Idaho Urges Hunters to Secure Food and Bear Attractants
Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho Department of Lands remind outdoor users to store attractants out of bear reach on state lands this fall.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Hunting
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Idaho Fish and Game reminded hunters, anglers and recreationists to secure attractants to prevent bear conflicts. An Idaho Department of Lands order requires overnight visitors on Unit 1 state endowment lands to store food, garbage and other attractants out of reach of bears.
Why it matters
During fall, bears enter hyperphagia and consume large amounts of food to build fat reserves for winter, and unsecured attractants draw them into campsites and recreation areas where people spend time. The rules aim to prevent conflicts before they occur across Idaho's outdoor recreation lands.
Attractants may be hung at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from climbable objects, or stored in bear-resistant containers approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Failure to follow the storage rules may result in citations and fines.
The players
Idaho Fish and Game
Idaho Fish and Game is the state agency responsible for managing the state's fish and wildlife resources, including hunting and bear management.
Idaho Department of Lands
The Idaho Department of Lands manages state endowment lands and issued the order requiring bear-safe food and garbage storage on Unit 1 state lands.
The details
Bear-resistant containers approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee are the preferred storage method. If those are unavailable, attractants may be kept in a locked, hard-sided vehicle, camper or trailer, or inside a properly functioning IGBC-approved electric fence.
Timeline
Fall: bears enter hyperphagia and attractants left behind by hunting and fishing draw bears.
Seasonal Patterns
The Idaho Department of Lands order is a proactive measure to prevent future conflicts, applying the fall attractant concern to Unit 1 state endowment lands. The rules place storage obligations on overnight visitors and lessees during the same season bears enter hyperphagia.
Overnight visitors on Idaho state endowment lands in Unit 1 must store food, garbage and other attractants out of bear reach. Using bear-resistant containers, a locked hard-sided vehicle, a hanging line 10 feet up and 4 feet from climbable objects, or an IGBC-approved electric fence keeps campsites safer.
The takeaway
Secure every food scrap, fish remain and game part before leaving camp, because unsecured attractants are the most common path to bear encounters. Following the storage rules protects both visitors and the bears that rely on remote wildland habitat.
Further reading
Explore more on Hunting for guidance on gear and seasonal practices in the field.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho Press.
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