With the most square miles of wilderness (21,621,000 acres of forested land) in the lower 48 states, Idaho offers the best and most varied hunting in the west. In North Idaho, 2.7 million acres are National Forest land. The state is two-thirds public land and a new Fish and Game program called Access Yes! is opening up more private land every year.

The state’s big game population includes elk, moose, woodland caribou, mule and white-tailed deer, mountain lion, black and grizzly bear, and bighorn sheep. Grouse, quail, chukar and pheasant are a few of the upland game birds available, while Canada geese and ducks are the most common waterfowl.

The Coeur d’Alene Mountains are considered to be among the best for trophy bull elks because of the good cover and terrain. Bonner County (Sandpoint) offers excellent waterfowl hunting. Duck populations include both puddle ducks and divers, and quality goose hunting is abundant. The Kootenai Wildlife Refuge in Boundary County allows hunting of geese, ducks, mergansers, coots, blue, spruce, ruffed grouse, deer, elk, moose, black bear and mountain lion.

In the Silver Valley, hunting possibilities are endless. Many elk, deer, bear and upland game birds are taken during bow, rifle and muzzle loader seasons.

Priest Lake is home to numerous species of game animals. Whitetail and mule deer share the forests with an increasing herd of elk, moose and a large population of black bear. This vast area has one of the most abundant whitetail deer herds in Idaho. Mule deer abide in the more remote upper elevation regions.

More info:

IDAHO HUNT PLANNER
The Idaho Hunt Planner is an interactive search and mapping engine for our Hunting Regulations, but not the official printed rules available in pdf format online and and at local stores and license vendors.

HUNTING PASSPORT
The Hunting Passport allows any first-time hunter, age 8 or older, to try hunting for one year with an adult mentor without having to complete a hunter education course.

SUPER HUNT
Super Hunt tags allow hunters to participate in any open hunt in the state for deer, elk, pronghorn and/or moose. To win a tag hunters need to purchase entries for the Super Hunt drawings which raise money for the Access Yes! program.

ACCESS YES!
This Fish and Game program provides hunting and fishing access to private land or through private land to public land.  View the list of properties enrolled in the Access Yes! program and what they provide.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
Thirty-two Wildlife Management Areas protect wildlife habitat and are available for big game, waterfowl and upland game hunting, fishing and other public enjoyment of wildlife.

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Why toast at a reception?
Toasting represents the collective best wishes of friends and family. Toasts may be offered with any beverage, but champagne is a wedding favorite. Raising a glass together is a way for everyone to share in wishing wellness and happiness to the newlyweds.

Why are there wedding favors?
The bride and groom are considered to be lucky, as in anything they touch. Wedding favors are a way for the bride and groom to thank thier guests for sharing in their happiness and to symbolically pass on their "good luck".

Why is the bouquet tossed?
The custom of tossing the bouquet is the modern day alternative to the old tradition of the "tearing of the wedding dress". In days gone by, single ladies would tear a piece of the bride's dress for good luck. One can only imagine the fate of a bride's gown at a large gathering! Thus the tossing of the bouquet is the modern alternative that allows the bride's gown to remain intact. It should not be forgotten that the lady who catches the bouquet is the next woman to be married.

Why is the garter tossed?
Like the bouquet toss, the garter toss is also a modern alternative to the less than savory tradition of the old. In the old days, guests would follow the newlyweds to their room and wait for them to undress, then take their stockings and toss them at the bride and groom. The first male to hit the bride or groom with their stocking would be lucky and the next to marry. Thus the garter toss. The gentlemen who catches the garter would be the next to wed.

Why are shoes attached to the car?
Shes represent power. Shoes signify the creation of a new family unit. Shoes and cans were attached to the bumper of a car to cause noisy clatter to drive off evil spirits.

Why is the bride carried over the threshold?
It was believed that evil spirits hovered at the threshold of the home the newlyweds would enter. The bride was lifted over the entrance to keep the evil spirits from entering through her feet.

Why throw rice?
Rice and wheat symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and bounty. Today guests throw rose petals, porpourri, and bird seed. Showering the newlyweds in bubbles or releasing birds or butterflies, and the ringing of bells replace rice today.

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a copper penny in your shoe!

Why a wedding ring? As far back as literature documents weddings, the wedding ring has been in evidence. Some believe the wedding ring was the first element of wedding traditions. The circular shape of the wedding ring symbolizes never-ending love. Third finger, left hand? It is believed that the vein in the third finger of the left hand runs directly to the heart.

Why does the bride wear a veil? Many moons ago it was believed that a veil would protect the bride from evil spirits. Today the white veil is a symbol of modesty and virginity.

Why does the bride wear white? In Colonial times a bride often wore her "Sunday best" to her wedding. It was not until the 1840's when Queen Victoria was married in a white wedding gown that "white gowns" because the rage. White is also a symbol of affluence, purity, joy, and virginity. Today, brides can choose many shade of white, from bright white to champagne.

why carry flowers? Historically, flowers and herbs have played a significant role in the attraction of "good" and/or the warding off of "evil". Greeks used ivy for the sign of lasting love. Today, pretty wedding flowers convey a message of fertility and enduring love and romance.

Why something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue? To ensure a happy marriage, a bride should carry something old from someone who has been married for a long time, and something new to carry into her new life. Something borrowed, "borrowed happiness"; something blue, "the color blue has been associated with purity and modesty". A penny in your shoe, place a penny in your shoe to bring good fortune and protection against want.

Why is a white runner used? The white runner signifies a pure pathway into happiness. Rose petals in the bride's path lead her to a sweet and plentiful future.

Why is the bride given away? In days of old, the bride was literally give to the groom in an arranged marriage. Today "giving away" is seen as symbolic of her parent's support for her union.

Why is the ceremony sealed with a kiss? Occurring at the end of the ceremony, the kiss announces a new union and married status.

Why is there a wedding cake? It is a symbol of good luck and fertility, cake being exchanged is to show loyalty and devotion to one another.

What is a groom's cake? A groom's cake is often a rich, dark cake or a cake in the groom's favorite color, sport, or hobby. The grooms cake is a way to share the couple's good fortune.

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