Ask Fish and Game

Q: I would like to have some clarification on what the definition of sunrise is and when it is legal to shoot. Does Fish and Game recognize sunrise as it is listed in the paper, on the news or is it the time that daylight breaks in the field? A: Specific shooting times are listed in the upland game regulations for Canada geese, mourning doves and sandhill cranes. The waterfowl regulations have specific shooting times listed for ducks and geese. All these migratory birds' shooting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Big game, upland game and upland bird hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Calculate big game starting times from the official time as listed in the paper or on the news instead of "daylight breaking." On the first day of pheasant season in southern Idaho, the season opens at noon, so that is when shooting hours start.