Waterfowl season opens Wednesday for most of Southwest Idaho

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Duck hunters in Southwest Idaho are reminded the 2022-2023 waterfowl season opens Wednesday, Oct. 19, excluding Valley County, where the season has been open since Oct. 1.

While some hunters may still be accustomed to the waterfowl season opener falling on a weekend, this is the second consecutive year in which the season has opened on Oct. 19. Season dates were shifted later starting in the 2021-2022 waterfowl season, so that the 107-day season ends as late as allowed within the federal framework, on Jan. 31. A shorter scaup season opens on Nov. 7 in Area 1. The decision to shift season dates later was made after a survey of waterfowl hunters showed that a majority in Southwest Idaho prefer to hunt as late as possible.

For some parts of the state, including most of the Southwest Region, seasons for white-fronted geese and light geese (including Blue, Ross's and Snow Geese) start later than duck and Canada goose seasons, allowing for late season hunting opportunities. Hunters can find more information and area maps in the Idaho Migratory Game Bird 2022-23 Seasons & Rules booklet. 

Waterfowl hunters – particularly dog owners and falconers – are also reminded to be aware of the potential risks associated with another suspected surge of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in waterfowl populations, which you can read more about here.

All hunters must have a valid hunting license or hunting passport, a Migratory Bird (HIP) permit, and hunters 16 years old or older must have a federal migratory bird stamp. Nontoxic shot is required to hunt waterfowl.