Mountain Home Needs You: Idaho Fish & Game Calls for Volunteers

Brent Hanson
3 days ago
5 min read

If you’ve ever driven out to Mountain Home or spent a weekend fishing, hiking, or hunting in Elmore County, you know the region is rich in wildlife and open spaces. What many don’t realize is that much of this beauty doesn’t just happen on its own; it takes people on the ground, year after year, caring for habitats, tracking wildlife, and passing on outdoor traditions.

That’s where the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) comes in. And right now, their Mountain Home volunteer crew is in trouble.

The local team, which once had dozens of active members, is down to just three volunteers. Yes, three people are trying to cover all the needs of an entire region. And they’re openly calling for reinforcements.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to give back to Idaho’s outdoors, this is your chance. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you (or someone you know) can step up.

Why Volunteers Matter in Mountain Home

The Heartbeat of Habitat Restoration

Wildlife doesn’t thrive by accident. After wildfires sweep through, after floods or droughts hit, someone has to restore the land. Volunteers often play that role collecting native seeds, planting them, and helping burned areas heal. Without these efforts, invasive plants take over and the land struggles to recover.

Boots on the Ground for Wildlife

Volunteers are also key in wildlife surveys and animal transport. These aren’t just fun side projects; they help biologists understand population trends, track species health, and ensure animals get relocated safely when needed.

It’s the kind of work that ensures hunters, anglers, and hikers today and decades from now can still experience a thriving Idaho outdoors.

Passing on Outdoor Traditions

Another big piece? Education. Fish & Game volunteers help run hunter and fishing safety courses that teach responsibility, ethics, and safety to new generations. They also host Free Fishing Day, an annual event where anyone can try their hand at casting a line, no license required.

Without volunteers, these programs shrink or disappear. That means fewer opportunities for kids, families, and newcomers to Idaho to learn the ropes in a safe and welcoming way.

What’s Happening in Mountain Home Right Now

Here’s the reality:

Only three volunteers are left in the Mountain Home chapter.
Most of them are long-time members who are “aging out.” They’ve put in years of service, but they can’t do it forever.
Without fresh volunteers, many of the local programs and habitat projects will grind to a halt.

To address this, IDFG is hosting an information fair:

When: Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Federal Credit Union Headquarters, Mountain Home
What to Expect: Learn what volunteer opportunities look like, meet current members, and see if this is a fit for you.

Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, a teenager looking for experience, or just someone who loves the outdoors, there’s a role for you.

What Volunteers Actually Do

So what does “volunteering with Fish & Game” look like in real life? Here are some examples:

Restore Habitats & Collect Seeds After fires, volunteers gather and spread native seeds to speed up recovery. This helps bring back plants that wildlife depend on.
Assist with Wildlife Surveys & Animal Transport Volunteers might help count deer populations, monitor bird numbers, or transport fish or animals as needed.
Teach Hunter & Fishing Safety Passing on safe, ethical outdoor practices keeps traditions alive and prevents accidents.
Help Stock Pheasants Each year, pheasants are released to support hunting opportunities. Volunteers help with the process, making sure it’s done safely.
Host Free Fishing Day Volunteers guide kids and beginners through casting, baiting hooks, and catching fish sparking a love for the outdoors that can last a lifetime.

Think of it this way: volunteers make sure the outdoor experience you love is there for the next person too.

Who Can Volunteer?

The beauty of Fish & Game volunteer work is that it’s open to just about anyone:

Parents & Kids: Families often volunteer together, which teaches children responsibility and appreciation for nature.
Hunters & Anglers: If you already love being outdoors, this is a way to give back.
Retirees: Many longtime members are older folks who wanted to stay active and connected. New retirees could step in and bring fresh energy.
Students & Young Adults: If you’re building experience for a career in wildlife biology, environmental science, or just want community involvement, this looks great on a résumé.
Anyone Who Loves Idaho’s Outdoors: Even if you’re not an expert, there are roles for you.

Basically, if you care about the land and are willing to show up, there’s a place for you.

Why This Matters Beyond Mountain Home

You might be thinking: “I live in Boise, Meridian, or Nampa why should I care about volunteers in Mountain Home?”

Here’s why:

Elmore County is Part of the Treasure Valley’s Backyard. Many of us camp, hunt, or fish there. Healthy habitats there benefit the whole region.
Wildlife Doesn’t Care About County Lines. Animals move freely across regions. Supporting them in Mountain Home helps maintain balance in surrounding areas too.
Traditions are Shared Across Idaho. Whether it’s Free Fishing Day or hunter safety courses, these programs shape how Idahoans connect with the outdoors statewide.
Ripple Effect of Volunteering. A strong volunteer network in Mountain Home can inspire similar engagement in Boise, Eagle, Kuna, or Caldwell.

So yes what happens in Mountain Home matters to the entire Treasure Valley.

What’s at Stake if Volunteers Don’t Step Up

Let’s be blunt: without more volunteers, programs get cut. That means:

Fewer habitat restoration projects → slower recovery after wildfires.
Less support for wildlife surveys → weaker data for biologists to base decisions on.
Fewer hunter & fishing safety classes → more risk of accidents and fewer kids learning safe practices.
No Free Fishing Day or community events → lost opportunities to inspire the next generation.

Idaho’s outdoor heritage is one of the reasons so many people love living here or move here. Losing that community connection would be a major setback.

How to Get Involved

If this speaks to you, here’s how to take action:

Attend the Info Fair
- Tuesday at 6 p.m.
- Pioneer Federal Credit Union HQ, Mountain Home
Reach Out to Idaho Fish & Game If you can’t make the fair, contact the Southwest Region office of IDFG and ask about volunteer opportunities.
Spread the Word Even if you can’t volunteer, maybe your neighbor, coworker, or cousin can. Share this story with people in your circles.
Start Small You don’t have to commit to every event. Try one project a habitat day, a fishing event, a pheasant stocking and see how it feels.

Final Thoughts

Idaho’s wild spaces are part of what makes living here special. But they don’t maintain themselves. They rely on people who are willing to show up, get their hands dirty, and care for the land and wildlife.

Right now, Mountain Home’s Fish & Game crew is calling for help. With just three volunteers left, they’re asking the next generation and anyone with a heart for the outdoors to step forward.

If you’ve ever thought about giving back to the land that gives us so much, this is your chance.

Follow @iHeartCityOfTrees for more updates on local news, events, and ways you can stay connected to the Treasure Valley community.