Watch Waterfowl Season Split

The split, a timeout for hunters, in duck and goose seasons is coming up soon. Duck hunting in all of Idaho except Area 1, the Fort Hall area, is halted October 18 and 19, then resumes October 20 and continues through January 20. Goose huntingÑagain except in the Fort Hall area, which is Area 3 for geeseÑceases from October 18 through October 26 and resumes October 27 through January 20. Although season splits complicate regulations, they are meant to allow as many weekend days of hunting as possible within the framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The early start offers waterfowl hunters a chance at locally produced ducks and geese. Keeping the seasons open as late as possible means giving hunters a crack at birds migrating from the north. Without a split in seasons, waterfowl hunting opportunity would be reduced. Duck hunters are also reminded that no hunting of canvasbacks is allowed in Idaho this season. Canvasback numbers are in a long-term decline.