Hunting opportunities kick off today, Wednesday

by CONNOR LIESS Contributing Writer
| August 30, 2022 1:00 AM

Two big days for hunters are just around the corner. Here’s what to expect.

There are two big days circled on just about every Idaho hunter’s calendar: Aug. 30 and Sept. 1. Both mark long-awaited season openers ranging from grouse to mule deer. Many of the following seasons open statewide and span well into the winter.

Whether you’re an upland bird hunter or a bowhunter going after deer and elk, here’s what’s coming up:

Aug. 30

Forest grouse season (dusky, ruffed and spruce grouse) opens statewide

• Daily bag limit: 4

• Possession limit: 12 in the aggregate

• Hunters are reminded that one fully-feathered wing or head must be left naturally attached to any dressed game bird, except turkey. Naturally attached parts are needed so enforcement and management personnel are able to identify the species and sex of the birds in possession or being transported.

• Hunters are also encouraged to deposit a wing into designated wing barrels placed along major travel routes in bird hunting areas.

Red (pine) squirrel season opens statewide

• Daily bag limit: 8

• Possession limit: 24

Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare season opens statewide

• Daily bag limit: 8

• Possession limit: 24

General fall turkey seasons open

• General fall seasons are limited to the Panhandle and Clearwater regions, and portions of the Southwest and Southeast regions. Some general seasons in eastern Idaho open Sep. 15. See page 22 of the Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer rules.

• NOTE: Hunters should know that for the first time this year, Hunting Passport holders who are 8 or 9 years old are now allowed to purchase turkey tags to participate in over-the-counter turkey hunts, including general season and general youth-only hunts. Check out Fish and Game’s Hunting Passport page for more information about the program.

Most deer and elk archery seasons open

• Check the Idaho Big Game 2022 Seasons & Rules for more information.

Sept. 1

Mourning and white-winged dove season opens statewide

• Daily bag limit: 15

• Possession limit: 45

• Must keep one wing or head attached during transport

• Check the Idaho Migratory Game Bird 2022-2023 Seasons and Rules for more information, and remember you need your Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit to hunt doves. A Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp is not required.

Connor Liess is a public information specialist with Idaho Department of Fish & Game.