Young hunters will soon have an early shot at waterfowl and pheasants, with September 30-October 1 marking the youth waterfowl weekend and October 7-13 set for the youth pheasant hunt.
Exposing youth to positive hunting experiences, especially at an early age, is a critical first step in connecting with the outdoors and with carrying on the hunting tradition.
“The ultimate goal of the youth hunts is to pass down tradition, knowledge, and experiences from one generation to the next, and for our youth to spend quality time outdoors with friends and family,” said Brenda Beckley, Fish and Game hunter and angler recruitment manager. “Plus they’re great opportunities to help youth develop their skills before the regular seasons begin.”
At least one adult 18 years old or older having a valid hunting license, must accompany each youth hunting party into the field at all times. Adults are not allowed to hunt waterfowl or pheasants during these hunts.
Waterfowl
The two-day youth waterfowl weekend is set for September 30 and October 1. Duck, goose, snipe and coot seasons are open statewide for hunters 17 years of age and younger only these two days.
Bag limits for ducks and geese are the same as for the general season. Hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license and a migratory bird (HIP) Permit. But a federal migratory Bird (Duck) stamp is not required for hunters 15 and under.
All other state and federal migratory game bird hunting rules and regulations apply.
See the 2017 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules brochure available at Fish and Game license vendors and online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/rules/migratory for details.
Pheasant
Properly licensed youth 17 years old and younger can participate in the youth pheasant hunt that runs from Saturday, October 7 through October 13.
The hunt opens a half hour before sunrise, except on C.J. Strike, Cartier Slough, Fort Boise, Market Lake, Montour, Mud Lake, Niagara Springs, Payette River, and Sterling wildlife management areas where pheasants are stocked, when shooting hours begin at 10 a.m.
The daily bag limit is three cocks, and the possession limit is nine, except on nine WMA’s in southern Idaho where pheasants are stocked. On these WMA's, the daily limit is two cocks and six in possession.
Youth hunters do not need a WMA upland game bird permit but are required to wear hunter orange above the waist during the pheasant season while hunting on these WMA’s. A hunter orange hat meets this requirement.
For details, see the 2016-2017 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules brochure available at Fish and Game license vendors and online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/rules/upland-furbearer-turkey.