Commission Sets Dove, Sandhill Seasons

Idaho bird hunters will get a long waterfowl season, no change in the mourning dove season and a new sandhill crane hunt but with fewer tags this season. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday, July 12, approved the earliest and most liberal mourning dove season allowed. That means no change from last year with a 30-day season from September 1 through 30, and a daily bag limit of 10 birds and a possession limit of 20. Commissioners approved a sandhill crane season September 1 through 30 in hunt area 1 and in the new area 6, and September 1 through 15 in areas 2, 3, 4 and 5. With a reduced bird allocation, the number of tags available was reduced to 460. The increasing number of cranes in the Swan Lake area led to opening a new season there. Crane tags go on sale August 1 and cost $15 each. The daily limit is three cranes with a season limit of nine. Commissioner Kenny Anderson of the Upper Snake Region asked about a longer season in his region. Upland game biologist Jeff Knetter noted that it would be possible, but with a longer season the number of tags would have to be reduced. Anderson said he would bring the idea up for next year's season setting.