Hunting Seasons Wind Down

The end of the last waterfowl seasons at sunset January 21 means oiling the guns and storing them away for most Idaho hunters. Most hunting seasons closed by the end of the year. Partridge season ended January 15. Even crow season lasts only through January 31. Falconers can hunt upland birds through March 15. Dedicated winter hunters can hunt cottontail and pygmy rabbits through February 28 and snowshoe hares through March 31, though rabbit and hare in most of Idaho have not been abundant in recent years. Winter is a popular time to hunt coyotes, an unprotected predator with no set season. Fox may also be taken year round, though the upland and furbearer regulations should be checked for exceptions such as those in Adams and Valley County. Seasons for bobcat end February 28; a tag is required and special reporting rules are listed in the rules booklet. Most mountain lion hunting continues through March 31 but quotas on the take of females end seasons in some units. Lion hunters need to pay close attention to the rules, found in the big game booklet. Trapping rules are included in the upland and furbearer booklet. A hunting or trapping license is required for all species including unprotected animals such as coyotes.