IDAHO, USA — The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has approved a program offering free fishing licenses to foster youth and one foster parent per household in 2025. This new initiative aims to make outdoor activities more accessible for Idaho’s foster youth and families.
The program, a collaboration between Idaho Fish and Game, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), and the advocacy group Idaho Sportsmen, Access & Opportunity, will cover the cost of discounted licenses for foster youth aged 18 to 20 who are in extended care, along with one foster parent from each family. Idaho Sportsmen, Access & Opportunity, a group focused on promoting access to outdoor activities, will pay the remaining balance of these discounted licenses.
“We’re proud to support Idaho’s foster youth by making it easier for them to experience the joy of fishing,” said Roger Phillips, Fish and Game Public Information Supervisor. “This program is about providing connections to nature and well-being through fishing. We hope it inspires new anglers and gives foster parents a way to share their knowledge and love for the outdoors.”
Eligible youth and foster parents can request a voucher from DHW, which they can redeem at any Fish and Game office to receive a fishing license.
Laura Denner, DHW’s Family and Community Partnerships Administrator, praised the initiative as a way to promote outdoor bonding experiences. “This initiative aims to promote outdoor activities that encourage bonding and healing, providing a therapeutic escape for both children in foster care and their caregivers,” Denner said.
Idaho Sportsmen, Access & Opportunity, which has a mission to expand hunting and fishing access, sees this initiative as a way to provide foster families with more opportunities to enjoy Idaho’s outdoor resources.
“Idaho’s great outdoors should be accessible to all, especially foster youth who can find solace and adventure in nature,” said Benn Brocksome, founder and chairman of the group. “By covering these costs, we’re ensuring that young people and their foster families have a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with each other, and create lasting memories.”
Foster families interested in participating in the program should contact DHW for more information.
