Came across a long-eared owl when hunting. Is it legal to retrieve body?

Answer: 
It is not legal to possess an owl carcass that you have found in the wild: Protected Nongame Wildlife, Species of Special Concern, Threatened or Endangered Species, Protected Birds Special classifications for some animals extend extra protection to those species. These animals cannot be hunted, taken or possessed. Threatened or endangered wildlife include caribou, Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and Northern Idaho ground squirrel. Protected nongame wildlife include red (pine) squirrel, wolverine, chipmunks, rock squirrel, Wyoming ground squirrel (nevadensis subspecies only), golden-mantled ground squirrel, Merriam’s ground squirrel, Piute ground squirrel, pika, kit fox, northern flying squirrel, bats, Southern Idaho ground squirrel and migratory song birds. See page 44 for ground squirrel information.   All birds in Idaho are protected except starlings, Eurasian-collared doves, English sparrows and feral pigeons. Protected nongame birds cannot be hunted, taken or possessed (including parts of birds, even if found dead). All hawks, owls, eagles and vultures are protected. Game birds may be taken only in accordance with established hunting rules.
Answered on: 
Friday, October 26, 2012 - 9:29 AM MDT