Hunters must sign up in advance for Winchester Lake waterfowl hunting

Idaho Fish and Game and Winchester Lake State Park are offering another year of limited waterfowl hunting at Winchester Lake. The opportunity provides additional waterfowl hunting access in the Clearwater Region while limiting the number of hunters and designating specific locations for hunting.

Hunters must sign up in advance and register for a designated hunting location before hunting at Winchester Lake.

Sign up for a Winchester Lake hunting location

There are six designated hunting locations at the lake. The locations were selected with public safety in mind and are marked on the waterfowl hunting map and with metal signs.

Blind structures will not be provided. Hunters may bring materials to construct a temporary blind or use the natural habitat. All blind materials and other personal items must be removed at the end of each day's hunt.

Winchester Lake waterfowl hunting rules

In addition to all standard Idaho waterfowl hunting regulations, hunters must follow these additional rules at Winchester Lake:

• Hunting is not allowed within the Winchester State Park fee-area boundary. Hunting is permitted only at the designated locations shown on the map.
• A maximum of four hunters is allowed per hunting location.
• Hunters must hunt only at the location for which they registered.
• No motorized access is allowed. Hunters must walk in or access hunting locations by boat.
• Hunters must leave their hunting location as they found it. Pack it in, pack it out, including all trash and spent shell casings.
• Do not leave carcasses in state park trash cans or elsewhere on park grounds.
• Temporary blinds must be removed at the end of each day's hunt.
• Morning hunting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise until 11:30 a.m.
• Afternoon hunting hours are from noon until sunset.
• Hunters must carry proof of their registration while hunting.
• Hunters may sign up one week in advance and may register a maximum of three times per week.

Safety and courtesy are essential. Hunters should be aware of anglers, hikers and other hunters using the area and use caution when hunting and shooting. Continued access to this opportunity will depend on hunters using the area safely and responsibly.

Licenses and permits

Hunters must have an Idaho hunting license, migratory bird permit and federal duck stamp. Migratory bird permits are $2.75, and federal duck stamps are $30.75.

Licenses and permits are available through Idaho Fish and Game, regional Fish and Game offices and license vendors. Federal duck stamps are also available at U.S. Post Offices.

Waterfowl hunting opens Oct. 19. Hunters interested in participating should review the rules, check the hunting map and sign up for a designated location in advance.

For questions, contact the Idaho Fish and Game Clearwater Region Office at (208) 799-5010.

The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), in coordination with the Nez Perce Tribe Water Resources Division, is issuing a health advisory for Winchester Lake, urging caution when recreating in or near the water. 

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water. Blooms don’t all look the same. They may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum, and have a foul odor.

Dogs may become sick before humans because they are more likely to swim in or drink contaminated water or lick contaminated water or bloom material off their fur. If your pets or livestock have been in the water, immediately wash them with clean water to keep them from licking cyanobacteria off their bodies. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pets or livestock seem sick after going in or drinking the water.

For more information about cyanoHABs:

• Visit DEQ’s website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/
• DHW’s website at https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories where you can sign up to receive email updates when health advisories are issued. The public will be notified once the advisory is lifted.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.