent — comparable conservation mission and partner role, but operates as a private nonprofit rather than a regulator.
Direct peers
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: State wildlife division with parallel license, tag, and permit programs; manages fish hatcheries and WMAs. Direct structural peer in the Intermountain West.
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Neighboring state fish and wildlife agency operating an analogous license/tag/permit system, fish hatchery network, and regional office structure. Directly comparable in scope and regulatory model.
- Nevada Department of Wildlife: State wildlife agency operating parallel license and tag systems, fisheries management, and habitat programs. Comparable operational structure.
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Pacific Northwest state agency with matching hunting, fishing, and wildlife management programs including salmon/steelhead management — directly comparable to Idaho's fisheries focus.
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks: State agency managing hunting, fishing, and wildlife management areas across Montana. Comparable big game and coldwater fisheries programs, with similar tag and permit structures.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Joint state agency managing hunting, fishing, and state parks in Colorado with parallel license/permit systems, hatchery operations, and WMA network.
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department: Western state wildlife agency with comparable license/tag systems, fish hatchery operations, and Wildlife Management Area infrastructure. Direct structural peer.
Broad incumbents
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Larger-scale state fish and wildlife agency with broader portfolio (marine fisheries, environmental protection). Comparable in regulatory model but materially larger in scope and budget.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Federal counterpart covering national wildlife refuges, endangered species, and federal grant programs that fund state agencies like Idaho Fish and Game. Provides the federal excise tax funding mechanism that supplements state license revenue.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Idaho Fish and Game social profiles
Digital presenceIdaho Fish and Game financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Idaho Fish and Game leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Idaho Fish and Game funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Idaho Fish and Game M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Idaho Fish and Game
What does Idaho Fish and Game do?
Idaho Fish and Game is a state government agency that issues hunting and fishing licenses, tags, and permits to residents and non-residents, operates fish hatcheries and stocking programs that release hundreds of thousands of trout and over one million kokanee fingerlings annually, manages millions of acres of wildlife management areas and 400+ recreation sites, enforces wildlife laws, and provides hunter education and three educational nature centers (MK Nature Center, WaterLife Discovery Center, Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area). Sales and management are supported by the GoOutdoorsIdaho online licensing platform, the IFWIS data/GIS system, and e-tagging mobile technology.
Is Idaho Fish and Game a public or private company?
Idaho Fish and Game is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Idaho Fish and Game founded?
Idaho Fish and Game was founded in 1909. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Idaho Fish and Game based?
Idaho Fish and Game is headquartered in Boise, United States, in the North America region.
How does Idaho Fish and Game make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hunting and Fishing Licenses are the primary driver. The others are tags (Big Game, Elk, Deer, etc.), permits and Special Authorizations and facility and Education Donations.
Who are Idaho Fish and Game's main competitors?
Ducks Unlimited is listed as an others. Direct peers are Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Broad incumbents are California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Does Idaho Fish and Game have an API?
No public API is recorded for Idaho Fish and Game.
What industry is Idaho Fish and Game in?
Idaho Fish and Game's product category is State Wildlife Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEANAE, Aquaculture & Fish Health Services, with a secondary code of EDAOAOAK, Aquaculture & Fisheries Operations. Its NAICS code is 114 and its SIC code is 900.