The Idaho Panhandle waterfowl hunt opened the weekend of October 1st, and the Department staff ran opening weekend waterfowl check stations at the Killarney Lake, Medimont, and Clark Fork Delta boat ramps and Boundary-Smith Creek WMA. Hunter numbers were higher this year varying from 23% to 180% depending on district, with this most likely due to normal wetland water levels and mild weather. The Clark Fork Driftyard boat ramp was closed in 2015 due to the delta restoration project, and Boundary Creek WMA and Coeur d’Alene River lakes experienced record lows on water wetland levels in 2015 due to summer drought weather conditions. These areas are open in 2016 and are providing excellent hunter access. The newly restored Cocolalla Lake wetland segment near Sandpoint and Robinson Creek wetland segment near Rose Lake are also open to waterfowl hunters. All Department-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are open to the general public for hunting and fishing.
Waterfowl numbers from migration count surveys have been comparable to previous years, but no major Fall weather patterns have moved across the Idaho Panhandle to bring waterfowl in from Canada. Duck harvest numbers and hunter success varied depending on hunting district, average harvest numbers and success rates were lower than last year. As seasonal fall weather patterns move in, waterfowl numbers will continue to improve bringing in American Widgeon and a variety of teal duck species. American wood duck numbers will hold consistent and slowly decrease as the colder weather arrives. Fall precipitation will continue to slowly raise wetland water levels and provide access to feeding and loafing areas for waterfowl. Please view our waterfowl harvest data from the opening weekend. Fall/Winter 2016 promises to be a great waterfowl year so discover your favorite honey hole and harvest some ducks and geese! Any questions on locations to hunt, please call our IDFG regional office at (208) 769-1414.
Idaho Panhandle Waterfowl Check Station Results 2016
Clark Fork Driftyard - POWMA
