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

The Great Migration: Where Idaho’s ducks come from

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - 12:57 PM MST

When temperatures fall in December and January, duck hunting across much of Idaho often heats up with the arrival of “northern birds.” But exactly where in the north are these birds coming from? And what environmental factors are directly impacting their arrival? Here’s a bird’s-eye view of a duck’s journey to Idaho.

Migratory Bird Hunting
Heavy construction underway on the Clark Fork Delta Restoration Project

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - 7:07 AM MST

Although construction activities continue to require closure of the Clark Fork Driftyard access site, which is located within the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area, sportsmen can still hunt in the Clark Fork Delta during construction.

Panhandle Region Migratory Bird Hunting Trapping and Furbearer Information
Geese left to waste in Franklin dumpster

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 - 10:37 AM MST

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking information regarding four dead Canada geese left to waste in a dumpster in the southeast Idaho town of Franklin.

Southeast Region Enforcement Migratory Bird Hunting Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Hunter recipes: Smoked wild goose pho

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - 12:06 PM MST

As the days get shorter and colder, the menu again turns to soup season. One of our favorite dishes to order at a restaurant is Vietnamese pho (pronounced “fuh”), and using the leftovers from a smoked goose or duck provides the perfect base for this meal.

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules Hunting Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Mallard
Don't let a lack of gear stop you from waterfowl hunting

Monday, November 8, 2021 - 1:20 PM MST

Duck hunting doesn't have to be complicated, and with a little effort and a modest investment, you can successfully find and hunt them. That’s especially true in a state with as much public land and waterways as Idaho.

Migratory Bird Hunting Hunting
Hunter recipe: Smoked maple syrup goose

Friday, November 5, 2021 - 9:13 AM MDT

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Video: Hunting ducks in North Idaho

Monday, October 18, 2021 - 3:24 PM MDT

Migratory Bird Hunting Boundary-Smith Creek WMA