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

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)
Got an opinion? Fish and Game wants to hear it

Tuesday, March 6, 2018 - 10:23 AM MST

Fish and Game officials are updating rules, regulations and management plans for fish and wildlife, and people can weigh in by going to the survey and comment page. Comments are currently being taken for proposed big game rules, waterfowl seasons and rules, and statewide fish management plan. Deadlines to comment are:

Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Fish and Game Commission Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules Migratory Bird Hunting Big Game Hunting
Public Comment - Migratory Game Bird Proposed 2018-2019 Seasons

Monday, March 5, 2018 - 4:50 PM MST

Migratory game bird proposals for the 2018-2019 seasons are available for review through March 24, 2018. Included below are proposals and comment opportunities for: Waterfowl Youth seasons Ducks Canada Geese Light Geese (Snow and Ross's) White-fronted geese Doves Crows Sandhill Crane

Migratory Bird Hunting Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules