Hunting Available in New Year

Though most hunting seasons ended with the New Year, hunters willing to brave the winter weather still have opportunities at a variety of game. Chukar and gray partridge seasons end January 15, with goose and duck seasons closing January 24. Crow season lasts through January 31, and falconers can hunt upland birds through March 15. Cottontail rabbit season ends February 28, with snowshoe hare season closing March 31. Winter is also a popular time to hunt coyotes, an unprotected predator with no set season. Red fox may be hunted or trapped until January 31, though the upland and furbearer regulations should be checked for exceptions in the seven regions of Idaho. Bobcat season ends February 16. Any person taking a bobcat by hunting or trapping must complete a harvest report and present the pelt to a Fish and Game office within 10 days of the close of the season. Reporting rules are listed in the upland and furbearer booklet. Most mountain lion hunting continues through March 31, with quotas on the take of females ending the season in some units. Any hunter who harvests a mountain lion must complete a harvest report and present the skull and hide to a Fish and Game office or conservation officer within 10 days of the date of harvest. Lion hunters are encouraged to review the rules found in the big game regulation booklet. Hunters are reminded that a hunting license is required to hunt any predatory or unprotected wildlife, or furbearers for which hunting is allowed, such as badger, bobcat, raccoon and red fox.