Hunting Seasons

Many big game hunting seasons have ended, but there's still plenty of hunting open through the end of the month and through the winter. Seasons are open for geese, ducks, coots and common snipe through January 20 in the northern and eastern parts of the state and through January 27 in the southwest. The season is closed on canvas backs. In the uplands, the seasons remain open on pheasant, forest grouse and bobwhite and California quail through December 31. The pheasant season is closed in the eastern part of the state, and quail season remains open through January 31 in the western and northern parts of the state. The seasons on chukar and gray partridge remain open through January 15 or January 31 in some parts of the state. Anyone so inclined can hunt crows through January 31. As for rabbits, the season on cottontails is open through February 28 and on snowshoe hares through March 31. Jackrabbits are considered predators under Idaho law and hunting is unregulated. Falconry is open through March 15 for upland species and January 31 for crows. The falconry season on migratory game birds is the same as the federal seasons. Mountain lion seasons are open through the winter in much of the state. Mountain lion seasons are open through March 31 in all but units 1 - 9; 20A, 26, 27, 41 and 42. A valid 2006 hunting license will be required on January 1. Licenses are available at vendors. Check IDFG regulations for exact seasons in your favorite hunting unit. Regulations, seasons and limits also are available on the agency's website at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.