You are on page 1of 56

2010-2011 & 2011-2012

Upland Game,
Furbearer & Turkey
Seasons and Rules

RULES
2010 — 2011
2011 — 2012

Upland Game Birds,


Turkey, Rabbits and
Hares
April 2010 - March 2011
April 2011 - March 2012

Furbearers, Predators &


Unprotected Species
July 2010 - June 2012

Crows, Doves and


Sandhill Cranes
September 2010 - January 2011
Photo courtesy Paul Spurling

September 2011 - January 2012

Falconry
August 2010 - March 2012
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Wildlife Policy Idaho Department of Fish and Game offices are open 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except state holidays.
“All wildlife, including all wild animals, wild birds, and Offices in the Panhandle and Clearwater regions are in the
fish, within the state of Idaho, is hereby declared to be the Pacific Time zone; all others are in the Mountain Time zone.
property of the state of Idaho. It shall be preserved, protected,
Idaho Relay Service (TDD) . . . . . . . .1-800-377-3529
perpetuated, and managed. It shall be only captured or taken at
such times or places, under such conditions, or by such means, Internet: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
or in such manner, as will preserve, protect, and perpetuate To Receive Nonresident License Applications,
such wildlife, and provide for the citizens of this state and, as Call Toll Free: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-635-7820
by law permitted to others, continued supplies of such wildlife
for hunting, fishing and trapping.” — Idaho Code Section 36- If you buy a nonresident license this year, you will
103 automatically receive an application form for the following
year. Applications will be mailed in November.
Idaho Fish and Game Commission
Wayne Wright, Chairman - Magic Valley Other Information Numbers
Tony McDermott - Panhandle • Citizens Against Poaching; to report wildlife crimes:
Fred Trevey - Clearwater 1-800-632-5999
Bob Barowsky - Southwest • Rules booklets, nonresident license applications:
Randall Budge - Southeast 1-800-635-7820
Cameron Wheeler - Upper Snake
Gary Power - Salmon • U. S. Forest Service – Boise National Forest:
208-373-4007 or 1-888-246-7523
Idaho Department of Fish and Game • Bureau of Land Management – Idaho Office:
600 S. Walnut Ave., P.O. Box 25 208-373-4007 or 1-888-246-7523.
Boise, ID 83707
208-334-3700 - fishandgame.idaho.gov To Buy a License, Tag or Permit:
Cal Groen, Director • In person, go to any Idaho Fish and Game office or
license vendor throughout the state.
Deputy Directors
• By credit card, within the United States call 1-800-554-
Sharon Kiefer
8685. Outside the U.S., use the Internet or mail.
Virgil Moore
Jim Unsworth • On the Internet, go online to http://fishandgame.idaho.
gov. A service fee is added for this transaction.
Regional Offices • Commercial licenses, duplicate tags, documents that
Panhandle Region..........................................208-769-1414 require proof of disability, lifetime licenses, and bear
2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 baiting permits may be purchased only at Fish and Game
offices.
Clearwater Region.........................................208-799-5010
3316 - 16th Street, Lewiston, ID 83501 To report wildlife crimes, call 1-800-632-5999. Emergency
Southwest Region..........................................208-465-8465 information can be relayed to Fish and Game personnel
3101 S. Powerline Rd., Nampa, ID 83686 through any Idaho law enforcement agency.
McCall Subregion...........................................208-634-8137
555 Deinhard Ln., McCall, ID 83638
Magic Valley Region.......................................208-324-4359 Major changes highlighted in yellow.
324 S. 417 E.; Suite #1, Jerome, ID 83338
Southeast Region...........................................208-232-4703
1345 Barton Rd., Pocatello, ID 83204 You may refer to this link for laws pertaining to this rule book:
Administrative Procedures Act:
Upper Snake Region......................................208-525-7290 http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/rules/idapa13/13index.htm
4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
Salmon Region...............................................208-756-2271
99 Hwy. 93 N., P.O. Box 1336, Salmon, ID 83467

2 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Table of Contents
What’s New?
What’s New?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Effective beginning 2010 Season
Upland Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 11
• Forest grouse season begins August 30, statewide.
Forest Grouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Forest grouse season extended to January 31, 2011
California quail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 in Panhandle Region.
Chukar and gray partridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Youth-only turkey season extended: April 8 - 14.
Sage-grouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 See page 20.
Sharp-tailed grouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 • Youth turkey hunters may purchase a hunting license
Pheasants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 while they are nine years old to apply for controlled
WMA Upland Game Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 turkey hunts, but they may not hunt until they are 10
years old. See page 20.
Bird Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13
• Waiting period lifted on extra turkey tag. See page
Rabbits and Hares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 20.
Mourning Doves and Sandhill Cranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 18
• Hunters 65 years of age or older or hunters with a
Official Shooting Hours for senior combination hunting license or a disabled
Mourning Doves and Sandhill Cranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 hunting license may apply for first-come, first-
Turkey General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21 served left-over youth only controlled hunt permits.
See page 21.
Controlled Hunt Worksheet Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Turkey Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 - 25 • Additional fall turkey units available. See page 23.

Turkey Hunt Maps - Spring and Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 • Additional fall and spring turkey controlled hunt
permits. See pages24 and 25.
Wild Turkey Distribution Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
• Increase in otter quotas. See page 38.
Turkey Depredation Hunts Sign Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• Beaver trapping in Lincoln County is no longer
Identifying “Toms”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
closed. See page 40.
Falconry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 32
• During the pheasant season, shooting hours for all
American Crow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 upland game begin at 10 a.m. on the Fort Boise,
Furbearers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 - 41 C.J. Strike, Montour and Payette River WMAs. See
Wolf Management in Idaho. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 page 48.
Lynx, Bobcat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 44 • Nonresidents can now buy a three-day nonresident
small game hunting license. See page 54.
Ground Squirrel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Upland Game Licenses and Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Effective beginning 2011 Season
General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 - 51 • Chukar, gray partridge and quail seasons open
October 1, limits have been reduced for chukar and
Proxy Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
gray partridge. See pages 5 and 6.
Residency Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
• No person shall take upland game birds from any
General License, Tags and Permit Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 - 55 watercraft. See page 48.
Super Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

More than 30 states have entered into a “Wildlife Violator Compact.” This means if your hunting, fishing or trapping license is revoked by any
of the member states, all the remaining states will revoke the same license or privilege for the same time period. In addition, any nonresident
who does not satisfy the requirements of an Idaho citation will have his/her hunting and fishing license revoked in their home state until those
requirements are satisfied. For more information on the WVC and a complete list of member states, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/
about/enforcement/violator.cfm
IDFG adheres to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
age, gender, or handicap. If you feel you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility of IDFG, or if you desire further
information, please write to: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707; or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division
of Federal Assistance, Mailstop: MBSP-4020, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203. Telephone: (703) 358-2156. This publication will be
made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the Department of Fish and Game for assistance.
Information in this brochure summarizes the rules and is the official proclamation of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for the taking of
turkeys, furbearers, upland game birds, sandhill cranes, mourning doves,Canada goose (Sept.season), rabbits and hares, crows, predators,
unprotected species and for falconry. The official rules are available from the Office of Administrative Rules, Department of Administration,
Statehouse Mail, Boise, ID 83720, and may be reviewed in some libraries. Maps are for general reference only.
Costs associated with this publication are available from IDFG in accordance with Section 60-202, Idaho Code. rcb 2-2010/285,000/41918.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 3
Forest Grouse: Dusky (blue),
Upland Game Birds

BOUNDARY

Ruffed, and Spruce BONNER

Area 1
Boundary, Bonner, and Kootenai counties, portions of Latah
KOOTENAI

1
and Clearwater counties in management units 6 and 9, and
BENEWAH
SHOSHONE

Benewah and Shoshone counties, except for those portions in


LATAH
CLEARWATER

management units 8, 8A, 10, and 10A.


NEZ
PERCE
LEWIS

Seasons IDAHO

2010 — August 30 through January 31, 2011 2


LEMHI

2011 — August 30 through January 31, 2012 ADAMS

VALLEY

Daily Bag Limit........................................4 in the aggregate WASHINGTON


CLARK
CUSTER FREMONT

Possession Limit
PAYETTE
BOISE

TETON
GEM JEFFERSON
MADISON

After First Day of Season.........................8 in the aggregate


CANYON BUTTE

BLAINE BONNEVILLE
ADA CAMAS

ELMORE
BINGHAM

MINIDOKA
GOODING LINCOLN

CARIBOU

Area 2
JEROME POWER

BANNOCK
OWYHEE

Remainder of the state.


TWIN BEAR
FALLS LAKE
CASSIA
ONEIDA FRANKLIN

Seasons Forest Grouse


2010 — August 30 through December 31 Distribution and Habitat Use: Shaded area(s) show general
2011 — August 30 through December 31 distribution of these species. Idaho’s three species of forest
Daily Bag Limit........................................4 in the aggregate grouse are all native to the state. In northern Idaho, ruffed
grouse are the most common forest grouse. Good populations
Possession Limit are also found in the mountains of central and eastern Idaho
After First Day of Season.........................8 in the aggregate and southeastern Idaho west to the Sublett Mountains.
Riparian habitats and other moist mountain brush areas are
commonly used by these birds. Dusky (blue) grouse are more
common than other grouse in most southern Idaho mountains.
They favor high elevation sagebrush and mountain shrub areas
for nesting, springs and stream banks for rearing young and
rely heavily on Douglas fir for fall and winter food and cover.
Blue grouse is now known as the The sparsely-distributed spruce grouse are found in dense
Dusky grouse conifer forests, generally from the Salmon and Payette river
drainages north.

DuskyGrouse
Dusky Grouse Grouse
Ruffed Ruffed
Grouse Spruce Grouse
Spruce Grouse

4 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
California and Bobwhite Quail

Upland Game Birds


BOUNDARY
No Season on Gambel’s and Mountain Quail

BONNER Area 1
Ada, Adams, Benewah, Blaine ,Boise, Bonner, Boundary,
KOOTENAI Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Elmore, Gem, Gooding,
BENEWAH
Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette,
Shoshone, Valley, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls and
SHOSHONE

LATAH
CLEARWATER
Washington counties.
Seasons
NEZ
PERCE
LEWIS

2010 — September 18 through January 31, 2011


IDAHO

2011 — October 1 through January 31, 2012


1
LEMHI
Daily Bag Limit...................................... 10 in the aggregate
ADAMS

VALLEY Possession Limit


WASHINGTON After First Day of Season....................... 20 in the aggregate
2
CLARK
CUSTER FREMONT
PAYETTE
BOISE
GEM JEFFERSON
TETON

MADISON
CANYON BUTTE

ADA

ELMORE
CAMAS
BLAINE BONNEVILLE
Area 2
BINGHAM
Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou,
MINIDOKA

LINCOLN

Clark, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison,


GOODING

CARIBOU
JEROME POWER

OWYHEE
BANNOCK

BEAR
Oneida, Power, and Teton counties; CLOSED.
TWIN
FALLS LAKE
CASSIA
ONEIDA FRANKLIN

California Quail
Distribution and Habitat Use: Shaded area(s) show general
distribution of these species. There are three introduced and
one native species of quail in Idaho. The California (valley)
quail, which occurs from Twin Falls west to the Oregon
border and north to the Palouse Prairie, is the most common.
Good populations live along rivers, streams and other areas
of abundant water and brushy cover below about 3,500 feet
elevation. The bobwhite quail was introduced to Idaho in
the 1880s and occurred in agricultural areas of the Boise
Valley. Today bobwhite are rare. Hunters should not expect to
encounter bobwhite quail. The Gambel’s quail was introduced
near Salmon in 1917, and a small population still exists there.
The season is closed on Gambel’s quail. The mountain quail,
a native bird, exists in small, scattered populations in dense
mountain brush fields usually associated with riparian areas.
It is rare in the mountains from Boise to Bennett Mountain,
the Owyhee Mountains, and along the Little Salmon River,
Main Salmon and lower Snake River. The season is closed on
mountain quail.

Mountain Quail
Mountain quail have recently been reintroduced into historical
habitat on Craig Mountain WMA (Nez Perce and Lewis
counties), and in Elmore and Gooding counties. If quail are
encountered, hunters are cautioned that there is no open
hunting season for mountain quail in Idaho.

California Quail

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 5
Chukar and Gray Partridge
Upland Game Birds

Entire State Open

Seasons
2010 — September 18 through January 31, 2011
Daily Bag Limit................... 8 Chukar & 8 Gray Partridge
Possession Limit
After First Day of Season... 16 Chukar & 16 Gray Partridge

2011 — October 1 through January 31, 2012


Daily Bag Limit................... 6 Chukar & 6 Gray Partridge
Possession Limit
After First Day of Season... 12 Chukar & 12 Gray Partridge

Chukar
Distribution and Habitat Use: Shaded areas show general
distribution of chukar partridge. This species was introduced into
Idaho from Asia. They are common in suitable habitat along the
Salmon, Snake and Boise rivers, and along other river drainages
of southern and central Idaho up to an elevation of about 5,000
feet. Chukar habitat consists of steep, rocky canyons with grassy
and brushy vegetation.

Chukar Gray Partridge


Distribution and Habitat Use: Gray partridge, another
introduced species, is most common in agricultural regions, but
can also be found in sagebrush/grassland areas. They are hardy
birds able to withstand severe winter weather if adequate food
is available. Gray partridge are widely distributed, but are most
common in the state’s agricultural valleys.
Photo courtesy Jeff Knetter

Gray
GrayPartridge
Partridge

6 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Sage-Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse

Upland Game Birds


Over the years, some upland game bird hunters have had a difficult time determining the difference between sage-grouse and
sharp-tailed grouse. This is a problem when sharptails are taken by hunters during the sage-grouse season. Hunters most often
mistake sharptails for young sage-grouse. Their ranges do overlap in parts of eastern and southern Idaho.

Sage-Grouse: Sharp-tailed Grouse:


Size: Larger, small turkey in size Size: Smaller, chicken or hen pheasant in size.
Color: Darker, black/brown in most cases Color: Lighter, slate gray/light brown with white under the
Behavior: Slower wing beats wings and lower belly

Vocalization: Silent in flight Behavior: Fast flyers, wobble back and forth when taking off
Vocalization: Chucking in flight, laughing sound

photo courtesy Noppadol Paothong

When in doubt, don’t shoot!!!


Still confused? Please visit our web site to view
videos of both species in flight
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/grouse/

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 7
Sage-Grouse
Upland Game Birds

Sage-grouse seasons will be set in August.


A separate brochure will be available in August.

Sage/Sharp-tailed Grouse Permit Validation:


Any person hunting sage or sharp-tailed grouse must have in possession their hunting
license with a sage/sharp-tailed grouse permit validation. See pages 46, 53 and 54.

Identify Your Target!


Is it a sage-grouse or a sharp-tailed grouse?

Note: Sharp-tailed grouse have recently been introduced


into historical range in southern Twin Falls County and
southeastern Owyhee County. Twin Falls County, Owyhee
County and most of Cassia County are closed to the hunting
of sharp-tailed grouse. Sharp-tailed grouse also occur around
Split Butte area in Minidoka County. Hunting of sharp-tailed
grouse is closed in Minidoka County. Be sure of your target!

Sage-Grouse
Distribution and Habitat Use: Shaded area(s) show general
distribution of this species. This native grouse is widely
distributed in areas with large blocks of sagebrush habitat
throughout southern Idaho. Sagebrush is a crucial winter
food for sage-grouse and also provides them with nesting
and roosting cover during the rest of the year. Wet places,
including agricultural lands, are important feeding areas for
hens with chicks and are heavily used by sage-grouse during
the fall in dry years.

Sage Grouse

8 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Sharp-tailed Grouse

Upland Game Birds


BOUNDARY

BONNER

Note: Sharp-tailed grouse have recently


been introduced into historical range in
KOOTENAI

BENEWAH
SHOSHONE
southern Twin Falls County and south
LATAH
CLEARWATER
eastern Owyhee County. These areas
NEZ
PERCE
remain closed to hunting for sharptails
1 to protect these populations. Also, the
LEWIS

IDAHO
season is closed on a small remnant
population north of Weiser.
ADAMS
LEMHI
Sharp-tailed grouse also occur around
VALLEY
Split Butte area in Minidoka County.
WASHINGTON
CLARK
Hunting of sharp-tailed grouse is closed
in Minidoka County.
CUSTER FREMONT
PAYETTE
BOISE
GEM JEFFERSON
TETON

MADISON
CANYON BUTTE

BLAINE BONNEVILLE
ADA CAMAS

2
ELMORE
BINGHAM

LINCOLN
Area 1 Area 2
MINIDOKA

GOODING

CARIBOU

OWYHEE
JEROME POWER

BANNOCK Ada, Adams, Bannock County west Bingham and Clark counties east
TWIN
FALLS
CASSIA
ONEIDA FRANKLIN
BEAR
LAKE
of Interstate 15 and north of Interstate of Interstate 15, Franklin, Fremont,
86, Benewah, Bingham County west Jefferson County east of Interstate
Sage/Sharp-tailed Grouse Permit of Interstate 15, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, 15, Madison, and Teton counties,
Validation: Any person hunting sage Bonneville County west of Interstate Bonneville County east of Interstate
or sharp-tailed grouse must have in 15, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Canyon, 15, Bannock County east of Interstate
possession their hunting license with Cassia County west of Interstate 84 15 and south of Interstate 86, Bear
a sage/sharp-tailed grouse permit north of the Malta-Sublett Road and Lake, Caribou, Cassia County east of
validation. See pages 46, 53 and 54. west of the Malta-Strevell Road, Interstate 84 and that portion west of
Clark County west of Interstate 15, Interstate 84 south of the Malta-Sublett
Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Gem, Road and east of the Malta-Strevell
Gooding, Idaho, Jefferson County west Road, Franklin, Oneida, and Power
of Interstate 15, Jerome, Kootenai, County south of Interstate 86.
Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln,
Minidoka, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette,
Power County north of Interstate 86, Seasons
Shoshone, Twin Falls, Valley, and 2010 — October 1 through October 31
Washington counties; CLOSED.
2011 — October 1 through October 31
Daily Bag Limit..................................2
Possession Limit
After First Day of Season...................4

Sharp-tailed Grouse
Distribution and Habitat Use: Shaded area(s) show general distribution of
this species. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once distributed in grassland/
mountain brush habitats throughout southern and western Idaho north to
the Palouse Prairie. Habitat changes due to agricultural development and
livestock grazing, and human development, among other factors, have reduced
this grouse’s range to areas mostly in southeastern Idaho. Agricultural lands
enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program are currently providing important
habitat for this species and have led to increased populations since 1986.
Good populations still exist from Fremont County south to Utah in grasslands
associated with chokecherry, sagebrush, hawthorn, serviceberry, bitterbrush and
other brushy cover.

Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 9
Pheasants - All Varieties
Upland Game Birds

Area 1 BOUNDARY

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater,


Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, BONNER

and Shoshone counties.


Seasons
KOOTENAI

Area 1 seasons begin at one-half hour


before sunrise on opening day and are as BENEWAH

follows:
SHOSHONE

2010 — October 9 through December 31 LATAH


CLEARWATER

2011 — October 8 through December 31 NEZ


PERCE

Daily Bag Limit..............................3 cocks


1
LEWIS

Possession Limit
After First Day of Season...............6 cocks IDAHO

Area 2
Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, LEMHI

Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, ADAMS

Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, VALLEY

Madison, Oneida, Power, and Teton


counties.
2
WASHINGTON
CUSTER CLARK
FREMONT
PAYETTE

Seasons
BOISE
GEM JEFFERSON

TETON
MADISON

Area 2 seasons begin one-half hour before CANYON BUTTE

sunrise on opening day and are as follows: ADA CAMAS


BLAINE BONNEVILLE

ELMORE
2010 — October 16 through November 30 MINIDOKA
BINGHAM

LINCOLN
2011 — October 15 through November 30
GOODING

3
CARIBOU

Daily Bag Limit..............................3 cocks JEROME POWER

BANNOCK

Possession Limit OWYHEE


TWIN
FALLS
BEAR
LAKE

After First Day of Season...............6 cocks


CASSIA
ONEIDA FRANKLIN

Area 3
Ada, Adams, Blaine, Boise, Camas,
Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Youth Hunt Season
Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka,
2010 — October 2 through October 8
Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, Valley,
and Washington counties (including all 2011 — October 1 through October 7
islands in the Snake River except Patch Statewide the season begins one-half hour before sunrise. It is open
and Porter Islands). Hunting hours start statewide for all licensed hunters 15 years of age or younger. All youth
at 10 a.m. day on Fort Boise, C.J. Strike, hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.* The daily bag
Montour and Payette River WMAs. limit is three cocks, and the possession limit after the first day of the season
is six cocks. Except on WMAs where pheasants are stocked, where the bag
Seasons limit is two cocks and possession limit is four cocks.
Area 3 seasons begin one-half hour before *One adult may accompany more than one youth hunter.
sunrise on opening day and are as follows:
2010 - October 16 through December 31
2011 - October 15 through December 31
Daily Bag Limit..............................3 cocks
Possession Limit
After First Day of Season...............6 cocks

10 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Wildlife Management Area Upland Game Bird Permit

Upland Game Birds


Hunting for pheasants on the nine Wildlife Management
Areas (WMAs) listed below requires a WMA pheasant permit. Area 2
Permit allows the take of six pheasants. Market Lake and Mud Lake WMAs in Jefferson County,
Cartier WMA in Madison County, and Sterling WMA in
Recording harvest: Idaho Fish and Game releases pheasants Bingham County.
at nine WMAs in southern Idaho. Any person 17 years old or
older must have a valid WMA Pheasant Permit in possession Seasons
while hunting pheasants at the following WMAs: Area 2 seasons begin one-half hour before sunrise on opening
day and are as follows:
2010 — October 16 through November 30
2011 — October 15 through November 30
WMA Location
Code Daily Bag Limit.........................................................2 cocks
BOUNDARY
Fort Boise 01 Possession Limit After First Day of Season..............4 cocks
BONNER Payette River 02
Montour 03 Area 3
KOOTENAI C.J. Strike 04 Fort BoiseWMA (including Gold Island) in Canyon County,
Sterling 05 C.J. Strike WMA in Owyhee County, birding Island segment
of the Payette River WMA in Payette County and Montour
BENEWAH

Market Lake 06
SHOSHONE

Management Area in Gem County and Niagara Springs WMA


Mud Lake 07
LATAH

in Gooding County.
CLEARWATER

Cartier Slough 08
NEZ
PERCE

1
LEWIS

Niagara Springs 09 Seasons


IDAHO

Area 3 seasons begin at 10 a.m. on opening day in the


Southwest Region and one-half hour before sunrise in the
ADAMS
LEMHI
Magic Valley Region are as follows:
2010 — October 16 through December 31
VALLEY

FREMONT

2011 — October 15 through December 31


WASHINGTON CLARK

2
CUSTER
PAYETTE

01 02GEM
BOISE

07MADISON
JEFFERSON

Daily Bag Limit.........................................................2 cocks


TETON

CANYON
03 BUTTE 06 08
BLAINE

Possession Limit After First Day of Season.............. 4 cocks


ADA CAMAS
BONNEVILLE
ELMORE
BINGHAM

GOODING
05
MINIDOKA

LINCOLN

04
3
CARIBOU

09JEROME
POWER Pheasant
BANNOCK
OWYHEE
TWIN
FALLS
CASSIA
ONEIDA
BEAR
Distribution and
Habitat Use: Shaded
FRANKLIN LAKE

area(s) show general


For hunting hours on WMAs, see page 48. distribution of this
species. The ring-
necked pheasant is
Permit Validation: When a pheasant is reduced to widely distributed
possession, the hunter must immediately: in agricultural areas.
A. Enter in the space provided, the month and day the Important habitat
pheasant was taken. needs are grassy areas
or other dense nesting
B. Enter in the space provided, the location code (listed cover at least 18
above) of the WMA where the pheasant was taken. inches high, permanent
C. It is not necessary to remove the notch from the permit cover that provides
for each pheasant taken. protection from winter
NOTE: All upland game hunters and upland game bird weather, and abundant Ring-necked Pheasant
hunters are required to wear visible hunter orange (minimum water and food (especially grain). Pheasants are common
size 36 square inches) above the waist during pheasant season in this type of habitat along the Snake River Plain from the
when hunting on WMAs where pheasants are stocked. A Oregon border to central Idaho. They are present in lower
hunter orange hat meets this requirement. densities in agricultural habitats below 5,000 feet in eastern
Idaho and below 4,000 feet in northern Idaho from Benewah
County south to Whitebird.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 11
Bird Identification
Upland Game Birds

Sharp-tailed Grouse
male yellow eye comb
Dusky (blue) Grouse
yellow-orange eye comb female
white-based neck feathers

under parts white


grayish tail short and pointed
under parts
tail square, unbarred

Hen Pheasant

Sage-grouse male
yellow eye comb female

bare legs

long, pointed tail

pointed tail feathered legs

Ruffed Grouse male female Spruce Grouse male


(both brown and gray-colored crest scarlet eye comb
female
birds exist in Idaho
black throat and
brest patch
Band often broken
in female

black neck ruff, more


prominent in males tail feathers
Pectinations unbarred
(snowshoes) appear
in winter

12 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Upland Game Birds
Bird Identification

Northern Bobwhite Chukar


striped
male red bill
head
white throat
white female
throat black necklace

buff
throat
flanks barred with black

red feet

California Quail Gray Partridge cinnamon head

male

female

light throat

flanks barred with


chestnut brown

scaled belly

Mountain Quail Ring-necked Pheasant


Closed
male
long, straight head plume female male female
white neck ring

brownish
color
spur
white bars on sides
bare legs

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 13
Upland Game Animals

Upland Game Animals — Cottontail Rabbits and Snowshoe Hares

Unlawful Methods of Take Areas Closed to Hunting


No person shall take upland game animals: Hunting, killing, or molesting upland game animals is
• From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before prohibited in the following areas:
sunrise. • Craters of the Moon National Monument. See page 49 for
• With a trap, snare, net, or shotgun using shotgun shells a full description.
exceeding 3 1/2 inches in length. • Harriman State Park Wildlife Refuge in Fremont County.
• From boats or other craft having a motor attached unless • Nez Perce National Historical Park in Clearwater, Idaho
the motor is completely shut off and forward progress has and Nez Perce counties.
ceased, or the boat is drifting naturally, or it is propelled
• That portion of Ada County within Veterans Memorial
only by paddle, oars, or pole, or it is beached, moored, or
Park and the area between State Highway 21, Warm
resting at anchor.
Springs Avenue and the New York Canal from the New
• By the use or aid of any electronic call. York Canal Diversion Dam downstream to the Boise City
To correctly distinguish cottontail rabbits (season open) limits.
and pygmy rabbits (season closed), check for these • Yellowstone National Park in Fremont County.
characteristics:
• Mann’s Lake in Nez Perce County and extending 300
Cottontail Rabbit yards beyond the Bureau of Reclamation property that
Tail: dark above and white underneath. encompasses the lake.
Size: More than one foot in length (13.5-16.6 inches) • On any of those portions of federal refuges, State
game preserves, State wildlife management areas, bird
Pygmy Rabbit
preserves, bird refuges, and bird sanctuaries for which
Tail: buffy gray with no white on it. bird hunting closures have been declared by legislative or
Size: Less than one foot in length (9.7-11.3 inches) Commission action.
• Contact your local regional office to determine if pygmy
rabbits are found in your area of interest.

Seasons, Bags and Possession Limits - Statewide


Species Season Daily Bag Limits Possession Limits
September 1, 2010 - February 28, 2011
Cottontail Rabbits 8 16
September 1, 2011 - February 28, 2012
Pygmy Rabbits Season Closed
September 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011
Snowshoe Hares 8 16
September 1, 2011 - March 31, 2012

Shaded areas show general


distribution of these species

NOTE: All upland game hunters and upland


game bird hunters are required to wear visible
hunter orange (minimum size 36 square inches)
above the waist during pheasant season when
hunting on Wildlife Management Areas where
pheasants are stocked. A hunter orange hat
meets this requirement.

Cottontail Rabbits and Pygmy Hares


Rabbits (yellow stripe)
14 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Mourning Doves and Sandhill Cranes

Upland Game Birds


September 2010 and 2011
Federal Regulations
2010 and 2011 MOURNING In addition to state rules, the following federal regulations
DOVE SEASON AND LIMITS apply to the taking, possessing, shipping, transporting, or
storing of migratory game birds. This information is only a
summary of the major federal regulations which are found
September 1–September 30 in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20, and
Daily Bag Limit: 10 which are available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/
waisidx_08/50cfr20_08.html. Violation of federal regulations
Possession Limit After First Day Of is also a violation of state law.
Season: 20 Migratory Birds are birds protected by federal law as a result
of treaties signed with other countries. Protected migratory
 Federal Migratory Game Bird Harvest birds are listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations,
Information Program Validation— Section. 10.13. This list includes almost all birds found in
REQUIRED the United States with the exception of the house sparrow,
feral pigeon (commonly called rock dove), European starling,
Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game birds
 Federal Migratory Bird Stamp—NOT

Doves & Cranes


(which are protected by state laws).
REQUIRED
All migratory birds are protected. However, a subset of
migratory birds classified as migratory game birds may be
 Nontoxic Shot—NOT REQUIRED hunted in accordance with State and Federal regulations. The
list of migratory game birds includes species of ducks, geese
 Shotgun capable of carrying no more (including brant), swans, doves and pigeons, cranes, rails,
than 3 shells—REQUIRED coots, gallinules and moorhens, woodcock and snipe, if there
is an open season.
Seasons and limits for sandhill cranes are It is against the law to take migratory game birds:
set annually. Therefore, season changes are
• With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun
published in a separate brochure available
at Fish and Game offices and license vendors larger than a 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine
gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying
statewide by August each year.
substance.
Stamps and Validations • With any shotgun capable of holding more than three
No person shall hunt mourning doves, sandhill cranes, ducks, shells unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler which is
geese, brant, coots or common snipe anywhere within the incapable of removal without disassembling the gun.
state of Idaho without having in possession the appropriate • From a sink box (a low floating device having a
hunting license that has been validated for the Federal depression affording the hunter a means of concealment
Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (Federal beneath the surface of the water).
HIP). The validation cost is $1.75 for residents and $4.75
for nonresidents, and is available at any license vendor. This • From or with the aid or use of a car or other motor-driven
validation is in effect from January 1 through December 31 of land conveyance, or any aircraft, except that paraplegics
each year. and single or double amputees of the legs may take from
any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and all state wildlife land conveyance (Also see: “It Is Unlawful” section on
agencies are cooperating in this program, which began in page 48). “Paraplegic” means an individual inflicted with
1992, to gather better harvest information on migratory game paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement
birds. Idaho joined the program in 1996. The Federal HIP of both legs.
will allow migratory game bird managers to more accurately
estimate the annual harvest of waterfowl, shore birds (snipe, • By use or aid of live birds as decoys.
for example), and doves to gain a better understanding of bird • From or by means of any motorboat or sailboat unless the
populations. motor has been completely shut off and/or the sail furled,
Equipment Restrictions and its progress therefrom has ceased.
• Shot Sizes: Sandhill cranes may legally be taken with • Using records or tapes of migratory bird calls, or sounds,
shot size T (0.2 inches in diameter) or smaller (lead or continued . . .
nontoxic).
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 15
or electronically amplified imitations of bird calls. birds were killed. Tagging is required if the birds are being
• By driving, rallying, or chasing birds with any motorized transported by another person for the hunter, or if the birds
conveyance or any sailboat to put them in the range of the have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary
hunters. storage), shipment, or taxidermy services (see proxy statement
on page 51).
• By the aid of baiting (placing feed such as corn, wheat,
salt, or other feed to constitute a lure or enticement), or Termination of Possession:
on or over any baited areas. Hunters should be aware that The possession of birds taken by any hunter shall be deemed
a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after to have ceased when such birds have been delivered by him to:
removal of the bait, and it is not necessary for the hunter
• Another person as a gift.
to know an area is baited to be in violation.
• A post office, or a common carrier, or a migratory bird
• During the closed season.
preservation facility, and consigned for transport by the
Wanton Waste: Postal Service or a common carrier to some person other
No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird than the hunter.
without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and (Note: Migratory birds left in processing or storage facilities,
retain it in his actual custody, at the place where taken or home freezers, etc., are part of a hunter’s “possession limit”
between that place and either (a) his automobile or principal until conditions above are met. Birds must be given or
means of land transportation; or (b) his personal abode or assigned to someone other than the taker in order to end or
Doves & Cranes

temporary or transient place of lodging; or (c) a migratory terminate possession.)


bird preservation facility; or (d) a post office; or (e) a common
carrier facility. Species Identification:
No person shall transport within the United States any
Federal Limits: migratory game birds, except doves and band-tailed pigeons,
Daily Bag Limit: No person shall take in any one day more unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached
than one daily bag limit. to each such bird at all times while being transported from the
place where taken until they have arrived at the personal abode
No person shall possess while in the field, have in custody,
of the possessor or a migratory bird preservation facility.
or transport more than one daily bag limit between the place
where taken and either: Shipment:
• His/her automobile or principle means of land No person shall ship migratory game birds unless the package
transportation. is marked on the outside with: (a) the name and address of
• His/her personal abode or temporary place of lodging. the person sending the birds, (b) the name and address of the
person to whom the birds are being sent, and (c) the number of
• A migratory bird preservation facility. birds, by species, contained in the package.
• A post office. Importation: For information regarding the importation of
• A common carrier facility. migratory birds killed in another country, hunters should
consult 50 CFR 20.61 through 20.66.
Other Possession:
• No person shall possess more than one daily limit on the Other Regulations:
opening day of the season. National Wildlife Refuges: More restrictive regulations may
apply to National Wildlife Refuges. Hunters should check
• No person shall possess more than the possession limit
refuge regulations before hunting.
even when such birds are stored at home or are being
processed at a commercial preservation facility.
Indian-owned Reservation Lands: Federal law prohibits
• No person including commercial facilities shall possess unauthorized trespass on Indian-owned reservation lands for
migratory birds of another unless such birds are tagged by hunting, fishing, or trapping purposes (18 US 1165).
the taker with the total number of birds and species, date
killed, and signed by the taker.

Tagging:
No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at
any place or in the custody of another person unless the birds
are tagged by the hunter with the following information: (a)
the hunter’s signature, (b) the hunter’s address, (c) the total
number of birds involved, by species, and (d) the dates such

16 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Eurasian-collared Dove
Eurasian-collared Dove
Eurasian-collared doves are larger than
mourning doves. They have a black collar
on the top part of of the neck, pale gray
coloration, and dark primary feathers.
These doves are an introduced species
that have recently expanded their range
into Idaho. Should you harvest Eurasian-
collared doves while dove hunting, leave
Square tail them unplucked during transport so they
can be distinguished from mourning
doves. Eurasian-collared doves will
not count as part of your aggregate bag
of mourning doves as long as they are
identifiable.
Eurasian-collared doves may be taken in
any amounts and at any time by holders
of the appropriate valid Idaho hunting or

Doves & Cranes


combination hunting license, provided
such taking is not in violation of state,
county, or city laws, ordinances or
regulations.

Mourning Dove

Photos © Brian Small

Pointed tail

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 17
Sandhill Crane Hunts
Information on sandhill crane seasons and limits will be published in a separate brochure. These
brochures will be available at Fish and Game offices and license vendors statewide by August each year.
License Requirements: No person shall hunt sandhill cranes without having in possession the appropriate hunting license,
sandhill crane tag and federal HIP validation.
Sandhill Crane Hunt Areas include the following:
Area 1 — Includes all of Bear Lake County and all of Caribou County Except that portion downstream from the dam at
Alexander Reservoir south of U.S. Highway 30, and that portion lying within the Grays Lake Basin.
Area 2 — Includes all of Teton County except that portion lying west of Highway 33 and south of Packsaddle Road (West
400 North) and north of the North Cedron Road (West 600 South) and east of the west bank of the Teton River.
Area 3 — Includes all of Fremont County except the Chester Wetlands Wildlife Management Area.
Area 4 — Includes all of Bonneville County.
Area 5 — Includes all of Jefferson County.
Doves & Cranes

One of the purposes of these hunts is to help


reduce crop damage by sandhill cranes.
Check with local landowners or department
offices for information on crane use areas and
remember: Always
“Ask First to Hunt on Private Property.”
Photo courtesy Steve Jamsa

18 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Official Shooting Hours for Mourning Doves and Sandhill Cranes
During September
(One-half hour before sunrise to sunset)
The tables below have been adjusted to actual shooting times. No further adjustment is necessary.

Benewah, Bonner, Ada, Adams, Boise,


Bannock, Bear Lake,
Boundary, Clearwater, Blaine, Butte, Camas, Canyon, Elmore, Gem,
Bingham, Bonneville,
Kootenai, Latah, Cassia, Custer, Gooding, that portion of Idaho
Caribou, Clark, Franklin,
Lewis,that portion of Jerome, Lemhi, Lincoln, County south of the
Fremont, Jefferson,
September Idaho County north of the Minidoka, and Twin Falls
Madison, Oneida, Power
Salmon River, Owyhee,
Salmon River, Nez Perce counties. Payette, Valley, and
and Teton counties.
and Shoshone counties. Washington counties.
Begin End Begin End Begin End Begin End
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
1 5:38 7:31 6:31 8:13 6:25 8:05 6:38 8:21
2 5:39 7:29 6:32 8:12 6:26 8:04 6:39 8:19
3 5:41 7:27 6:33 8:10 6:27 8:02 6:40 8:17

Doves & Cranes


4 5:42 7:25 6:34 8:08 6:28 8:00 6:42 8:15
5 5:43 7:23 6:35 8:07 6:29 7:59 6:43 8:14
6 5:45 7:21 6:36 8:05 6:30 7:57 6:44 8:12
7 5:46 7:19 6:37 8:03 6:31 7:55 6:45 8:10
8 5:48 7:17 6:38 8:01 6:32 7:53 6:46 8:08
9 5:49 7:15 6:39 8:00 6:33 7:52 6:47 8:06
10 5:50 7:13 6:40 7:58 6:34 7:50 6:48 8:05
11 5:52 7:11 6:41 7:56 6:35 7:48 6:49 8:03
12 5:53 7:09 6:42 7:54 6:36 7:46 6:50 8:01
13 5:54 7:07 6:43 7:52 6:37 7:44 6:52 7:59
14 5:56 7:05 6:45 7:51 6:29 7:43 6:53 7:57
15 5:57 7:03 6:46 7:49 6:40 7:41 6:54 7:56
16 5:58 7:01 6:47 7:47 6:41 7:39 6:55 7:54
17 6:00 6:59 6:48 7:45 6:42 7:37 6:56 7:52
18 6:01 6:57 6:49 7:43 6:43 7:35 6:57 7:50
19 6:02 6:55 6:50 7:41 6:44 7:34 6:58 7:48
20 6:04 6:53 6:52 7:39 6:45 7:32 6:59 7:46
21 6:05 6:51 6:53 7:37 6:46 7:30 7:01 7:45
22 6:06 6:49 6:54 7:36 6:47 7:28 7:02 7:43
23 6:07 6:47 6:55 7:35 6:48 7:26 7:03 7:41
24 6:08 6:45 6:56 7:33 6:49 7:25 7:04 7:39
25 6:09 6:42 6:58 7:31 6:50 7:24 7:05 7:37
26 6:11 6:40 6:59 7:29 6:52 7:22 7:06 7:35
27 6:12 6:38 7:00 7:27 6:53 7:20 7:08 7:34
28 6:13 6:35 7:02 7:25 6:54 7:18 7:09 7:32
29 6:14 6:33 7:03 7:23 6:55 7:16 7:10 7:30
30 6:15 6:31 7:04 7:21 6:56 7:14 7:11 7:28

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 19
Turkey General Information
Youth Hunts for Turkeys
A hunter must be 10 to 15 years of age on April 8 to hunt in
Controlled Hunts
the general season youth hunt (April 8-14, 2010 and 2011).
A hunter applying for a controlled hunt open to youth only For the controlled hunt worksheet see page 22 and for the list of
must be 10-15 years of age on the opening date of the hunt hunts see pages 24 and 25.
for which they are applying. All youth hunters must be Eligibility: Holders of valid hunting licenses are eligible to
accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older apply for controlled hunts subject to the following restrictions:
who msut be close enough to be within normal conversation
or hearing range without shouting or the aid of electronic • Holders of a Nongame Hunting License may not apply for
devices. any controlled hunt.

Youth ages 9-11 may purchase a youth small game license and • Any person applying for a bighorn sheep, mountain
then purchase a turkey tag and/or apply for a controlled turkey goat, or moose controlled hunt may not apply for any
hunt, but they may not hunt until they are 10 years old. other controlled hunt in the same year, except unlimited
controlled hunts, a controlled black bear hunt, controlled
Tag and Permit Requirements turkey hunts, or a designated depredation hunt, x-hunts,
and second draw for deer, elk, pronghorn and fall black
No person may hunt wild turkey without having in his or her bear.
possession the appropriate hunting license, general tag, extra
tag, special unit tag and/or a controlled hunt permit. Application Dates:
A hunter may harvest as many turkeys as they have legal • Spring hunt application period:
tags for that given year. There are three types of turkey tags February 1 to March 1, 2010
available. Two turkey tags - one general and one extra tag - January 15 to February 15, 2011
may be purchased for the spring turkey season before May
26. The waiting period for use of the extra tag has been • Fall hunt application period:
eliminated. (See limits on page 23.) Special Unit Tags may be May 1 to June 5, 2010
purchased at any time. May 1 to June 5, 2011
• General Tag (one tag per person per year) Applications may be submitted electronically at any Fish and
• Extra Tag (two tags per person per year) Game license vendor, by telephone (1-800-554-8685), on the
• Special Units Tags (three tags per person per year) Fish and Game website (hunting section), or by mail. Mail
applications must be received at any Fish and Game office and
A hunter may use the general tag to hunt in any spring general postmarked no later than the last day of the application period.
season and also use this tag with a controlled hunt permit to Applications will be taken beginning no earlier than the first
hunt in a controlled hunt. A second spring bird may be taken day of the application period. Applications must comply with
with the extra turkey tag. If the general tag or extra tag is not the following requirements:
filled during the spring hunt, then that unused tag can be used
in a fall general hunt or fall controlled hunt. • Only one application per person or group will be accepted.
Additional applications will result in all applicants being
The spring and fall controlled turkey permits are valid only declared ineligible.
Turkey

for specific areas and seasons as designated by hunt number


(pages 24 and 25). A turkey hunter must have a spring • Each applicant for controlled hunts must submit a $6.25
controlled hunt permit and a valid tag to hunt in a spring ($14.75 for nonresidents) nonrefundable application
controlled hunt. A turkey hunter may only harvest one bird per fee with their application. One dollar of this fee may be
controlled hunt permit. designated for the Citizens Against Poaching program.

A special unit tag, limited to Idaho residents, may be used • A single payment (either cashier’s check, money order,
during fall general seasons in Units 1, 2, 3 and 5. A special certified check, or personal check) may be submitted to
unit tag is also valid for any designated turkey depredation cover fees for all applications in the same envelope. If a
hunt and is for residents only. check or money order is insufficient to cover the fees, all
applications will be voided.
A junior hunter, who meets the age criteris established by the
Idaho Fish and Game Commission, with a Junior/DAV/Senior • From the first day of the application period to the last day
General Tag may hunt in the general season youth hunt. of the application period, Visa, MasterCard and Discover
cards may be used to make telephone applications. Those
using the credit card system will pay the $6.25 or $14.75
fee in addition to a service charge for completing and
processing the application and delivering it to Fish and
Game. Charges will be explained upon request. To apply

20 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
by credit card, dial 1-800-554-8685, 24-hours a day, or permits will be issued to successful applicants. The 10 percent
use the Fish and Game Web site under the hunting section. nonresident limitation shall not apply.
Group Application is defined as two hunters applying for the
Miscellaneous Information
same controlled hunt on the same application.
Refunds Of Controlled Hunt Fee: Hunting license fees will
not be refunded to unsuccessful applicants. Application fees Tag Validation and Attachment:
for controlled hunts are not refundable. • Immediately after any wild turkey is killed, a turkey tag
Second Choice Drawing: Single or group applications which must be validated and securely attached to the bird.
are not drawn for the first choice hunt will automatically be • To validate the tag, the hunter must cut out and
entered into a second choice drawing provided the second completely remove two triangles on the border of the tag,
choice hunt applied for has not been filled. one for the month and one for the day of the kill.
Notification: It is the applicants’ responsibility to find out if • The tag must remain attached as long as the turkey is in
they were successful in the controlled hunt drawing. Results transit or storage.
for spring seasons will be available by March 10 under the
hunting section of the Fish and Game web page at
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Fish and Game will mail a
postcard notification to all successful applicants by March 10.
Results for fall seasons will be available by July 10.
Nonresident Permit Limitations: On 2010 and 2011
controlled hunts, not more than 10 percent of permits may be
issued to nonresidents.
Unfilled (Leftover) Controlled Hunt Permits: Any spring
controlled hunt permits for turkey that remain unsold after
controlled hunt drawings, may be sold on a first-come, first-
served basis on or after April 1. Unsold fall controlled hunt
permits will go on sale July 15. Hunters 65 years of age or
older or hunters with a senior combination hunting license or a
Hunters must completely remove two notches
disabled hunting license may apply for first-come, first-served
indicating month and day of kill.
leftover youth-only controlled hunt permits. Controlled hunt

Methods of Take — Restrictions


It is unlawful to hunt turkey:
• With lead shot exceeding BB size or steel shot exceeding
T size.

Turkey
• By use of dogs, except during fall hunts.
• Also see page 48.

Areas Closed to Hunting of Turkeys


See page 49 and 50.

Photo courtesy of Trudy Simpson

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 21
Controlled Hunt Worksheet/Application
Applications can be submitted electronically at any F&G license vendor. Applications can be made using your credit card by
calling 1-800-554-8685 or the F&G website. Controlled hunt worksheets can be mailed with proper fees to any F&G office.
Call in: 3 percent plus $5.50. Internet: 3 percent plus $3.50.
Use this worksheet to speed up the application process. Fill in the blanks with your hunting license and controlled hunt
numbers before you apply. Group Applicants: Two hunters may apply on the same application for turkey, spring and fall bear,
moose, sheep, or goat.

HOW MANY HUNTERS ARE APPLYING? Designate $1 of Fee to C.A.P?


(Citizens Against Poaching)
(Single application for deer, elk, antelope, bear, moose, goat, sheep, Canada goose, or turkey)
NAME #1 Yes No
Date of Birth
LICENSE NUMBER

(Group application for deer, elk, antelope, bear, moose, goat, sheep, Canada goose, or turkey)
NAME #2
Date of Birth
LICENSE NUMBER

FEE TO APPLY: $6.25 per Resident Hunter $14.75 for Nonresident Hunter

1st Choice Hunt Number 2nd Choice Hunt Number

Controlled Hunt Applicants: Use this form for one species application only.
You may photocopy this form.

QUICK TAG OVERVIEW


If You Want to Hunt... Buy a License AND a ...
General Season, Spring Turkey....................................................................................................... General or Extra Turkey Tag
General Season Fall Turkey............................................................................................................ General or Extra Turkey Tag
Controlled Hunt, Spring Season.............................................Apply for a Controlled Hunt Permit February 1 - March 1, 2010
Apply for a Controlled Hunt Permit January 15 - February 15, 2011
and buy a General Turkey Tag (leftover permits go on sale April 1)
Controlled Hunt, Fall Season............................................................ Apply for a Controlled Hunt Permit May 1 - June 5, 2010
Turkey

Apply for a Controlled Hunt Permit May 1 - June 5, 2011


and use the Permit with a General or Extra Turkey Tag (leftover permits go on sale July 15)

'

APPLY FOR CONTROLLED HUNTS BY


PHONE: 1-800-554-8685

Use your VISA, MASTERCARD, OR DISCOVER card and this toll -free
phone number to apply for controlled hunt permits. (A service charge of 3
percent of the transaction plus $5.50 is added to telephone orders.)
See pages 24 and 25 for Wild Turkey Controlled Hunt Seasons.

22 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Turkey Seasons
General Hunt Seasons Tags: There are three types of tags.
(maps on page 26) The general tag is valid for spring and fall seasons. It can
• April 8-14, 2010 and April 8-14, 2011. General Spring also be used during spring or fall controlled hunts with the
Youth Hunt in Game Management Units open to General purchase of a controlled hunt permit. If the general tag is not
Season turkey hunting (See page 20 for age requirements) used to harvest a turkey in the spring it may be used in fall
and open in Controlled Hunt areas to holders of a Youth seasons.
Only Controlled Hunt Permit. The extra tag is the second tag available in the spring. It is
• April 15, 2010 through May 25, 2010 and April 15, 2011 valid for spring seasons and may be used during fall general or
through May 25, 2011. General Spring Hunt in Game fall controlled hunt seasons.
Management Units 1, 2 (Except Farragut State Park and Special Unit Tag, limited to Idaho residents, is valid for the
Farragut WMA) & Units 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 8, 8A, 10, 10A, fall season in Units 1, 2, 3 or 5. The Special Unit Tag is also
11, 11A, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,16A, 17, 18, 19, 19A, 20, 22, valid for any designated depredation hunt during the calendar
23, 24, 31, 32 (except that portion in Payette County), year.
32A, 33, 39, 73, 74, 75, 77 and 78. Two turkey tags - one general tag and one extra tag - may be
• September 15, 2010 through December 15, 2010 and purchased for the spring turkey season before May 26. The
September 15, 2011 through December 15, 2011. General waiting period for use of the extra tag has been eliminated.
Fall Hunt in Game Management Units 1, 2 (except
Farragut State Park and Farragut WMA) 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6.
Shooting Hours
Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to
• September 15, 2010 through October 31, 2010 and
sunset.
September 15, 2011 through October 31, 2011. General
Fall Hunt in Game Management Units 73, 74, 75, 77 and
78.
• September 15, 2010 through October 9, 2010 and
September 15, 2011 through October 9, 2011. General
Fall Hunt in Game Management Units 8, 8A, 10, 10A, 11,
11A, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17, 18, 19 , 20, 22, 23, 24,
31, 32 (except that portion in Payette County), and 32A.
Units 33 and 39 are closed to fall hunting.
• November 21, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and
November 21, 2011 through December 31, 2011. General
Fall Hunt in Game Management Units 8, 8A, 10A, 11,
11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18. This hunt is open on private
lands only.

Bag and Possession Limits


The daily bag limit is one bearded turkey per day in the spring

Turkey
and one turkey (either sex) per day in the fall, except in Units,
1, 2, 3 and 5 where 5 turkeys (either sex) may be taken in a
day during fall seasons. No more than two bearded turkeys
may be taken per spring. The most tags one hunter may
possess in one year is six.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 23
Wild Turkey Controlled Hunt Seasons — Spring 2010 - 2011
Refer to Big Game Rules for unit boundary
descriptions or this web site: http://fishandgame.
[
Use these numbers on your controlled hunt application.
idaho.gov/cms/hunt/rules/bg/units.pdf. Youth
Hunts - hunter must be 15 years of age or
younger on the opening day of the youth hunt.
Hunt No Controlled Hunt Area Descriptions Spring Hunts Permits
April 15-May 25
9001 938-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County. 75
Access is Limited
Youth Hunt
April 8 - May 25, 2010
9002 938-2: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County. 60
April 8 - May 25, 2011
Access is Limited
950-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A,
9003 April 15 - April 30 125*
64, 65, 66, 67, 69.
950-2: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A,
9004 May 1 - May 25 125*
64, 65, 66, 67, 69.
Youth Hunt
950-3: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A,
9005 April 8 - May 25, 2010 50*
64, 65, 66, 67, 69.
April 8 - May 25, 2011
Youth Hunt
9006 954-1: All of Unit 54. April 8 - May 25, 2010 30
April 8 - May 25, 2011
9007 954-2: All of Unit 54. April 15 - May 5 24
9008 954-3: All of Unit 54. May 6 - May 25 24
Youth Hunt
9009 968A-1: All of Unit 68A. April 8 - May 25, 2010 15*
April 8 - May 25, 2011
9010 968A-2: All of Unit 68A. April 15 - April 30 15*
9011 968A-3: All of Unit 68A. May 1 - May 25 15*
Youth Hunt
9012 971-1: All of Unit 71. April 8 - May 25, 2010 75
April 8 - May 25, 2011
9013 971-2: All of Unit 71. April 15 - April 30 75
9014 971-3: All of Unit 71. May 1 - May 25 75
April 15 - May 25
Access is Limited
936B-1: All of Units 36B and 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28
9015 (Recommend do not apply unless 15
upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage.
you have access to private
property)
Turkey

Youth Hunt
April 8 - May 25, 2010
April 8 - May 25, 2011
936B-2: All of Units 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 Access is Limited
9016 5
upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage. (Recommend do not apply unless
you have access to private
property)

*See page 49 and 50 for areas closed to turkey hunting, ie., federal refuges, bird refuges, active bald eagle nests, etc.

24 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Wild Turkey Controlled Hunt Seasons — Fall 2010 - 2011
Refer to Big Game Rules for unit boundary
Use these numbers on your controlled hunt application. descriptions or this web site: http://fishandgame.
[
idaho.gov/cms/hunt/rules/bg/units.pdf. Youth
Hunts - hunter must be 15 years of age or
younger on the opening day of the youth hunt.
Hunt No Controlled Hunt Area Descriptions Fall Hunts Permits
9017 971-4: All of Unit 71 September 15 - December 31 100
Youth Hunt
9018 971-5: All of Unit 71 100
September 15 - December 31
950-4: All of Units 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, Youth Hunt
9019 25
64, 65, 66, 67, 69. September 15 - November 30
954-1: That portion of Unit 54 south of Trapper Creek outside the
9020 National Forest boundary and that portion of Unit 55 south of Oakley September 15 - December 31 50
and west of the Birch Creek - Junction Valley Road.

Turkey Hunting
Safety and Ethics
1. Positively identify your target.
2. Assume every noise and movement
is another hunter.
3. Never stalk a turkey or turkey sound.
4. Don’t wear red, white, or blue.
5. Protect your back.
6. Shout “Stop” to alert approaching hunters.
7. Make your position known to other hunters.
8. Preselect a zone of fire.

Turkey
9. Choose safe, ethical hunting companions.
10. Practice courtesy and self-control at all times. Renai C. Brogdon IDFG 2003

All ethical wild turkey hunters support a series of rules that make wild turkey hunting the
quality experience it can be. Following these rules will not only help maintain healthy flocks
of wild turkeys in Idaho, but will also add to the challenge and excitement that is wild turkey
hunting.
• Do not disturb nesting hen turkeys or their nests.
• Though legal (during legal hours) to shoot a tom out of a roost tree, this practice is
unacceptable among most sportsmen.
• If you hear another hunter calling a bird, allow that hunter to continue undisturbed and
leave the area.
• Ask first to hunt on private land.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 25
Turkey

26
Turkey Hunts Maps for General Reference Only

1 Spring 2010 and 2011


General Season April 15 - May 25
Youth Hunt April 8 - 14, 2010 and 2011

4A Controlled Hunts 9001 - 9002


2
Controlled Hunts 9003 - 9005
Panhandle Region Controlled Hunts 9006 - 9008
3 4 Controlled Hunts 9009 - 9011
Controlled Hunts 9012 - 9014
5 Controlled Hunts 9015 - 9016
6 7
9 Closed

8A
8 10

10A

Washington
11A 12
11
Clearwater Region
16
16A 17
13
15
14 20
19
18 21 21A
20A
19A Montana

Oregon
23
26 28
McCall SubRegion 27 29 30
22 24 25
Salmon Region
30A
31 32A 36B 37A 61

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
34 37 59 YNP
33 58 59A
60 62A
32 35
36 36A 51 60A
62
Southwest Region 50 Upper Snake Region 64 65
39 43 48 63 63A
38 49 67
Nampa SubRegion 44
69 66
52
Wyoming

45 52A 68 66A
40 68A
71 72
Magic Valley Region 70
73A 74 75 76
53
46
41 56 Southeast Region
42
54 55 73
57 77 78
47
Nevada Utah
Wild Turkey Distributions

Koo
te
Shaded areas indicate general wild turkey distribution in the primary units open to

nai R
wild turkey hunting.
iver

i ver
Pack
R Wild turkeys are not native to Idaho; but were first transplanted here in 1961.
Priest

Ri ve
Since then, more than 150 translocation efforts have been conducted statewide.
r
Sandpoint
Priest River
Three turkey subspecies have been introduced to Idaho. More than 90 percent
are the Merriam’s wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami). Others are the
Rio Grande wild turkey (M.g. intermedia), and the Eastern wild turkey (M.g.
Post FallsCoeur d'Alene
silvestris).
lene Riv
er
Coeur
dA
Wallace
The Merriam’s wild turkey was the first subspecies introduced to Idaho, and
Worley
Sa it has been by far the most successful. This bird is widely distributed
in the mountains of the Panhandle, Clearwater, and Southwestern
in Saint Joe Ri ve
t M r
ar
ie
sR regions.
iv
Palouse Ri ve
r e r
The Rio Grande wild turkey was first introduced to Idaho
r

Potlatch
in 1982. This subspecies is present in small numbers in
i ve

Moscow
hR

ek riparian areas adjacent to the Snake, Boise, Payette,


tc

C re
tla

Cayus e
Lewiston and Weiser rivers.
Po

Cle

s a R iver
Loch Powell Ranger Station
arw

Orofino
The Eastern wild turkey has been introduced to a
a ter

few sites near Dworshak Reservoir, and some


Riv

River
birds may still be found there.
y
er

Kooskia Selwa
ek

Grangeville
Hybrids occur in many areas of the state.
Cre

Elk City
w
ado
r

Me
ive
eR

Riggins
k

Shoup
Pa
Sna

n the

Bi g C
rC

Salmon
reek
ree
er

South Fork Salmon

k
Weiser Riv

McCall
Le
m
North Fork Payette River

hi
Ri
ve
Pa

r
k
ee

Cambridge
Mann Creek

er

sim
Cr

Cascade
n Riv

Challis
on

ro
Squaw Creek

Lo

i
River

Ri
o

k
ve

Weiser
Salm

Beaver Cree
r

Stanley
Bir

Dubois
k
Lit

Pa
Bi or Ashton
ch

y
tle

ett g sF
eR ry
Cre

Lo
Lo

n
k

ive st He
ee

R
Teton
st

ek

r
Cr

ive Rexburg

Turkey
Riv
Turkey

Boise
r
es

Bi g

Boise River Dry


er
or

Rive

B ed
M

So
Woo

Sun Valley Arco


u

CaldwellNampa Idaho Falls


r
th

Hailey
d

Fo

Indian Creek
Rive

rk
Willow Creek

Sn

k
r

ak

ee Camas Creek i ver


Cr ot R
e Ri

on k f o
ve

c
ny k Bla Blackfoot
r

Ca er Cree
Grand View
Clov
Pocatello
Sa
Bru

ilo

Banno
Sugar Creek

Inkom
r

American Falls
nea

Marsh Cre
Cr

Jerome
ee

Soda Springs
u

ck
Ro

Bea
Riv

Burley
c

Creek
kC
Bl ue

er

r
Clo
Sheep Creek

re

Riv

Owyh
ek
e

ek
k
ve
Cree

Jar

Raft River

ee R i
er
Devil Creek

Creek

ver
Goose Cre
r Cr
bid

Montpelier
k

Riddle Malad City


g

eek
eR

De e p
ive
r

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 27
Attention Hunters!
The area you are hunting may be infested with noxious weeds — non-native invasive plants that destroy
turkey habitat.

To report noxious weeks, call the Idaho Weed Awareness hotline at 1-866-IDWEEDS. You can help stop the
spread of noxious weeds in Idaho.

Turkey Depredation Hunt Sign Up

Special controlled hunts (not listed in these rules) are sometimes used to relieve game damage problems. If these hunts are
needed, they will be held on short notice, involve small areas, and be limited to a few hunters.
How Can I Participate? If you are an Idaho resident, with a valid hunting or combination license, fill out the form on this
page and mail it to the regional office in the area(s) you are willing to hunt. (You may photocopy this form if necessary.)
All applications received from May 1 to June 30 will be placed in random order. All applications received after June 30 will
be placed at the end of the list in the order received. The list will be valid from July 1 to the following June 30.
What Are My Chances of Drawing A Depredation Permit? Most regions issue only a few depredation permits each year.
Special Unit Tags
A Special Unit Tag is valid for fall season in Units 1, 2, 3 or 5. The Special Unit Tag is also valid for any designated
depredation hunt during the calendar year.
Depredation Hunt Application
I/We are applying for Turkey Depredation Hunts
1st Hunter__________________________________________Hunting license No.________________________________
Phone (Home)_______________________________________(Work)__________________________________________
2nd Hunter_________________________________________Hunting license No._________________________________
Phone (Home)_______________________________________(Work)__________________________________________
Turkey

Game Management Units Send To:


1-7...............................................................................................................2885 Kathleen Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
8, 8A, 10-19, 20..........................................................................................................3316 - 16th Street, Lewiston, ID 83501
19A, 22-24, 31-34, 38-39............................................................................... 3101 South Powerline Road, Nampa, ID 83686
68A, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78......................................................................................... 1345 Barton Road, Pocatello, ID 83204
50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64-67, 69....................... 4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
36B, 37................................................................................................................................ P.O. Box 1336, Salmon, ID 83467

Clip and mail to appropriate Regional Office, Fish and Game,


Attn.: Turkey Depredation Hunts.

28 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Identifying “Toms”
Heads

— Hen: Scattering of short black velvety


hair-like feathers. Head smaller and blacker
Tom
than toms.
— Tom: Head bald with narrow band of
feathers up the back of neck. Colors bright
reddish-blue in spring. Hen

Beards Tom
— Beards up to 10 inches long are present Hen
on the breasts of mature toms. Beards are
generally absent on hens.

Evidence of Spurs
— Spurs on toms.

Turkey
— Very small or absent on hens.

Tom Hen

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 29
Ultimately, the goal is to provide A fundamental component
access to 1,000,000 or more acres to the future success of the
of private land along with access Access Yes! program is
through private land to thousands how sportsmen treat private
more acres of public land. property. We thank sportsmen
for adhering to the conditions
In 2009, the Access Yes! Program of the program and respecting
opened 431,803 acres of private private property.
land and 470,165 acres of public
land for sportsmen.
Access Yes! is a program
designed to improve Money from a lottery drawing for
sportsmen’s access to private Super Hunt tags and voluntary
land or through private land to donations help to fund this
public land by compensating program. Your participation in
willing landowners who the Super Hunt lottery will help
provide recreational access. to expand this program.

Visit this site for more information on Access Yes! :


http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/accessyesguide.aspx

Teach fundamental skills and


attitudes to make new hunters
safe, confident, and responsible.

HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS NEEDED - Give back


- Set a good example
- Pass on the tradition
Get Involved Today!
Contact your nearest
Fish and Game office
for more information
Misc. Birds

photo courtesy IDFG

30 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Falconry
Species from the following families may be Special Restrictions
used for falconry: On Hunting With Birds Of Prey
• Accipitridae (except the bald eagle). Anytime a hunting bird of prey kills quarry that may not be
•.Falconidae. taken under established rules, seasons, bag limits, or license
requirements, the falconer must leave the dead quarry where
• .Strigidae (Great horned owl only). it lies. Except that the bird of prey may feed upon the quarry
Hunting season: Upland game birds and upland game animals before leaving the kill site.
may be taken by falconry during firearms seasons established All Idaho residents hunting by falconry must have in their
for those species and during extended falconry seasons (see possession a valid Idaho falconry permit, a valid hunting
table page 32). During firearm season, falconers may take license and all necessary validations.
firearm season bag and possession limits. During extended
falconry seasons, special limits apply. All nonresidents hunting by falconry must have in their
possession a valid Idaho hunting license, all necessary
Migratory game birds may be taken by falconry during validations and a valid falconry permit from their state of
firearms seasons established for those species. However, residence.
during firearms seasons and extended falconry seasons, special
bag and possession limits apply.
Falconers are now required to have state permits for raptor
captive breeding, falconry, falconry capture (nonresidents
only), falconry in-state transfer, and field meet (nonresidents
only). A falconry training permit is required when training
with released upland game birds and waterfowl. Permits can
be purchased at Fish and Game Regional Offices.
There are special requirements regarding the capture,
possession, transfer and use of birds of prey in Idaho.
Complete rules are available from: Idaho Fish and Game, P.O.
Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.

Sportsmen!
Sign Your Child’s Class Up
for Wildlife Express!
Kids love wildlife and wildlife can help kids love learning.
With Wildlife Express, Idaho’s students get an exciting
up-close look at Idaho’s native wildlife. This monthly
classroom newspaper is published September – May.
Each issue highlights a different wildlife species. For
����������
�����������
�����������
�����������
��
 
3CHOOL9
EAR

2006
Volume 20 Issue 1 September 2006
I#"
ROGD
ON)$
&'


a $30 subscription, your child’s class will receive 30


copies of Wildlife Express each month of the school
2ENA

November 2ENAI#"ROGDON)$
&'

Issue 3

Volume 20

er
Sup eon Great
es
2ENAI#"ROGDON
)$&'

year. In addition, your child’s teacher will receive


g Grizzli
Stur
the Educator’s Express filled with information and
2ENAI#"ROGDON
Misc. Birds

DA H
supplemental classroom activities. Help your child’s
O
I

H
DA O
E
FI

class get on the Wildlife Express! To subscribe, please


I

H
S

& GA
AH
ID
O
ME
FI

2ENAI#"ROGDON
H
A
S

)$&'
FIS

& G
E
M

& GA
H

© IDFG

call (208)287-2874.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 31
Extended Falconry Seasons, Bag and Possession Limit
Possession Limit
Open and Closed
Species Season Dates Daily Bag Limit (After 1st day of
Areas
season)
Pheasants All counties or parts of August 15, 2010 to the opening
(All varieties) counties which have of the firearms season and from
a firearms season are the close of firearms season
open to hunting by through March 15, 2011.
falconry. August 15, 2011 to the opening 3 of any kind and
of the firearms season and from shall not include
the close of the firearms season more than 1 pheasant
through March 15, 2012 (male or female), 6 of any kind and shall
1 sage-grouse, or not include more than
Gray partridge, Same as above. Same as above.
1 sharp-tailed grouse 2 pheasant (male or
chukar, partridge,
except during female). 2 sage-grouse
bobwhite quail,
firearm seasons
California quail
when those seasons’
Forest grouse, Same as above. Same as above. limits apply.
Dusky (blue),
ruffed & spruce)
Sage-grouse Same as above. Same as above.
Sharp-tailed grouse Same as above. Same as above.
October 1, 2010 - January 31,
2011 No daily bag or
Crows Open statewide.
October 1, 2011 - January 31, possession limits
2012
Migratory game Open statewide. These seasons shall coincide 3 of any kind 6 of any kind
birds (ducks, with the regular firearms
coots, megansers, seasons for these species.
common snipe,
mourning dove)
March 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010
Cottontail rabbits Open statewide.
March 1, 2011 - August 31, 2011
2 of any kind 4 of any kind
April 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010
Snowshoe hares Open statewide.
April 1, 2011 - August 31, 2011

American Crow
No person shall take American crows:
• From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
• With trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol or a shotgun using shells exceeding three and one-half (3 1/2) inches maximum length.
• From boats or other craft having a motor attached UNLESS the motor is completely shut off and forward progress has
ceased, or the boat is drifting naturally or it is propelled only by paddle, oars, or pole, or it is beached, moored, or resting
at anchor.

Areas Closed to Hunting


Areas closed to hunting of upland game birds are also closed to hunting of American crows. See pages 49 and 50.

Seasons, Bag and Possession Limits - Statewide


Misc. Birds

Species Season Daily Bag and Possession Limits


October 1, 2010 - January 31, 2011
American Crow NO LIMITS
October 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012

32 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Mountain Quail Sightings Wanted!
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is surveying the state for mountain quail.
This bird was once common in the western part of Idaho but now exists only in Long, straight head plume
small scattered populations.
We need your help in determining the status and distribution of these birds. Please
report any sighting you make as soon as possible to your nearest Fish & Game Chestnut
office. throat
What to Look For
• Long straight head plume
• Chestnut throat (not black like California quail)

Photo ©Brian E. Small


• Vertical white bars on sides
• Most common on brushy mountain slopes or in brushy forest White bars on sides

www.fishandgame.idaho.gov

The Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Preserve &
Wil
dlife Fo
u n

da
our hunting, fishing
sh

tio
Idaho Fi

n Inc.
and wildlife heritage.

Become a member Visit www.ifwf.org or call


today! 208 • 287 • 2805
Please enroll me as a member of the Name_________________________________________
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation:
Address_______________________________________
q $1000 Incredible Idaho (Lifetime Membership)
q $500 Mountain Bluebird City_ ____________________ State_ _____ Zip_______
q $250 Cutthroat Trout Payment amount:_______________________________
q $100 Monarch Butterfly
Check payable to the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation
q
q $40 Flowering Syringa
q $ ____ Other For VISA or MasterCard donations, please visit our
m Corporate/Business Membership website at www.ifwf.org
m Gift Membership (complete recipient
information below)
Misc. Birds

Gift for:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________

Please mail completed forms to Idaho Fishand Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 2254, Boise, ID 83701-2254.
You can also join online at www.ifwf.org

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 33
Furbearers
Key ingredients for trappers who care:
Hunting, Trapping, Fishing — License
• Maintain Good Landowner Relations
Requirement
No person shall hunt, trap, or fish for or take any wild animal, Obtaining permission to trap is more than the law; it’s an
bird or fish of this state without first having procured a license. opportunity to earn respect by respecting landowners and
No license is required for resident children under the age of their property. Practice common sense and courtesy by
14 years to trap muskrats from irrigation ditches or property leaving gates the way you found them, walking or using
on which they live during the open season. A license is not a four-wheeler when fields and field roads are too wet to
required for resident children under the age of 12 years to drive, and avoiding sets that might result in non-target
hunt, take or kill predatory, unprotected birds and animals by catches.
means other than with firearms. • Respect Other Outdoor Enthusiasts
Attention Nonresident Trappers: Nonresident Idaho Autumn and winter are popular times for many outdoor
trapping license allows you to trap only those species that your activities like hunting, hiking, bird watching, and cross-
home resident state allows nonresidents to trap and that there country skiing. Taking the time to find out which activities
is an open season for those species in Idaho. Quotas apply. For are likely to take place in an area you’re trapping is the
states with multiple quotas, the most restrictive trapping quota first step in avoiding any misunderstandings between
will apply in Idaho. Nonresidents are advised to review their you, the landowner, and others sharing the property. Most
home state’s nonresident trapping rules. activities are compatible with trapping. If an area receives
a lot of hunting pressure, you can time your use of a
It is Unlawful
Furbearer

property to avoid peak times that hunters tend to choose,


• To trap without a valid trapper’s license. like opening weekends and holidays.
• To destroy or damage a muskrat or beaver house. • Keep Familiar With Improvements in Trapping
• To trap in or on a muskrat house. Equipment and Techniques
• To destroy, disturb, or remove any traps belonging to Improving efficiency, selectivity, and humaneness isn’t
others. a new idea for the trapping industry. However, research
• To use any part of a domestic or wild origin game bird, and development are occurring at a faster pace today and
game animal, game fish, or protected nongame wildlife require more effort to keep abreast of state-of-the-art
for bait in trapping furbearing animals, unprotected developments in equipment and methods.
wildlife, or predatory wildlife. • Appreciate Perceptions of Nontrappers
• To set, place or stake any trap or snare during the closed Differences in backgrounds, cultures, and experiences can
season. cause misinterpretation of your words, deeds, and actions.
• To possess a live furbearer taken from the wild. Keep this in mind when communicating with nontrappers.
Most people know very little about trapping. Make an
• To hunt any animal or bird by aid of a spotlight, flashlight effort to communicate on their level. Above all, remember
or artificial light of any kind; except unprotected or that high standards of ethics and responsibility form a
predatory animals on private land after obtaining written message that can’t be mistaken.
permission and on public lands after obtaining a permit.
It is lawful to hunt raccoons on public lands without a • Respect the Resource
permit if such taking is not in violation of state, county, or Ethical trappers respect the resource they use. Part of this
city laws, ordinances, or regulations. involves making the most of your catch, such as looking
• To buy furs without a valid fur buyers license. for secondary markets for carcasses, castoreum and other
by-products. Use by-products for baits and lures when
Ethics and Responsibility possible. If not, dispose of carcasses properly.
Many people view trapping and the use of fur as controversial Wildlife laws are designed to conserve our fur resources
issues. Much of this controversy stems from misinformation while allowing for responsible harvest. Become familiar
and misunderstandings from both sides. Trapping is a with and obey all regulations. Report violations to the
legitimate use of a natural renewable resource, but it is often conservation officers. Violators are stealing from trappers
difficult to express in terms that nontrappers can appreciate. and nontrappers alike.
Demonstrating ethics and responsibility while trapping sends Be a proud trapper by being a good representative of
many positive messages that nontrappers understand and trapping.
appreciate more than any explanation. These ethics relay the
message that we are proud to be trappers, we care about our
activities, and we care about the resource we’re using.

34 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Some Methods for Improving Efficiency, • BMPs will recognize the fact that a given trap may be set
Selectivity, and Humaneness to catch several target species.
• Use pan tension devices to avoid non-target catches. • BMPs will include descriptions of the best traps and
• Use extra swivels and center-mounted chains to hold more recommendations for setting traps.
animals and reduce the chance of injuries. Three Key Messages to Use When Educating the Public About
• Use modern positioning techniques at dirt hole sets to Traps, Trapping, and Furbearer Management
increase selectivity. • Furbearing animals are an abundant, renewable resource.
• Use short trap chains for most land sets, especially those Some people have the notion that furbearing animals are rare
targeted for fox and coyote. or endangered. We need to reassure them that legally
• Use “stop-loss”traps for muskrats in shallow water or dry trapped animals are numerous and their populations
land sets. secure.
• Use dispatching methods that are quick and humane. • Trapping is controlled through strict regulations that are
enforced by conservation officers.
• Use trap sizes that are appropriate for the target species
– pad catches are desirable for fox, coyote, raccoon and People may fear that trapping is a “free-for-all,” with no sort
many other animals because they cause fewer injuries. of control or regulation. To overcome this fear, we must
reinforce the message that trapping is a highly regulated
• Use baits and lures that attract target species but not other activity in Idaho and nationwide.
animals.
• Trapping provides a wide range of benefits to society.
• Use cage, box or species-specific traps near barns,
outbuildings and other locations where domestic animals People often ask, “Is trapping really necessary?” We need to

Furbearer
may be present. tell them about the wildlife management, economic (to
the trapper and for damage control), and lifestyle benefits
• Use common sense in choosing set locations that of trapping.
maximize opportunities to catch target species and
minimize opportunities to catch other animals. Definitions
• Use secure methods of attaching traps – tailor methods to Drainage is defined as the geographic region or area that
hold the largest species you may catch. provides water to a specific stream, river, pond, lake, or
reservoir. It includes the specific body of water and all its
• Use traps with padded or laminated jaws where the risk of
tributaries.
non-target catches is high.
“Trapping” shall mean taking, killing, and capturing wildlife
• Use discretion when setting body-gripping traps or snares.
by the use of any trap, snare, deadfall, or other device
• Use time to your advantage – don’t set more traps than commonly used to capture wildlife, and the shooting or killing
you can handle. of wildlife lawfully trapped, and includes all lesser acts such
as placing, setting, or staking such traps, snares, deadfalls, and
Best Management Practices for Trapping other devices, whether or not such acts result in the taking of
Furbearers - see F&G website for Best wildlife, and every attempt to take and every act of assistance
Management Practices of any other person in taking or attempting to take wildlife
Best Management Practices, or BMPs, are a set of with traps, snares, deadfalls or other devices.
recommendations about how to improve an activity – in this Bait is defined as any animal parts; except bleached bones or
case trapping – developed by using sound scientific research liquid scent is not considered bait.
and consideration of regional, social, and economic factors.
The implementation of BMPs for trapping is voluntary Furbearing animals are defined as the following species:
and will ensure the continued responsible management of marten, fisher, mink, otter, beaver, muskrat, bobcat, lynx, red
furbearers in the United States. fox (includes all color phases found in Idaho), and badger.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Fur Resources Predatory wildlife is defined as the following species: coyote,
Committee is responsible for this project. Professional raccoon, jackrabbit, skunk and weasel.
furbearer biologists, state wildlife agencies, and trappers are
developing the BMPs. BMPs will be available to the state
agencies and trappers for incorporation into trapper education Closed Statewide:
and furbearer management programs. There is no open season for fisher, kit fox, lynx or wolverine.
• BMPs will be based on regional differences in trapping
conditions (e.g., climate, species trapped, and habitat)
because these conditions differ throughout the nation.
• BMPs will be developed for specific trapping conditions
(e.g., land vs. water) in a given region.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 35
Methods of Take — Trapping • Hunt any animal or bird by the aid of a spotlight,
flashlight or artificial light of any kind; except unprotected
Furbearing Animals: No person shall take beaver, marten,
or predatory animals on private land after obtaining
mink, muskrat, or otter by any method other than trapping. In
written permission and on public lands after obtaining
Valley County and portions of Adams County, red fox may be
a permit. It is lawful to hunt raccoons on public lands
taken only by trapping.
without a permit if such taking is not in violation of state,
Trapping: No person trapping furbearing animals or predatory county, or city laws, ordinances, or regulations.
or unprotected wildlife shall:
No person hunting raccoon at night shall:
• Use for bait, any part of a domestic or wild origin game
bird, big game, upland game, game fish, or protected • Hunt from a motorized vehicle.
nongame wildlife. • Use any light attached to any motor vehicle.
• Use live animals as bait or an attractant. • Hunt on private land without obtaining written permission
• Use any set within 30 feet of any visible bait. from the landowner or lessee.

• Use a dirt hole set with bait unless the person ensures that Wounding — Retrieving: No person shall wound or kill
the bait remains covered at all times to protect raptors and any furbearer by hunting without making a reasonable effort
other meat-eating birds from being caught accidentally. to retrieve it and reduce it to possession. Every furbearer
wounded by hunting and reduced to possession shall be killed
Release of Non-Target Catches: All non-target species caught immediately. No person shall possess a live furbearer taken
alive shall be released immediately. Non-target species from the wild.
are defined as any species caught for which the season is
closed. If difficulty is encountered releasing a trapped fisher, Hound Hunting Rules
Furbearer

wolverine, lynx, mountain lion, or wolf please contact Fish Dogs may be used to pursue black bears, mountain lions,
and Game immediately for assistance. bobcat, raccoon, or fox in either an open take season where
Any trapper who catches a non-target species that is dead use of dogs is allowed, or during a dog training season.
shall: During a dog training season, bobcat may be pursued and
treed, but may not be captured, killed, or possessed.
• Prior to removing the animal, record the date and species
of the animal caught. Dogs may not be used to take or pursue any other big game
species. Any dog found running at large and actively tracking,
• Report the catch on the mandatory furtaker harvest report
pursuing, harassing, attacking or killing any big game animal,
form.
except black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, raccoon or fox
• Remove the animal from the trap and take it into may be destroyed without criminal or civil liability by the
possession. Director of Fish and Game, any peace officer, or other persons
• Notify Fish and Game through the local conservation authorized to enforce Idaho wildlife laws.
officer, a regional office, or the McCall office within 72 Hound Hunter Permit
hours to make arrangements to transfer the animal to Fish
The following persons must have a valid hound hunter permit
and Game.
in possession when dogs are being used to hunt:
• Fish and Game will reimburse trappers $10 for each
• Anyone who owns pursuit dogs.
lynx, wolverine, bobcat, or fisher caught accidentally
and turned in. A $10 reward will also be paid for otters • Anyone having control of dogs owned by another person.
accidentally taken after the regional quota has been met. • Anyone that harvests a black bear, mountain lion, bobcat,
raccoon, or fox with the use of dogs, Except clients of
Methods of Take — Hunting licensed outfitters are not required to have a hound hunter
Furbearing Animals: No person shall take beaver, marten, permit.
mink, muskrat or otter by any method other than trapping. In
Valley County and portions of Adams County, red fox may be Traps
taken only by trapping. Checking Traps: No person shall place snares or traps for
Hunting: In addition to predatory or unprotected wildlife, the furbearing animals, predatory or unprotected wildlife except
following furbearers may be hunted: badger, bobcat and red pocket gophers, most species of ground squirrels, and other
fox. unprotected rodents, without visiting every trap or snare once
every 72 hours and removing any catch therein.
Hunting: No person hunting permissible furbearing animals
(badger, bobcat and red fox) or predatory or unprotected Trappers acting under authority of the U.S. Department of
wildlife shall: Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife
Services are exempt from this rule.
• Hunt with any weapon the possession of which is
prohibited by state or federal law. Removing Trapped Animals of Another: No person shall
remove wildlife from the trap or snare of another Except
licensed trappers with written permission from the owner.

36 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Tags for Traps — Between State Highway 21 and the New York
All traps or snares, except those used for pocket gophers, Canal from the New York Canal Diversion Dam
ground squirrels or other unprotected rodents, shall have downstream to the Boise City limits.
attached to the snare or the chain of every trap, a metal tag • Stanley Creek Wildlife Interpretive Area in Custer
bearing in legible English the name and current address of County.
the trapper; or a six-digit number assigned by Fish and Game. • Yellowstone National Park in Fremont County.
Any person wishing to mark his or her traps and/or snares with • On any of those portions of State game preserves, State
a six-digit number must make application to Fish and Game wildlife management areas, bird preserves, bird refuges
at a regional office, theMcCall office, or the headquarters and bird sanctuaries for which trapping closures have
office. Any person who has been assigned a six-digit number been declared by legislative or Commission action.
to mark his or her traps and/or snares must notify Fish and
Game in writing at the McCall office, a regional office, or the • All or portions of national wildlife refuges, except as
headquarters office within 30 days of any change in address. specified in federal regulations for individual refuges.

Bobcat Mandatory Check and Report Common Season Boundaries


Any person taking bobcat whether by hunting or trapping Whenever a stream or river forms a boundary between two
must comply with the mandatory check and report and pelt tag different trapping areas for the same furbearer, the stream or
requirements by: river channel proper shall open for trapping on the earliest
opening date and close on the latest closing date of the two
• Presenting the pelts of all bobcat taken to a regional seasons involved.
office, the McCall office or official check point to obtain
the appropriate pelt tag and complete a harvest report. River Otter Reporting Requirements

Furbearer
To have a pelt tagged, the pelt must be legally taken in Idaho • Pelts must be tagged by Fish and Game personnel at
and must be presented to a regional office, the McCall office the regional office in the region in which the animal
or designated checkpoint of Fish and Game during normal was taken within 72 hours of taking. Trappers unable
working hours - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pelts must be thawed before to comply with the tagging requirements due to special
they can be checked. or unique circumstances must report their harvest to the
appropriate regional office or field personnel within 72
A fee of $2 will be charged for each pelt tag. An additional hours and make arrangements for tagging at the proper
$1.75 vendor fee will be charged to each license holder when regional office. Pelts not registered or presented to Fish
pelts are brought in for tagging. and Game personnel within 72 hours are subject to
No person, who does not possess a furbearer or taxidermist confiscation.
license and/or appropriate import documentation, shall have • River otter carcasses do not have to be turned in to Fish
in possession, except during the open season and for 10 days and Game, except for otters harvested after the season has
after the close of the season, any raw bobcat pelt which does closed, or otters in excess of the trappers’ personal quota
not have an official state export tag attached (either Idaho’s or of two. Check with the Fish and Game regional office for
another state’s official export tag). further information when reporting a harvest.
No person, who does not possess a furbearer or taxidermist • No person shall have in possession, except during the
license and/or appropriate import documentation, shall sell, open season and for 72 hours after the close of the season,
offer for sale, purchase, or offer to purchase any raw bobcat any raw otter pelt legally harvested in Idaho which does
which does not have an official state export tag attached. not have an official state export tag attached.
Closed Areas Season Limits:
Hunting, trapping, killing or molesting of furbearing animals, • A maximum limit of two otters is allowed for any one
predatory and unprotected wildlife is prohibited in the following trapper, provided the harvest quota for that region is not
areas except as provided in Idaho Code Section 36-1107: exceeded.
• Craters of the Moon National Monument, see page 49 for Otter Quota/Season Closure:
a full description.
• The otter season will close in each region 72 hours after
• Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Twin Falls the harvest quota for that region is reached. Trappers
County. will be allowed to keep otters within this 72-hour period
• Nez Perce National Historical Park in Clearwater, Idaho provided their personal quota of two has not been
and Nez Perce counties. reached. Otters may only be turned in for reporting and
• That portion of Ada County: tagging within the region where they were harvested.
— Within Veterans Memorial Park. • Current otter harvest information may be obtained by
— Within one quarter mile of the Boise River from the calling the appropriate Fish and Game regional office
New York Canal Diversion Dam downstream to the
Glenwood Bridge. continued . . .

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 37
during normal business hours or by calling 1-800-
River Otter Trapping Quota
323-4334, 24 hours a day. The otter season will close
statewide no later than March 15. Region Harvest Quota
• All areas closed to beaver trapping are closed to otter Panhandle 15
trapping. Additional closures have been identified for the Clearwater 15
purpose of reducing potential conflicts between trappers Southwest 30
and other user groups.
Magic Valley 30
Controlled Trapping Permits Southeast 5
No person may trap in a controlled trapping unit for the Upper Snake 15
designated species without having a valid permit in possession Salmon 15
for that controlled trapping unit.
Statewide Total 125
In the event that a permit is issued based on erroneous
information, the permit will be invalidated and may not Controlled Beaver Trapping Units
be used. Fish and Game will notify the permittee of the Unit Season Dates No. of
invalidation of the permit. Beaver
Eligibility: Any person possessing a valid Idaho trapping 201 November 1 – March 31 15
license is eligible to apply for a controlled trapping unit permit. That portion of the Potlatch River
Applications: Applications for controlled trapping permits drainage upstream from and including
Corral Creek drainage in Latah and
shall be made on a form available at all Fish and Game offices
Clearwater counties.
Furbearer

and must be received at the Wildlife Bureau of Fish and Game,


P.O. Box 25, Boise, Idaho 83707, or postmarked no later than 202 November 1 – March 31 15
September 15 of each year. That portion of the Palouse River drainage
in Latah County upstream from Laird Park
Any application which is unreadable, has incomplete or
Dam.
incorrect trapping license numbers, or which lacks the required
information or fee will be declared void and will not be entered 203 October 22 – April 15 10
in the drawing. All applications will be considered final. They That portion of Mink Creek drainage in
may not be resubmitted after correction. Bannock County.
Applicants must comply with the following requirements: 204 October 22 - April 15 10
• No person may submit more than one application for a Pebble Creek drainage and Toponce Creek
controlled beaver trapping permit. drainage in Caribou County.
205 October 22 - April 15 5
• No group applications will be accepted.
Pearl Creek in Bear Lake County
Controlled Trapping Permit Drawing: Applications that are not
drawn for the first choice unit will automatically be entered eligible trapper answering a notification of vacant trapping unit
into a second choice drawing, provided the second choice as approved by the Regional Supervisor.
applied for has not been filled.
Mandatory Furtaker Harvest Report
If an insufficient number of first choice applications is received All trappers are required to fill out the mandatory furtaker
for a unit, remaining permits will be filled from applications harvest report form provided by Fish and Game. The
listing the unit as a second choice. completed mandatory report must be returned to Fish and
Any permits left unfilled after the second choice drawing may Game, Wildlife Bureau, P.O. Box 25, Boise, Idaho 83707, by
be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. July 31. Any trapper failing to send in a report by July 31 shall
be refused a license to trap animals for the ensuing year. (It
Successful Applicants: Successful applicants will be notified
would be helpful to Fish and Game personnel to receive the
by mail and must contact the person listed on the notice by
report forms as soon as trappers are able to submit them. This
October 14 to obtain the permit. The permittee, upon agreeing
will assist us in getting the departmental progress reports done
to follow trapping instructions for the unit, will be issued a
in a timely manner.)
permit.
All permittees shall return their controlled trapping unit permits
Revocation of Permits: Any permittee who does not comply
and controlled trapping reports to the office from which they
with trapping laws, rules, proclamations, or the instructions for
obtained their controlled trapping unit permits within 10 days
the trapping unit may have his or her permit revoked.
of the close of the season for the controlled trapping unit.
Alternate Permittee: Any revoked permit may be issued to an
The mandatory furtaker harvest report form is available on the
alternate, selected at the time of the drawing. If there is no
Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.
alternate, or the alternate fails to comply with the “Successful
Applicants” section above, the permit may be issued to the first

38 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Seasons by Region
The trapping brochure is no longer in print. These rules apply.
Panhandle Region: Benewah, Bonner, Southwest Region: Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon,
Boundary, Kooentai, and Shoshone counties Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and
Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round Washington counties.
Beaver November 1 - March 31 Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round
Bobcat* December 14 - February 16 Beaver November 1 - March 31
Fox* October 15 - January 31 Bobcat* December 14 - Feb 16
Marten November 1 - January 31 Fox* July 1 - June 30 Year-round
Mink November 1 - March 31 Marten November 1 - January 31
Muskrat November 1 - March 31 Mink November 1 - March 31
Otter^ November 1 - March 15 Muskrat November 1 - March 31
Otter^ November 1 - March 15

Clearwater Region: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Exceptions: Beaver


Lewis, and NezPerce counties
Ada & Boise counties: The Boise River WMA; CLOSED.
Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round

Furbearer
Elmore County: All public lands within the following
Beaver November 1 - March 31
drainages: Bear Cr. (trib. to Feather R.), Case Cr., Fall Cr.
Bobcat* December 14 - February 16 upstream from and including Meadow Cr., Clover Cr., King
Fox* October 15 - January 31 Hill Cr., Lake Cr. (trib. to Fall Cr) but flows into Anderson
Marten November 1 - January 31 Ranch Reservoir, Wilson Cr., Little Wilson Cr. and Elk Cr. on
Wilson Flat north of Anderson Ranch Dam, Lime Cr., Smith
Mink November 1 - March 31 Cr. upstream from Washboard Cr., Syrup Cr., Trinity Cr.,
Muskrat November 1 - March 31 Willow Cr. in the Danskin Mts. (trib. to S. Fk. Boise R.), AND
Otter^ November 1 - March 15 all lands within the Boise River WMA; CLOSED.
Gem County: Squaw Cr. above the Ola Bridge; CLOSED.
Exceptions: Beaver Valley County: Within the following drainages: Big Cr.
upstream from Monumental Cr., Johnson Cr. upstream from
Clearwater County: East Fork Potlatch River drainage;
Landmark, S. Fk. Salmon R. upstream from the fish trap near
CLOSED.
the mouth of Cabin Cr., Bear Valley Cr., and Sulphur Cr.;
Idaho County: Within the following drainages: Big Cr. CLOSED.
upstream from Monumental Cr., Chamberlin Cr., mainstem
Washington County: Raft Creek, Dennet Creek, Wolf Creek,
of Middle Fk. Clearwater R. from Maggie Cr. upstream,
Trail Creek, Sumac Creek, Thorn Creek, and Rock Creek on
mainstem of Lochsa R., Secesh R. above the Long Gulch
the Rocking M Ranch Conservation easement in Unit 31;
Bridge, and mainstem of Selway R; CLOSED.
CLOSED.
Latah County: Potlatch River drainage upstream from and
Exceptions: Fox
including the Corral Creek drainage; and the Palouse River
drainage upstream from Laird Park Dam; CLOSED. Adams County: Private lands within the Little Salmon R.
drainage; CLOSED.
Nez Perce County: All northern tributaries to the Salmon
R. downstream from but excluding Maloney Cr., and all Valley County: Fox may be taken only by trapping and only
tributaries to the Snake R. below the mouth of the Salmon R. on National Forest and State of Idaho lands.
excluding the Clearwater River drainage; CLOSED. Exceptions: Otter
Exceptions: Otter North Fork of the Payette R. from Cabarton Bridge
Mainstem of the Clearwater R., mainstem of the Middle downstream to Horseshoe Bend, confluence of the Middle
Fork of the Clearwater R., mainstem of the Snake R., from Fork and South Fork Payette R. downstream to the confluence
Lewiston upstream to Hells Canyon Dam, and the mainstem with the North Fork Payette R. at Banks, and Boise R. from
of the main Salmon R.; CLOSED. Lucky Peak Dam to Caldwell; CLOSED.

* Indicates species can also be hunted.


^ All areas closed to beaver trapping are closed to otter trapping.
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 39
Magic Valley Region: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Southeast Region: Bannock, Bear Lake,
Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and
Falls counties Power counties
Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round
Beaver November 1 - March 31 Beaver October 22 - April 15
Bobcat* December 14 - February 16 Bobcat* December 14 - February 16
Fox* July 1 - June 30 Year-round Fox* July 1 - June 30 Year-round
Marten November 1 - Januray 31 Marten November 1 - January 31
Mink November 1 - March 31 Mink October 22 - April 15
Muskrat November 1 - March 31 Muskrat October 22 - April 15
Otter^ November 1 - March 15 Otter^ October 22 - March 15

Exceptions: Beaver Exceptions: Beaver


Blaine County: All public lands within the following Bannock County: Cherry Cr. (trib. to Marsh Cr.),
drainages: Big Wood River above Magic Reservoir Dam, Cottonwood Cr. drainage, Dempsey Cr. above cattleguard,
Copper Cr. (trib. to Muldoon Cr.); all lands within Little Fish Mink Cr. drainage, and Gibson Jack Cr.; CLOSED.
Cr.; CLOSED. Bear Lake County: Pearl Cr. drainage; CLOSED.
Camas County: All public lands within the following
Furbearer

Bingham County: Cedar Cr. and Miner Cr., Willow Creek


drainages: Big Deer Cr., Corral Cr. above Baseline Road, Elk drainage and all its’ tributaries; CLOSED.
Cr., Lime C., Little Smoky Cr., and Willow Cr.; CLOSED.
Caribou County: Dike Lake, Toponce Cr. drainage on
Gooding County: All public lands within the following National Forest lands, and Pebble Cr. drainage; CLOSED.
drainages: Black Canyon Cr., Clover Cr., and Thorn Cr.;
CLOSED. Franklin County: Logan R. drainage including the Beaver
Cr. and White’s Cr. drainages; CLOSED.
Exceptions: Mink
Exceptions: Marten
Gooding County: Hagerman WMA, February 15-February 28.
Bear Lake & Franklin Counties: CLOSED
Exceptions: Muskrat
Exceptions: Otter
Gooding County: Hagerman WMA, February 15-February 28.
Portneuf R. downstream from Lava Hot Springs:
CLOSED
* Indicates species can also be hunted.
^ All areas closed to beaver trapping are closed to otter trapping.

Attention Marten Trappers!

Trappers are encouraged to


set marten traps at least two
feet above the ground or snow
level to reduce the harvest of
female marten.

40 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Upper Snake Region: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Salmon Region: Custer and Lemhi counties
Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round
counties Beaver October 22 - April 15
Badger* July 1 - June 30 Year-round Bobcat* December 14 - February 16
Beaver October 22 - April 15 Fox* July 1 - June 30 Year-round
Bobcat* December 14 - February 16 Marten November 1 - January 31
Fox* July 1 - June 30 Year-round Mink October 22 - April 15
Marten November 1 - January 31 Muskrat October 22 - April 15
Mink October 22 - April 15 Otter^ October 22 - March 15
Muskrat October 22 - April 15
Otter^ October 22 - March 15

Exceptions: Beaver Exceptions: Beaver


Bonneville County: All streams on the Tex Creek WMA; Custer County: Marsh Cr. drainage; CLOSED
Willow Creek and all of its’ tributaries; CLOSED.
Lemhi County: Dahlonega Cr.; CLOSED
Clark County: Within the following drainages: Edie Cr.,
Exceptions: Otter
Irving Cr., Miners Cr., Three Mile Cr., West Camas Cr.,
Indian Creek and Middle Creek, upstream from the Targhee Main Salmon R. downstream from North Fork, Id.; CLOSED.

Furbearer
National Forest boundary; CLOSED.
Teton County: The following drainages upstream from
the Targhee National Forest boundary: North Twin Creek,
South Fork of Packsaddle Creek, Trail Creek, and Dry Creek
including McRenolds Reservoir; CLOSED.
Exceptions: Otter
South Fork Snake R. from Palisades Dam to the Heise Cable,
mainstem Buffalo R., mainstem Warm R. and mainstem
Henry’s Fork R. from Big Springs to Del Rio Bridge at St.
Anthony; CLOSED.

Trapping on Game • Hagerman


• Billingsley Creek
Preserves and Wildlife • Market Lake
• Blackfoot River
Management Areas • McArthur Lake
• Boise River
(IDAPA 13.01.16.600) • Montpelier
• Andrus
• Mud Lake
• Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh
• Niagara Springs
• C.J. Strike
02. Contact or Registration • Payette
• Carey Lake
Requirements. Trappers who are • Portneuf
trapping on any of the following • Cartier Slough
• Sand Creek
Wildlife Management Areas must • Coeur d’Alene River
contact or register either at the • Snow Peak
• Craig Mountain
management headquarters or the • Sterling
regional office: • Fort Boise
• Tex Creek
• Georgetown Summit

* Indicates species can also be hunted.


^ All areas closed to beaver trapping are closed to otter trapping.
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 41
Wolf Management in Idaho
Differences in Appearance Between Wolves and Coyotes:

SPECIES WOLF COYOTE


Weight (pounds) 70-120 20-35
Height at Shoulder 26-34 inches 16-20 inches
Color black, white, all shades of gray & tan, grizzled never all shades of gray & tan, white or black very
spotted. rare, never spotted
Tail Carriage hangs down or straight out, never curls hangs down or straight out, never curls
General Appearance massive, long legged, first impression at long distance is delicate, medium size, dog-like proportions
often calf or deer with fox-like face.
Ears rounded, relatively short, never hang down pointed, relatively long, never hang down
Muzzle large and blocky long and pointed
Track 4 1/2 - 5 inches long with claws 2-3 inches long with claws
Wolf Management

Idaho Wolf Management Recommendations to Avoid Accidental Capture


Wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains were removed from the • When setting coyote traps or other large furbearer traps, please
endangered species list in May 2009. They are now managed under be aware of any wolf sign in the area. Wolves travel great
Idaho Fish and Game rules. A legal challenge to the delisting remains distances daily, but recent sign in an area may mean the wolves
unresolved, which may result in wolves being returned to endangered are still present. Avoid catching wolves by avoiding recent wolf
or threatened status. See http://fishandgame.idaho.gov for updated activity.
status. • Coyote traps can be improved to reduce the chance of losing
In Idaho, wolves are managed as big game animals under the 2008 traps or injuring wolves unnecessarily. Using heavy drag chains
Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan. A hunting license and wolf with a swivel and drag capable of holding an animal of 100
tag are required to hunt wolves. Seasons and harvest limits are set pounds or more, may prevent the wolf from walking away with
for 12 management zones. A seasons and rules brochure has been the trap. Avoid staking traps with a weak swivel and chain.
published separately from this brochure, or see seasons and rules at Make sure all links are welded. A seven-foot or longer chain
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves. is recommended. A wolf may pull out of a trap if the stake and
chain are solid. Double staking or cross pinning may be effective
Wolves are well distributed throughout most of north, central and with stakes a minimum of 18-24 inches long.
south central Idaho. Packs number 5 to 15 wolves and may split into
smaller groups to hunt. Home ranges for wolf packs are typically 250 • When using neck snares, trappers should purchase a quality
to 400 square miles. Wolves typically travel along roads, trails and snare with break-away features. This will prevent not only
ridgelines and can travel 20 to 40 miles in a day. Wolves will defend accidental wolf capture but other big game animals or domestic
their home range from other wolves and other canines, including livestock from being captured as well. Also, neck snares should
domestic dogs. be well anchored.

The public is asked to report wolf pack activity. Anyone who sees
wolves should note the location, number, color, and whether they
If a Wolf is Caught in a Trap, Please Contact
saw a radio collar, and report this on the Fish and Game Web site at: One of the Following Numbers Immediately:
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/wolf_report/, or call a Fish and Fish and Game Regional Offices (listed on page 2)
Game regional office. Wolf reports have been used to identify new
USDA - Wildlife Services: 1-866-487-3297 (toll free) or
packs and keep track of known packs.
208-681-3127
Nez Perce Tribe: 208-634-1061

Actual Size Actual Size


Wolf track - 3 1/2 - 4 inches wide,
4 1/2 - 5 inches long Coyote track - 2 - 3 inches long

42 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Hunters
Be sure of what you shoot. The lynx is a threatened species which may be mistaken for a bobcat. The following
comparisons are provided to help you distinguish between the two species.

Bobcat Barred, tip black on top Lynx


Short ear tufts Long ear tufts

all black tip

Smaller feet
Large feet

Bobcat and Lynx Identifying Characteristics


Tail: 1. Underside of tail is white to the tip. Tail: 1. Has black tip which completely encircles the end.
2. Usually some barring on upper side of tail with 2. No barring on upper side of tail between base and
wide band at end. tip.
Color: Brownish with clouding or spots over much of the Color: Generally pale grey without distinct spotting.
upper body - usually distinct black spots on belly. Face: 1. Dark colored ear tufts, conspicuous, 1.5 inches
Face: 1. Ear tufts, if present, usually under one inch long. long.
2. Lacks prominent cheek tufts. 2. Cheek tufts prominent.

Lynx - Bobcat
Feet: Appear small, lack hair development between pads - Feet: Appear large, pads covered with woolly hair.
bare like those of domestic cat. Size: Appears larger in overall size (length: 32-37 inches)
Size: Appears smaller in overall size (length: 25-37 inches) (weight: 15-30 pounds). Longer hind legs give the
(weight: 15-35 pounds). lynx a stooped posture.
Note: The tail characteristics are most reliable for making positive identification.

Tracks in Snow and Stride


Length Comparison for Mountain Lion
Lion, Lynx and Bobcat 3.5” - 5”

• Mountain lion and lynx foot


sizes are similar; bobcat foot is 37” - 44”
much smaller.
• Tracks are shown with shaded Lynx
area representing impression of 3.75” x 4.75”
hair in the snow.
• Note track size and stride length
(distance between first and 3.5” 24” - 35”
last foot) differences between
species. Bobcat
2.25”

22” - 26”
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 43
Trapping Methods for Capturing Incidental captures of lynx can be reduced by using a proper
sized foothold trap. Number 2 coilspring or number 1.75
Bobcats While Avoiding Lynx coilspring traps discriminate against lynx captures due to a
While bobcats and lynx are similar in size and habits, the two relatively small trap jaw spread; yet this size trap maintains
species depend upon different prey species so they commonly excellent efficiency for smaller footed coyotes, foxes, and
use different habitat types that provide hunting opportunities bobcats.
for either cottontail rabbits or snowshoe hares. Another alternative foothold trap to consider where lynx
To select for bobcats, trap sets should be made near rocks, may be present is the padded jaw version of a coilspring
ridges, and trees in semi-open country where cottontail number three trap. These types of restraining traps minimize
rabbits abound. Excellent locations to trap foxes, coyotes, and or eliminate injury to lynx when they are placed so that the
bobcats are also found along the edges and corners of open trapped animal cannot entangle the trap chain around any tree
meadows, pastures, and abandoned or overgrown fields. Lynx or other solid object.
rarely use these areas, as they prefer to hunt and stay in thick All trappers should carry catchpoles to allow safe release
cover of brush and evergreen timber stands. Lynx generally of any unintended animal captures. Care should be taken
stick to cover even when traveling long distances. to approach any trapped animals slowly to avoid excessive
Trap set constructions that are effective for bobcats also movements of the animal. A trapped lynx will allow the snare
appeal to lynx. Lures and baits that appeal to one species also loop to be placed over its head, but it will likely react when the
appeal to the other. To avoid lynx do not use rabbit parts as catch loop is tightened. Do not attempt to choke a lynx with
bait. (Jack rabbits are the only species of rabbit lawful to use the catchpole loop but rather force the animal to lie on its side
as bait. All other species of rabbit are either protected or game so the trap may be removed. Then the snare loop should be
animals, all prohibited for use as bait.) The use of tainted relaxed and removed to allow the lynx freedom to escape.
meat rather than fresh meat baits will also help in avoiding Please notify the nearest Fish and Game office to report any
lynx. Keeping the baits lightly covered will intrigue canines lynx sightings or captures.
yet reduce feline captures. Selecting trap locations where
Bobcat and Lynx information provided by Howard Golden
bobcat tracks are noted is best because bobcats are habitual in
(Alaska Fish and Game) and Tom Krause (National Trappers
their travels and are apt to return to the same vicinity. If lynx
Association), 2002.
tracks are noted, it is best to not make a bobcat set.

Attention Ground Squirrel Hunters

• Ground squirrel hunting is open statewide.


• Rare ground squirrels may occur in the color-
shaded areas as shown on the map below.
• Idaho Fish and Game is working to help
Ground Squirrel

rare ground squirrel populations and provide


hunting opportunity for other ground squirrels.
Salmon
• To minimize the chance of shooting a
Council Leadore
rare ground squirrel, please check with an
.
Cambridge
Challis
Island
Park Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office in
Weiser
Payette
IDAHO
Dubois
Ashton the area you wish to hunt for more detailed
Emmett
Boise Arco
Rexburg
information on the distribution of ground
Kuna
Fairfield Carey
Idaho Falls
squirrels.
Mountain Home
Bliss Pocatello
Rupert
Twin Falls Montpelier
Preston

44 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
THESE WEEDS
ARE DESTROYING YOUR GAME HABITAT!
Be on the lookout for noxious weeds!
Non-native invasive plants, which replace native vegetation
creating poor habitat for deer, elk and other game animals.

Dalmatian Toadflax
(Linaria genistifolia)

Yellow starthistle is destroying


your big game habitat!
Yellow starthistle is a non-native plant that has become
Rushskeleton Weed established throughout the West. It takes over native habitats,
(Chondrilla juncea) ruining it for big game species and other wildlife. Yellow
starthistle currently infests nearly 300,000 acres of Idaho wild
lands!
We need your help to keep it from spreading to new places.
How you can help:
• Drive only on roads and trails away from weed infested areas.
• Clean your machine. Make sure you carefully clean your ATV
or truck before taking it to a new area. Even a few seeds can
Spotted Knapweed
spread this noxious weed to new areas.
(Centaurea maculosa) • Remove weed seeds from your pack animals, dogs, hiking
boots and other gear.
• Carry only certified weed-free hay for pack animals.
• Report new weed infestations to your local county weed
superintendent located under County Government in the
phone book.

Pulling together, we can stop the spread of this deadly invader and
help protect big game habitat.
Join us in the fight against noxious weeds and the threats they pose
to Idaho’s agriculture, rangelands, recreation and wildlife habitat.
Phone the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign
1-866-IDWEEDS or check out our website:
idahoweedawareness.net
Leafy Spurge
(Euphorbia esula)

DA H
O
I

E
FI

H
M

& GA
S

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 45
2010-2011 and 2011-2012
Upland Game Licenses and Permits
Pheasants - A hunting license is
As of January 1, 2010, fees may change without notice. For
required to hunt pheasants.
all resident and nonresident license, tag and permit fees, see
To hunt pheasants at Market Lake, Mud Lake, Cartier,
pages 53 - 55.
Sterling, Fort Boise, C.J. Strike, The Birding Island segment
To hunt upland game birds, waterfowl, small game, predators of the Payette River WMA, Montour or Niagara Springs
and unprotected species in Idaho or to practice falconry in Wildlife Management Areas, hunters must purchase a hunting
Idaho, all hunters must purchase and possess a hunting license. license and a $23.75 WMA permit for residents, or $51.75 for
Before purchasing a hunting license, all applicants born after nonresidents. The permit is required for hunters aged 17 and
Jan. 1, 1975 must complete a state approved hunter education older. Permits are valid for six pheasants and multiple permits
course. See page 47. may be purchased.
The $7.25 Youth Small Game resident license (ages 10-11), Other Species
is valid for upland game birds, turkey, migratory game birds, Hunters who pursue quail, partridge, forest grouse, rabbit,
cottontail rabbits, unprotected species and predatory birds and hare, crows, predators and unprotected species must purchase
animals when accompanied by an adult with a valid Idaho
General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees

a hunting license. No special permits are required. Pygmy


hunting license. Nonresident Youth Small Game license is rabbit season is closed. Mountain quail season is closed.
$20.
A hunting license is required to practice falconry in Idaho.
Nonresidents may now buy a Three-day Nonresident Small Falconers also must obtain proper state and federal permits
Game hunting license for $35.50. The license is valid for for training and possessing a bird of prey. Contact the nearest
upland game birds, migratory game birds, cottontail rabbits, Idaho Fish and Game regional office for more information.
huntable furbearers and unprotected and predatory birds for
three consecutive days. Nonresident falconers must have a valid Idaho hunting license,
all necessary validation and a valid falconry permit from their
License and Permit state of residence.
Requirements by Species
Migratory Game Birds
Sage-Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse
To pursue doves, ducks, geese, coots, sandhill cranes or
To hunt sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, hunters must common snipe, hunters must purchase a hunting license and
purchase a hunting license and a $4.75 permit. federal migratory bird harvest information program (federal
HIP) validation . The validation is $1.75 for residents and
$4.75 for nonresidents. Hunters 16 years or older also need a
federal duck stamp for ducks, geese and coots.

Record Your Upland Game Hunting Activities


Number
SPECIES Idaho Fish and Game Regions Hunted Days Hunted
Harvested
Dusky (blue) Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Spruce Grouse
Sage-Grouse
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Chukar
Quail
Gray Partridge (Huns)
Pheasant
Rabbit
Snowshoe Hare
Doves
Cranes
Turkeys

46 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
General Information
License Requirements

Attention Hunters: The 1998 Idaho Legislature passed the It is highly recommended that individuals planning to
requirement that all applicants for licenses issued by the state, participate in fall hunts register for a course early in the
including hunting or fishing licenses, tags, permits and stamps, year and prior to June 30. Hunter education classes are
must give their social security number in order for a license, taught by volunteer instructors who, like other hunters,
permit or stamp to be issued. The Idaho Privacy Law protects want to be afield early in the hunting season. The
your social security number. Your social security number is number of classes and independent study course field
considered confidential, will not be printed on your license and days available becomes very limited due to a decrease
will not be given to any private person or organization. in instructor availability close to and during the hunting
No person may hunt any wildlife without having in possession season.
the appropriate hunting license and validations. Children must Individuals with disabilities desiring to attend hunter
be at least 12 years of age to purchase a hunting license except or bowhunter education classes may request reasonable
an 11-year-old may purchase a hunting license to apply for a accommodations or obtain additional information by
controlled hunt permit provided the license is not used to hunt contacting the Idaho Fish and Game State Hunter Education
until the person reaches 12 years of age. The new hunter must Coordinator’s office, 600 S. Walnut St. Boise, ID 83707,

General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees


have taken hunter education prior to purchasing a license. phone 208-334-3746, or toll free at 1-866-285-1544 or
A 10-year-old who has passed hunter education may purchase through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD) or
a youth small game license and a 12-year-old nonresident who email: rfritz@idfg.idaho.gov.
has passed hunter education may purchase a “junior mentored
hunting license.” (A nine-year-old may buy a youth small
Hunting of Predatory & Unprotected Animals
Some animals are classified as “predators” or as “unprotected”
game license to apply for a turkey controlled hunt.) These
and can be hunted and taken all year. Animals classified as
licenses may be used only when accompanied in the field by
predators in Idaho include coyotes, raccoons, jackrabbits,
the holder of a valid adult Idaho hunting license who is close
skunks, weasels, and starling. The most frequently hunted
enough to be within normal conversation or hearing range
unprotected animals include marmots, fox squirrels,
without shouting or the aid of electronic devices.
porcupines and Columbian ground squirrels, English sparrows,
Hunter Education Required Eurasian-collared doves, and feral pigeons. These species
• To purchase a hunting license, all hunters must show may be taken in any amounts and at any time by holders of
proof that they have completed a hunter education course the appropriate valid Idaho hunting, trapping or combination
if they were born on or after January 1, 1975, unless they hunting license, provided such taking is not in violation of
previously held a hunting license from Idaho or another state, county, or city laws, ordinances or regulations.
state.
Protected Nongame Wildlife, Species of Special
These options are available for hunters to complete the hunter Concern, Threatened or Endangered Species,
education requirement.
Protected Birds
• The Hunter Education Course includes 11-15 class Special classifications for some animals extend extra
hours plus a 2-4 hour range and live-fire exercise. The protection to those species. These animals cannot be hunted,
curriculum includes training in firearms safety, basic taken or possessed. Threatened or endangered wildlife include
archery safety, hunting ethics, wildlife management, caribou, Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and Northern Idaho
conservation, survival, regulations and a final written ground squirrel. Protected nongame wildlife include red (pine)
exam. squirrel, wolverine, chipmunks, rock squirrel, Wyoming
• Independent study courses include a Workbook Option ground squirrel (nevadensis subspecies only), golden-mantled
and an Internet based course for hunter education as ground squirrel, Merriam’s ground squirrel, Piute ground
alternatives to the traditional classroom courses for squirrel, pika, kit fox, northern flying squirrel, bats, Southern
students 10 years or older. There is a small additional Idaho ground squirrel and migratory song birds. See page 44
cost for the Internet courses that is paid directly to the for ground squirrel information.
course provider. All independent study courses require the All birds in Idaho are protected except starlings, Eurasian-
successful completion of an additional 5-6 hour scheduled collared doves, English sparrows and feral pigeons. Protected
field day. nongame birds cannot be hunted, taken or possessed
Course and registration information can be found on the (including parts of birds, even if found dead). All hawks, owls,
Hunter Education Program page of the Fish and Game website eagles and vultures are protected. Game birds may be taken
at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/education/hunter_ed/ or only in accordance with established hunting rules.
obtained from a regional Fish and Game office (see page 2). continued . . .

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 47
See Idaho Fish and Game pamphlet for collecting, possession, • To take more animals than the hunter has legal tags for
and importing amphibians and reptiles. that species.
• To destroy or disturb traps or remove any wildlife from
Wounding and Retrieving traps belonging to others.
No person shall wound or kill any upland game bird, upland
game animal or furbearer without making a reasonable effort • To enter Idaho with livestock without a health certificate
to retrieve it and reduce it to possession. Every upland game for transport and a brand inspection slip.
bird, upland game animal or furbearer wounded by hunting • To intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of
and reduced to possession shall be killed immediately and wildlife or lawful predator control by another.
become a part of the daily bag limit.
• To hunt any game animal/bird by means of baiting with
It Is Unlawful grain, salt in any form (liquid or solid), or any other
• To hunt on cultivated or posted private lands without substance (not to include liquid scents) to constitute an
permission. See Trespass Law, page 50. attraction or enticement, with the exception of applicable
rules for the black bear baiting permit.
• To hunt or take any wildlife without a valid hunting
license on your person. • To possess or transport game or parts (including processed
meat) taken by another person without having a proxy
• To take any game without the proper tag or permit. statement.
• To shoot from or across the traveled portion, shoulders, or
Lawful Methods of Take
General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees

embankments of any road maintained by any government


entity. To take upland game birds in Idaho, all hunters may use a
bow, muzzleloader shooting shot or shotgun with lead or steel
• To hunt game from any motorized vehicle, except for
shot with shells not exceeding 3 ½ inches in length. Shotguns
holders of a valid handicapped persons Motor Vehicle
are not required to be plugged when hunting upland game
Hunting Permit. Also see page 50 (use of motorized
birds. Hunters also may use dogs to locate, flush and retrieve
vehicle) and see below (Unlawful methods of take “From
upland game birds.
boats . . .”).
• To operate any vehicle in an area designated as closed for Unlawful Methods of Take
that specific vehicle type. No person shall take upland game birds:
• To operate a motor vehicle in violation of area, trail or • From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before
road restriction. sunrise. Upland game shall not be taken before 10 a.m.
• To use aircraft to locate game and communicate location on Fort Boise, C.J. Strike, Montour and Payette River
to persons on the ground, or to use any helicopter to WMAs, during the pheasant season. Turkeys shall not be
transport hunters, gear or game except at established taken from sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
landing fields. • With a trap, snare, net, crossbow, slingshot, hand-held or
• For all hunters, anglers and trappers, with or without thrown missiles, firearms except a shotgun using shells
game or fish, to not stop and report at any check station not exceeding 3 ½ inches maximum length, except forest
established to inspect licenses and fish and game – even if grouse. Forest grouse shall not be taken with a trap, snare,
hunting, fishing or trapping was done outside the state of net or crossbow.
Idaho. • From boats or other craft having a motor attached unless
• To fail to produce wildlife in possession for inspection the motor is completely shut off and forward progress has
upon request of a conservation officer or other person ceased, or the boat is drifting naturally, or it is propelled
authorized to enforce Idaho Fish and Game laws. only by paddle, oars, or pole, or it is beached, moored or
resting at anchor. (2010-2011 Season)
• To hunt any animal or bird by aid of a spotlight, flashlight
or artificial light of any kind; except unprotected or • From any watercraft. (Effective 2011-2012 Season)
predatory animals on private land after obtaining written • By the use or aid of any electronic call.
permission and on public lands after obtaining a permit. • By the aid of baiting. Bait is defined as any substance
It is lawful to hunt raccoons on public lands without a placed to attract game.
permit if such taking is not in violation of state, county, or
city laws, ordinances, or regulations. Identification of Species in Possession,
• To cause or allow the waste of meat from any game Transportation or Shipment
animal, except a bear, mountain lion or wolf. Any person in possession of or transporting harvested game
• To transfer any license, tag, or permit or use another’s that has been lawfully taken and reduced to possession must
license, tag, or permit. comply with the following requirements:

• To party hunt, or help fill another hunter’s bag. • No person shall transport for another, receive for cleaning,
continued . . .
48 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
processing, or storage, or accept as a gift any harvested Bird Dog Training Permits
game unless it is accompanied by a written “proxy” • A permit is required to train bird dogs on private/public
statement signed by the taker. A blank proxy statement lands (excluding licensed shooting preserves) when the
appears in this brochure on page 51; it must be filled release of artificially propagated upland game birds or
out completely for the appropriate species to be valid. waterfowl will be part of the training process. Permit
Migratory game birds accepted as a gift shall apply to applications are available at Fish and Game regional
the recipient’s possession limit. Migratory game birds offices.
being temporarily possessed or transported for the taker,
• A permit is required to sponsor/conduct any organized
as provided above, shall not apply to the non-taker’s
competitive dog trials/tests on private or public lands
possession limit.
(excluding licensed shooting preserves) when artificially
• Any time big game, turkeys, or sandhill cranes are propagated game birds are used. The permit is required
transported, a validated tag must be attached to the largest even if live birds are not used or released during the trial
portion of the carcass. In addition, the taker must be in on Wildlife Management Area lands. Permit applications
possession of the appropriate hunting license and permits. are available at Fish and Game regional offices.
Any person transporting big game for another (including
big game animal parts, processed meat, and/or gifts of Areas Closed to Hunting of Game Birds
big game that do not exceed the lawful possession limit) Hunting, killing or molesting of any game bird is prohibited in
must be in possession of any applicable permits and all the following areas:
information from the proxy statement (see proxy form on

General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees


• Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area (refuge) from
page 51). The validated tag must remain attached to the September 15 through the end of waterfowl hunting
carcass until the meat is processed. The validated tag must season in the following area: Beginning at the bridge
accompany the meat to the place of final storage or until across Sand Hollow Creek on Old Fort Boise Road
final consumption. about 100 yards west of the WMA headquarters, then
• One fully-feathered wing or head must be left naturally north along the east bank of Sand Hollow Creek to its
attached to any dressed game bird (except turkey); the confluence with the Snake River, then north and northeast
beard or leg must be left naturally attached to turkey downstream along the east bank of the Snake River to the
carcasses. Naturally-attached parts are needed so WMA boundary fence, then south and southeast along the
enforcement and management personnel are able to WMA boundary fence to Old Fort Boise Road, then west
identify the species and sex of the birds in possession or on Old Fort Boise Road to the point of beginning.
being transported. • Craters of the Moon National Monument and
• Any package or container in which game species are Preserve. All lands contained within Craters of the
being transported by common carrier must have the Moon National Monument prior to the expansion of the
name, address, and hunting license number of the shipper, park in November 2000 are closed to hunting. Contact
the name and address of the consignee, and an accurate the National Park Service (208-527-3257 or www.nps.
statement of the species and number of each contained gov/crmo) for a map indicating these boundaries. All
in the package or container clearly and conspicuously other public lands within Craters of the Moon National
marked on the outside. Monument and Preserve are open to hunting.
• No person shall give another any game species to possess • Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Twin
or transport unless they also give the transporter a written Falls County, except that portion within an area 50 feet
proxy statement. (Proxy statement on page 51.) in elevation above the high water level of the Snake River.
• When a wild turkey is accompanied by a written The upslope area is marked by yellow fiberglass markers,
statement as provided above and is being transported for and hunting is permitted down slope to the river.
another, it shall not be counted in the possession limit of • Harriman State Park Wildlife Refuge in Fremont
the person transporting the wild turkey. County.
• Nez Perce National Historical Park in Clearwater,
Hunters: Watch For Traps Set For Furbearers!
Idaho, and Nez Perce counties.
• Ask landowners if there are traps set on their land — and
avoid them. • That portion of Ada County within Veterans Memorial
Park and the area between State Highway 21, Warm
• If a hunting dog is accidentally caught in a trap, it should
Springs Avenue, and the Boise City limits.
be removed carefully! Although usually not seriously
harmed, a dog in a trap will be frightened and may bite. • Yellowstone National Park in Fremont County.
As gently as possible, cover the dog’s head with a jacket, • Roswell Marsh Wildlife Habitat Area in Canyon
etc., and carefully remove the trap. County on Sundays through Wednesdays from September
15 through the end of the waterfowl hunting season in

continued . . .

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 49
the area south of Highway 18 and west of Pebble Lane 02. Exceptions. This use restriction rule shall
(Roswell Marsh Segment). not apply to the following permissible motorized vehicle uses:
• Lewiston Nature Preserve in Nez Perce County. a. Holders of a valid Handicapped Persons
• Myrtle Creek Reserve in Boundary County. Motor Vehicle Hunting Permit may use a
motorized vehicle as allowed by the land
• Springfield Bird Reserve in Bingham County. owner or manager.
• Mann’s Lake in Nez Perce County and extending 300 b. Hunters may use a motorized vehicle to
yards beyond the Bureau of Reclamation property line retrieve downed game if such travel is
that encompasses the lake. allowed by the land owner or manager.
• On any of those portions of federal refuges, State game c. Hunters may use a motorized vehicle to
preserves, State Wildlife Management Areas, bird pack camping equipment in or out if such
preserves, bird refuges, and bird sanctuaries for which travel is allowed by the land owner or
hunting closures have been declared by legislative or manager; however, hunters shall not hunt
Commission action. while packing camping equipment.

Trespass Law d. Private landowners, their authorized


No person may enter private land to hunt, fish or trap without agents and persons with written
permission if the land is either cultivated or posted with landowner permission may use a
motorized vehicle on their private land;
General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees

“No Trespassing” signs. Proper posting means either signs,


100 square inches of fluorescent orange paint or an entire however, they may not hunt from or
fluorescent orange metal fence post every 660 feet around the by the use of any motorized vehicle as
property and at reasonable access points. It is unlawful for prohibited by Idaho Code Section 36-
anyone to post public land that is not held under an exclusive 1101(b)(1).
control lease. Conviction of trespass on posted private 03. Restricted Areas and Hunts. This motorized
property carries a mandatory one-year revocation of hunting/ vehicle use restriction shall apply to identified areas and
fishing/trapping licenses. hunts in all Big Game Management Units. The hunts and
Federal law prohibits unauthorized trespass on Indian-owned areas with a motorized vehicle use restriction are identified
reservation lands for hunting, fishing, or trapping purposes. in the Commission’s Big Game Season Proclamation, which
is published in a brochure available at department offices and
Motorized Vehicle Restriction Rule license vendors.
The Fish and Game Commission has implemented restrictions 04. Defined Terms.
for motor vehicle use while hunting to address many
a. A full-sized automobile shall be defined
sportsmen’s concerns about off-road travel. The restricted
as any motorized vehicle with a gross
units are: 29, 30, 30A, 32, 32A, 36A, 37, 37A, 45, 47, 49, 50,
weight in excess of one thousand five
51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 59A, 66, 66A,69, 70, 72 (late season),
hundred (1,500) pounds.
73, 75, 76, 77, and 78.
b. An established roadway shall be defined
The rule is found at IDAPA 13.01.08.411; 13.01.07.101 or
as any road that is established, built,
13.01.09.302. The rule reads:
maintained, approved or designated
411. Motorized Vehicle Use Restrictions. by any governmental entity or private
The use of motorized vehicles by hunters as an aid landowner for the purpose of travel by
to hunting big game, game birds or upland game animals is full-sized automobiles. An established
restricted in certain areas. This use restriction is in addition to roadway shows evidence of repeated
all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances use by full-sized automobiles, and may
and orders; including, but not limited to, any motorized include a traveled way of natural earth
vehicle licensing, registration, and permitting requirements with depressed wheel tracks and little or
and traffic laws. Hunters must comply with all motorized no vegetation in the wheel tracks.
vehicle limits or prohibitions instituted by the landowner or c. A hunter shall be defined as a person
land manager. Also, this use restriction rule is not an exception engaged in the activity of hunting as
from, and is in addition to, the statutory prohibition against defined in Idaho Code Section 36-202(j).
hunting from or by the use of any motorized vehicle set forth
in Idaho Code Section 36-1101(b)(1). State Park Rules
01. Use Restriction. In designated areas and Certain types of hunting are allowed on some state parks.
hunts, hunters may only use motorized vehicles on established Please contact the state park you are interested in visiting to
roadways which are open to motorized traffic and capable of determine hunting opportunity.
being traveled by full-sized automobiles. Any other use by
hunters is prohibited. All off-road use by hunters is prohibited.
50 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
t he C
Protection of Wildlife: All molesting, injuring or killing of

e
any wild creature is strictly prohibited, except as provided by

k
action of the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Board and as
established in board policy. Persons in possession of wildlife,
Our Wi
which may be legally taken within state park boundaries,
tect ld

all
o l

Ma
must comply with Idaho Fish and Game rules.

Pr

ife
Personal Safety: No person may purposefully or negligently

!
endanger the life of any person or creature within any land

CITIZ E
administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. No

IN G
person may discharge firearms or any other projectile firing
devices within any lands administered by the Department of

CH
Parks and Recreation, except in the lawful defense of person,

1-
persons or property or in the course of lawful hunting, or S

A
99
AG PO

N
00
for exhibition or at designated ranges as authorized by the
AIN ST
9

8
Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Indian-owned Lands and -632-5


National Wildlife Refuges
Warning: Federal law prohibits unauthorized trespass on

General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees


Indian-owned reservation lands for hunting, fishing or trapping
purposes (18 U.S. 1165).
Trapping on National Wildlife Refuges is under federal
regulations by permit only, and steel shot may be required on
certain refuges for some upland game species. Check with
federal refuge manager.

Upland Game Possession Limit Definition: The maximum number of each species of game bird or game animal, that may be
lawfully possessed while in the field or being transported.

Proxy Statement (To transport wildlife taken by another person)

Species Sex Quantity Hunt Area Killed Date

Other Fish and Game:


Species______________________________________________How many_________________________________________

Species______________________________________________How many_________________________________________

Species______________________________________________How many_________________________________________

Hunter/Angler’s Name__________________________________Signature__________________________________________

Address______________________________________________Phone_____________________________________________

License No.___________________________________________Tag No.________________ Permit No.__________________

Name of person transporting_____________________________________________________Phone______________________

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 51
Residency Requirements
Residents and Nonresidents: To buy hunting and fishing licenses with a VISA or MasterCard, call
1-800-55HUNT5 (1-800-554-8685) or go to the Idaho Fish and Game Web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 24-hours a day.
Residents must have an Idaho driver’s license (to verify residency). The information must be read exactly as it appears on the
license. Most licenses will be valid for use immediately. Some tags/permits are also available from these sources. The charge for
processing phone-in applications is 3 percent of the transaction plus $5.50; the charge for internet applications is 3 percent of the
transaction plus $3.50. Call 208-334-3700 for more information.

Resident: Nonresident:
Proof of residency is required before issuance of any resident You are considered a nonresident if you:
license. A resident is defined as any person who has been • Have a driver’s license in another state
domiciled in the state of Idaho, with a bona fide intent to make • Register to vote in another state
this his/her place of permanent abode, for a period of not less than • File income taxes as a resident in another state
six months immediately preceding the date of application for any • File a homeowner’s exemption in another state.
license, tag or permit. A senior resident is defined as any person
who is over 65 years of age and who has been a resident of the The exception is active duty military personnel, their spouses,
state of Idaho not less than five years immediately preceding the and children under 18 living in their house that have been
date of application for a senior license or tag. Domicile means the permanently stationed in Idaho and have been physically present
General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees

place where an individual has his/her home to which he/she has in Idaho for at least 30 days.
the intention of returning whenever he/she is absent. Ownership of real property or payment of property taxes in Idaho
A driver must produce his/her Idaho driver’s license as proof does not establish residency.
of residency; or a nondriver must produce suitable proof of Nonresident Tag Quotas: There is a quota on the sale of
residency, such as an Idaho Identification Card issued by the nonresident deer and elk tags. Quotas may be exceeded under the
Department of Transportation, or two documents bearing his/her following conditions:
name and address (not issued by himself/herself) such as: in the
• Persons who have moved into Idaho and are establishing
case of a child under 18, identification from a parent; rent receipts
residency who can, by affidavit, show proof of their intent to
or mortgage statements for the previous six months, home utility
become bona fide residents, but are not now fully qualified
bills for the previous six months, notarized statement from an
to buy a resident license, may purchase a nonresident deer
employer on business letterhead, or proof of voter registration
tag and/or nonresident elk tag through the headquarters or
dated six months prior. A previous year’s hunting license is not
regional offices.
proof of residency. Ownership of real property or paying of
property taxes within the state of Idaho is not a qualification Idaho Fish and Game may, upon receipt of an unused
for residency. No one can claim Idaho resident privileges while nonresident deer or elk tag and a notarized affidavit stating
claiming resident privileges in another state (except military that the tag buyer has not hunted, issue an additional tag to
personnel). provide a hunting opportunity within the nonresident hunter
quota as follows:
A member of the U.S. military service or of a foreign country,
together with spouse and children under 18 years of age, residing • To another nonresident designated by the buyer.
in his/her household, who have been officially transferred, • If the buyer does not make a choice and has retained an
stationed, domiciled and on active duty in the state of Idaho for a outfitter or guide, the outfitter or guide may make the
period of 30 days preceding application shall be eligible, as long designation.
as such assignment continues, to purchase a resident license. A
member of the Idaho National or Air National Guard, domiciled • If no designation is made by the above, Idaho Fish and Game
in Idaho for 30 days preceding application shall be eligible, as may sell the replacement tag on a first-come, first-served
long as such residency continues, to purchase a resident license. basis. The designated buyer will pay the regular fee for the
replacement tag.
Idaho residents who are in the U.S. military service, and maintain
Idaho as their official state of residence, together with spouse and
children (under 18 years of age) residing in his/her household
shall be eligible to purchase a resident license. The service person
himself/herself is eligible to buy a furlough license from any
vendor while on leave. Other permits and validations must be
attached as required.

52 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
License, Tag and Permit Fees
Updated July 2010
The amounts listed include all permits and application fees as of January 1, 2010. Fees may change without notice.
Licenses, permits, validations and tags expire December 31, except where noted.
Idaho Residents Adult Tags
(See requirements on page 52) Deer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19.75
Adult licenses: Elk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.75
18 years of age and older Bear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.50
Sportsman’s Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $117.25
1
Second Bear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.50
Combination Hunting and Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.50 Mountain Lion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.50
Disabled Combination Second Mountain Lion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.50
SSI, SSDI, DAV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.50
Military Furlough Combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17.50 General Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19.75
Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.75 Extra Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.25

General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees


Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.75 Special Unit Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00

Disabled Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.00 Sandhill Crane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00


Pronghorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.25
Military Furlough Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.50
Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain
Trapping2 (expires June 30) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.75
Goat (controlled hunt tag only, does not include
Taxidermist/Furbuyer - 1 year2 (expires June 30). . . . .40.00 application fee, see below) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166.75
Taxidermist/Furbuyer - 5 year2 (expires June 30). . . .176.75 Youth, Senior, and DAV Tags4
Youth licenses Deer4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.75
Sportsman’s Package1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$117.25 Elk4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.50
Junior Combination (14-17). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.50 Bear4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75
Junior Hunting (12-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.25 Second Bear4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.75
Junior Fishing (14-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.75 General Turkey5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.75
Youth Small Game Hunting (10-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.25 Extra Turkey5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.75
Trapping2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.25 Controlled Hunts
Senior license 65 years and older (5 years residency prior to Resident Controlled Hunt Application . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.25
license purchase required) Turkey Controlled Hunt permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.25
Combination, Hunting or Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.75 1
The sportsman’s package includes deer, elk, turkey, bear and
Permits and Validations mountain lion tags, and archery, muzzleloader, salmon, and
steelhead permits.
Archery Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18.25
2
Available only at Idaho Fish and Game offices.
Muzzleloader Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.25
Disability must be certified by a medical doctor on a Fish and
3
Hound Hunter Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.75
Game form
Bear Baiting Permit2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.75 4
Must have a senior combination license, a Junior
WMA Upland Game Bird Permit (17+ years). . . . . . 23.75 combination or hunting license, or a DAV combination
Sage/Sharp-tailed Grouse Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.75 license.
Migratory Bird Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.75
5
Must have a senior combination license, a Junior
combination or hunting license, or a DAV combination
Handicapped Archery Permit3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75 license, or a Youth Small Game hunting license.
Handicapped Motor Vehicle Permit3 . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75
Salmon Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.75
Steelhead Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.75
Two-Pole Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.75
Continued next page
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 53
Special Resident Permits Season Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98.25
Anyone certified as eligible for federal supplemental Daily Fishing (first day) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.75
income (SSI), social security disability income (SSDI),
Each consecutive day at initial
railroad retirement board disability, a nonservice-connected
time of purchase add . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.00
veteran’s pension, or a service connected veteran’s disability
benefit with 40 percent or more disability, may qualify for a Three-day Salmon/Steelhead
“disabled” license. Bring current year documentation when (includes three-day general fishing license). . . . . . . . . 37.50
applying. Disabled licenses may be purchased at Fish and Trapping1(expires June 30) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301.75
Game offices, selected license vendors (see website for list),
and through the mail. Taxidermist/Furbuyer1 (expires June 30) . . . . . . . . . .170.00

Resident Lifetime License Certificates Junior Mentored & Youth Licenses

Regardless of your age, purchase of a lifetime license could Junior Mentored Hunting2 (12-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31.75
be the best investment you ever make. Lifetime combination Youth Small Game Hunting2 (10-11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.00
hunting and fishing licenses authorize all privileges associated Junior Fishing (under 18). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.75
with a corresponding annual license. These licenses are
valid for the lifetime of the license holder and are available Daily Fishing (first day) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.75
to all Idaho residents. If a lifetime certificate holder moves Each consecutive day at initial
out of Idaho, they will continue to receive an annual license, time of purchase add. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00
General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees

but they will have to pay nonresident tag and permit fees.
Three-day Salmon/Steelhead
The lifetime certificate does not include tags and permits.
(includes three-day general fishing license) . . . . . . . . .37.50
Lifetime certificates can be purchased at Idaho Fish and Game
headquarters and regional offices only. Permits and Validations
Archery Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20.00

Applicant Age Combination Hunting Fishing


Muzzleloader Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20.00
0 - 1 year $795.50 $276.75 $601.75 Hound Hunter Permit1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169.75
2 - 50 years $1,113.00 $386.75 $841.75 Bear Baiting Permit1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.75
51 and older $636.75 $221.75 $481.75 WMA Upland Game Bird Permit (17+ yrs) . . . . . . . . .51.75
Sage/Sharp-tailed Grouse Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.75
Note: Commercial licenses, duplicate tags, lifetime license Migratory Bird Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.75
(renewal beginning second year of ownership), bear baiting Handicapped Archery Permit3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.75
permits,and bobcat and otter pelt tags (pelts are tagged at
regional offices and the Hunter Education Center only) are Handicapped Motor Vehicle Permit3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.75
available only at Idaho Fish and Game offices. Salmon Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.75
For licenses not listed, please visit our web page at: Steelhead Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.75
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Two-Pole Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.50
Adult Tags
Nonresident
Deer (Regular or White-tailed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$301.75
(See requirement page 52)
Elk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .416.75
Combination Hunting & Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $240.00
Bear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186.00
Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154.75
Reduced Bear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.75
Small Game Hunting (Not valid for the first 5 days of
pheasant season. Valid for upland & migratory game birds, Second Bear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.75
turkeys, cottontail, snowshoe hare, huntable furbearers and Mountain Lion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186.00
unprotected and predatory birds and animals) . . . . . . . 97.75
Reduced Mountain Lion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.75
Three-Day Nonresident Small Game Hunting (Not valid for
the first five days of pheasant season. Valid for upland and Second Mountain Lion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.75
migratory game birds, turkeys, cottontail, snowshoe hare, Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80.00
huntable furbearers and unprotected and predatory birds and Extra Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80.00
animals). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.50
Pronghorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311.75
Nongame Hunting (valid January to August). . . . . . . . 35.50
Continued next page
Shooting Preserve Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.75

54 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat Notes:
(Controlled hunt tag only, does not include 1
These licenses and permits are only available at Idaho Fish
application fee, see below) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,101.75 and Game offices.
Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186.00 2
Anyone hunting with this license must be accompanied in
Junior Mentored Tags4 the field by an adult license holder close enough to be within
Deer (Regular, White-tailed)4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23.75 normal conversation or hearing range without shouting or the
aid of electronic devices.
Elk4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.75
Disability must be certified by a medical doctor on a Fish and
3

Bear4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23.75 Game form.


Second Bear4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.75 4
Must have a Junior Mentored hunting license. The
Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19.75
5 accompanying adult must have a tag(s) for the same species,
valid in the same area(s). The junior mentored deer tags are
Extra Turkey5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.75
not valid for bear or mountain lion. Price not valid for leftover
Controlled Hunt nonresident, general season deer or elk tags purchased as
Controlled Hunt Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.75 second tags.
Turkey Controlled Hunt Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.25
5
Must have a Junior Mentored hunting license or a Youth
Small Game hunting license.

General Information: Licenses, Permits, and Fees


Note: Nonresident lifetime license holders must buy tags at
Fish and Game offices if nonresident deer and elk tags are sold
out.
For licenses not listed, please visit our web page at:
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov
Super Hunt
The first Super Hunt ticket for each species costs $6; each
additional ticket for that species purchased at the same time
costs $4. The first Super Hunt Combo ticket costs $20; each
additional ticket purchased at the same time costs $16.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov 55
WIN THE HUNT IDAHO SUPER HUNT ORDER FORM

HUNT! Win the Hunt Please print


NAME_________________________________________
OF A LIFETIME!
of a Lifetime ADDRESS_ ____________________________________
Every year, 32 lucky hunters walk into the field with special CITY___________ STATE___________ZIP_ __________
Super Hunt tags in their pockets. These tags allow a hunter TELEPHONE (________ )_________________________
to pursue an elk, deer, pronghorn or moose in any open hunt
DATE OF BIRTH___ (mo)__________(day)_ ______(year)
in Idaho. Hunters who have won this privilege call it a “hunt
of a lifetime.” HEIGHT______ WEIGHT_______ HAIR COLOR _______
The thrill is quadrupled for two Super Hunt Combo winners EYE COLOR ________ GENDER_____
who are able to hunt all four species in any open hunt. This a Choose the species you hope to hunt and the number of entry.
unqualified freedom to pursue world-class big game in Idaho a The first entry for each species is always $6 and each additional
is an experience winners will long remember. entry is $4.
One entry for as little as $6 offers you the chance to win in a Add up the fees for a grand total and write a check payable to
the Super Hunt drawings.When you buy more, you receive a Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.
discount. a Mail order form and check to IDFG License Section, P . O. Box
25, Boise, ID 83707
• A single Super Hunt entry for a specific species costs
$6, then each additional entry for the same species is $4.
DEER ELK
• A single Super Hunt Combo entry costs $20 and each First Entry = $6.00 First Entry = $6.00
additional entry costs $16. _____ Additional Entries @ $4.00 = ______ _____ Additional Entries @ $4.00 = ______
Total $ ______ Total $ ______
Super Hunt tags are in addition to any general and controlled
hunt tags a hunter has applied for or may already hold. All
other rules of individual hunts apply. MOOSE PRONGHORN
First Entry = $6.00 First Entry = $6.00
Stories from Super Hunt winners and additional information _____ Additional Entries @ $4.00 = ______ _____ Additional Entries @ $4.00 = ______
Total $ ______ Total $ ______
can be found on Idaho Fish and Game’s website: http://
fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt
TOTAL FOR ALL SPECIES
How to Enter First
Drawing $___________ Second
Drawing
a Fill out the entry order form on the back. Entries must be at Entries must be at
Tickets submitted for the first drawing WILL NOT be eligible for the second drawing. Fish and Game
a Mark the species you hope to hunt and the
Fish and Game
headquarters by
headquarters by
IDAHO SUPER HUNT COMBO
August 10.
number of entries you want. May 31.

a Add up the fees and make a check payable to Idaho ORDER FORM
Department of Fish and Game. The Super Hunt Combo allows the winner to hunt all four spe-
cies - deer, elk, pronghorn and moose - in a single season.
a Send the order form along with the check to Idaho Fish
Please print
and Game headquarters at: IDFG License Section, P.O.
NAME_________________________________________
Box 25, Boise, ID 83707
ADDRESS_ ____________________________________
a Idaho Fish and Game will enter the number of entries
you’ve requested and send you a printed receipt with CITY___________ STATE___________ZIP_ __________
your ticket numbers. TELEPHONE (________ )_________________________
Tickets are available from Fish and Game offices and license DATE OF BIRTH___ (mo)__________(day)_ ______(year)
vendor, and over the phone at 1-800-554-8685 or at
HEIGHT______ WEIGHT_______ HAIR COLOR _______
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/buy_online. Online and
telephone vendors add additional processing fees. EYE COLOR ________ GENDER_____
Super Hunt Drawings a The first Super Hunt Combo entry is $20 and each addtional
entry is $16.
Idaho Fish and Game has two Super Hunt drawings, one in
a Add up the total cost and write a check payable to Idaho
June and another in August. Hunters may enter both drawings
Dept. of Fish and Game.
as many times as they like.
a Mail order form and check to IDFG License Section, P . O.
Entries for the first drawing must be received at Fish and Box 25, Boise, ID 83707
Game headquarters no later than May 31. Winning numbers SUPER HUNT COMBO
will be drawn in June. First Entry = $20.00
Entries for the second drawing must be received at Fish _____ Additional Entries @ $16.00
and Game headquarters no later than August 10. Winning = ______
numbers will be drawn in August. TOTAL $___________
56 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov

You might also like