What's new for the 2025-2026 waterfowl season in the Magic Valley Region

As autumn settles into the Magic Valley and the crisp morning air carries the calls of migrating birds, waterfowl hunters across southern Idaho are amped up for another exciting season.  

Before heading out into the field, Idaho Fish and Game enforcement officers in the Magic Valley Region remind hunters to review the 2025–2026 Idaho Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules brochure, which outlines several important updates and regulation changes.

Updated Goose Zones and Season Dates 

In 2024, Idaho Fish and Game conducted a statewide goose hunter opinion survey to better understand hunter preferences for season timing, zone boundaries, and harvest opportunities. The feedback gathered has now been used to shape the 2025–2029 goose hunting seasons, resulting in adjustments to goose hunting zones and dates throughout the state. 

For the Magic Valley Region, Canada goose hunting has shifted from Area 1 to Area 3, except for Camas, Elmore and Owyhee counties. The Canada goose season will now run from November 3, 2025, through February 15, 2026, offering an extended late-season hunting opportunity across southern Idaho.

Hunters pursuing light geese (snow and Ross’s geese) will notice a split season this year. The first split opens October 19 through December 24, coinciding with the duck opener, while the second split reopens February 1 through March 10. 

New Adaptive Management for Pintails 

Following extensive consultation with each Flyway, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has implemented an interim experimental adaptive harvest strategy for northern pintails. 

Hunters will see an increased daily bag limit to three pintails of either sex for the 2025–2026 season.  

Maximizing Opportunity for Idaho Waterfowlers 

Idaho continues to offer one of the longest waterfowl seasons allowed under the federal regulatory framework for migratory bird management. Fish and Game biologists work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service each year to align season dates with migration timing, habitat conditions, and hunter input. 

Hunter opinion surveys ensure that Idaho’s waterfowl seasons reflect both biological objectives and hunter preferences, helping maintain strong public support for sustainable management. 

Hunters who want a broader outlook on the season ahead can review the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Annual Waterfowl Population Status Report, which provides details on populations and habitat conditions across Alberta, where many of Idaho’s migratory birds originate. However, local bird numbers and harvest success are often determined by weather patterns and migration timing. 

What Hunters Need to Know Before Heading Out 

Before taking to the field, waterfowl hunters must ensure they have all required licenses, stamps, and permits: 

• A valid Idaho hunting license or hunting passport
• A Migratory Bird (HIP) permit
• A Federal Duck Stamp (required for hunters age 16 and older)
• Nontoxic shot (lead shot is prohibited for waterfowl hunting) 

Hunters are also reminded to verify bag limits, shooting hours, and area-specific regulations in the 2025–2026 seasons and rules brochure, as these may vary by location and species. As always practice responsible hunting, retrieve all downed game, and respect property boundaries.

The Magic Valley offers a variety of premier waterfowl habitats—from the Snake River and its backwaters to area reservoirs and wetlands that attract thousands of migrating birds each year. Hunters are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the Idaho Fish and Game website or contacting the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.