Dove, Forest Grouse, Rabbit Seasons Begin September 1

Hunters will take to the field for the fall of 2002 on September 1 when seasons open for mourning doves, forest grouse and rabbits. Dove hunting ends September 30 while forest grouse may be hunted through the end of the year and rabbit season lasts through February of the new year. The season on snowshoe hare extends to the end of March. There is no open season on pygmy rabbits. In addition to a hunting license, dove hunters need a $1.50 migratory bird permit, available at all Fish and Game offices and at license vendors. As with other migratory birds, doves may be hunted only with shotguns holding a maximum of three shells. Shotguns capable of holding more than three shells must be plugged. Seasons for quail, sage grouse and partridge begin September 21. Sharp-tailed grouse hunting runs through the month of October. Pheasant hunting begins October 12 in northern Idaho and October 19 in the rest of the state. Hunters should read the current rulebook with particular attention to the species and area of interest to them. The booklets are available at all license vendors, Fish and Game offices, and on the Internet at www2.state.id.us/fishgame. Season ending dates and limits vary for sage grouse depending on area. The rulebook explains those variations. A sage grouse/sharp-tailed grouse hunting permit is required.