Upland Game Hunting

Although most big game seasons are wrapped up for the year, there are open hunting seasons for small game throughout the winter months. North-central Idaho has some great woodland-agriculture interfaces that provide excellent habitat for small game animals such as; squirrel, rabbit, hare and grouse. Read the article and watch the videos to learn five reasons why small game hunting might be right for you!

With a Hunting Passport in his pocket, a .410 shotgun in the crook of his arm (a recent Christmas gift), and mom and dad by his side, Wyatt Creson, then 8 years old, stalked through the woods and scoured tree branches in search of one of Idaho’s more diminutive game animals: the American red squirrel.

Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) will release pheasants over 1,300 pheasants this fall at four Clearwater region locations. In addition to a hunting license, an upland game bird permit is required to hunt stocked pheasants at these locations. The permit will be valid for six birds—multiple permits may be purchased during the season--. The daily bag limit is two birds at release locations. Idaho Fish and Game uses an online sign-in process to manage hunter numbers at each of these properties to ensure opportunities are available to all hunters.  

Hunting small game is a great way for beginners to get started, and some of the earliest fall hunting seasons — including squirrel, snowshoe hare, cottontail, dove and forest grouse — present excellent opportunities for new hunters to develop their skills and confidence without breaking the bank.

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.

Idaho Fish and Game has launched a new website, gohuntidaho.org, to help new hunters learn an Idaho tradition that helps people provide their own food, as well as family recreation.