Migratory Bird Hunting

In Idaho, migratory birds include waterfowl, sandhill cranes, doves and crows.

Waterfowl

Idaho lies between the Pacific Flyway and the Central Flyway. In northern and eastern Idaho, waterfowl hunters pull out their gear for the peak season in October and November. Hunting in south central and southwestern Idaho is best during late November, December and early January.

To hunt waterfowl in Idaho you need:

Idaho hunting license
Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit.
Nontoxic shot
Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp for all hunters 16 or older.

Sandhill Crane and Dove

Hunting mourning doves is increasingly popular and there is an open season on the introduced Eurasian-collared dove. Sandhill crane hunting occurs in eastern Idaho to help reduce crop damage.

To hunt doves and cranes in Idaho you need:

Idaho hunting license
Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit.

Attention: Hunters need to purchase a sandhill crane tag. These tags go on sale August 1 at 10:00am (MDT) on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Youth Hunts

For young hunters, waterfowl hunting is a great introduction to the outdoors. Idaho holds a special youth waterfowl season before the general season begins.

Setting Waterfowl Seasons
Preferences of Idaho Waterfowl Hunters as surveyed in 2016.
– [PDF, 287 KB]

Banded Waterfowl in Idaho

The first large-scale North American banding program was established in 1922 to gather information about migratory waterfowl. Biologists have banded up to 16 million geese and ducks through 2007 and an additional 350,000 birds every year since. About 85,000-90,000 bands are reported each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Report Duck And Goose Leg Bands 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/

News

Jump shooting: a low-cost gateway to waterfowl hunting

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - 4:44 PM MDT

Jump shooting ducks is an exciting way for anyone to hunt ducks and geese. It does not require expensive equipment, a dog (although handy), or having to wake up early in the morning. All you need is:

Migratory Bird Hunting
Waterfowl hunts open in portions of the state Oct. 6 and most others open Oct. 13

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 3:26 PM MDT

Idaho hunters can expect waterfowl populations similar to last year with some improvements due to a wet spring that provided good nesting conditions for local birds.

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules
Grab a kid and go hunting, Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend is Sept. 29-30

Friday, September 14, 2018 - 11:30 AM MDT

Duck and goose hunting are among the coolest ways to introduce a youngster to the excitement of hunting.

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules
Sandhill crane tags available August 1

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 - 3:14 PM MDT

Hunters are reminded that Sandhill crane will be available first-come, first-served starting at 10 am MDT, August 1 at Fish and Game offices, license vendors, online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/buy-online, or by calling 800-554-8685.

Migratory Bird Hunting Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)