Elk Network2020 Hunting, Fishing Participation Jumps in Idaho

General | February 19, 2021

Count Idaho among the growing number of states reporting a surge in hunting and fishing during the first six months of 2020.

“Idahoans have found much-needed respite in Idaho’s outdoors, including hunting and fishing,” said Paul Kline, Idaho Department of Fish and Game deputy director of policies and programs, as reported by the Idaho Press. “Over 450,000 Idahoans purchased an annual fishing license or hunting license, an increase of 11% over 2019. And I’m sure tens of thousands of younger kids that don’t need a license were going fishing on those family outings as well.”

COVID-19 prompted similar gains in other states including California, Michigan and Washington and Wyoming.

(Photo credit:  Jen Burns/Idaho Department of Fish and Game)