Hunting Seasons Not Over For The Eager

Though most hunting seasons closed 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 20. Crow season lasts through January 31, and falconers can hunt upland birds through March 15. Cottontail and pygmy rabbit season end 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. In the Clearwater Region, red fox may be hunted or trapped until January 31, though the upland and furbearer regulations should be checked for exceptions in other regions of Idaho. Bobcat season ends February 28. Any person taking a bobcat whether by hunting or trapping must complete a harvest report and present the pelt to an IDFG 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 season in some units. Any hunter who harvests a mountain lion must complete a harvest report and present the skull and hide to an IDFG 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.