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, Dove, and Other

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 these migratory birds in Idaho you need:

Idaho hunting license
Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit.

Attention: Hunters need to purchase a sandhill crane and/or swan 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.

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

Canada geese carcasses dumped near Aberdeen

Friday, January 22, 2021 - 3:48 PM MST

Idaho Department of Fish and Game is looking for information regarding another waterfowl waste case in southeast Idaho. At least 5 Canada geese were discovered at the base of a cliff where they had been tossed and left to waste after being shot.

Southeast Region Enforcement Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Jump shooting: a low-cost gateway to waterfowl hunting

Friday, January 8, 2021 - 10:34 AM MST

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
The Snake River is an accessible and excellent place to hunt waterfowl

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 2:00 PM MDT

The Snake River in southern Idaho is a stopover and breeding area for tens of thousands of ducks and geese, which means it’s also a destination for waterfowl hunters. The river has hundreds of miles of publicly accessible waters and numerous access points, which means nearly anyone can find a hunting spot there and have a chance to shoot some birds.

Migratory Bird Hunting
Here's a back-to-basics approach to duck hunting that any hunter can use

Tuesday, October 13, 2020 - 2:33 PM MDT

Waterfowl hunting has a reputation for being expensive, but hunters don’t need to shell out tons of money on a boat or a truckload of waterfowl gear to be successful. That’s especially true in a state with as much public land as Idaho.

Migratory Bird Hunting
Waterfowl season opens Oct. 19 for most of Idaho

Thursday, October 8, 2020 - 11:22 AM MDT

The waterfowl season opens Monday, Oct. 19 in much of Idaho, and has been open since Oct. 3 in Eastern Idaho and Valley County (Area 2).

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules Hunting
Youth and Veterans/Active Military Waterfowl Weekend is Sept. 26-27

Thursday, September 17, 2020 - 10:46 AM MDT

Duck and goose hunting are among the coolest ways to introduce a youngster to the excitement of hunting, and for the first time this year, veterans and active duty military personnel can participate in the early, two-day hunt.

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules
A wealth of hunting opportunities kick off Aug. 30 and Sept. 1

Thursday, August 27, 2020 - 11:38 AM MDT

Some small game hunting seasons will open in Idaho on Aug 30 and Sept. 1, with opportunities including upland birds, upland game, and doves. Many general archery seasons for deer and elk also open on Aug. 30. There is a wealth of opportunity that this time of year provides for Idaho’s hunters.

Hunting Upland Bird Hunting Upland Game Hunting Migratory Bird Hunting Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)