Read from Fish and Game on August 13, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Fish and Game before you hunt.
Open the official Idaho regulationsHunting Idaho this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
Idaho is part of the Pacific Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2026–2027 waterfowl season runs from September 1 through March 10, 2027, with 46 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Fish and Game within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Season dates, bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for verifying current regulations with your state or provincial wildlife agency before every hunt.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Area 31,2Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Duck season Oct 10, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027; scaup Oct 29, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 10 – Jan 22 | 7 2 female mallard, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 scaup. Scaup season: October 29, 2026 – January 22, 2027. | 21 |
| Duck Area 13,4All parts of Idaho NOT included in Duck Areas 2 and 3. Duck/merganser season Oct 19, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027; scaup Nov 7, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 19 – Jan 31 | 7 2 female mallard, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 scaup. Scaup season: November 7, 2026 – January 31, 2027. | 21 |
| Duck Area 25,6Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton and Valley counties; the portion of Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and the portion of Caribou County north and east of the Highway 30 / Power Plant Road / Alexander Reservoir / Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary. Duck season Oct 3, 2026 - Jan 15, 2027; scaup Oct 3 - Dec 27, 2026. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 3 – Jan 15 | 7 2 female mallard, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 scaup. Scaup season: October 3, 2026 – December 27, 2026. | 21 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Scaup Duck Area 3 · Oct 10–Oct 28 · Scaup season closed on these dates in Idaho Area 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Greater Scaup Duck Area 1 · Oct 19–Nov 6 · Scaup season closed on these dates in Idaho Area 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Greater Scaup Duck Area 2 · Dec 28–Jan 15 · Scaup season closed on these dates in Idaho Area 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup Duck Area 3 · Oct 10–Oct 28 · Scaup season closed on these dates in Idaho Area 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup Duck Area 1 · Oct 19–Nov 6 · Scaup season closed on these dates in Idaho Area 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup Duck Area 2 · Dec 28–Jan 15 · Scaup season closed on these dates in Idaho Area 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Mallard no more than 2 female mallard | 7 | 21 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Pintail (Northern) | 3 | 9 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup & Lesser Scaup Duck Area 3 · Oct 29–Jan 22 · Idaho Area 3 scaup season 2026-10-29..2027-01-22 (IDFG 2026-27 migratory bird regs); combined Greater+Lesser 2/day | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup & Lesser Scaup Duck Area 1 · Nov 7–Jan 31 · Idaho Area 1 scaup season 2026-11-07..2027-01-31 (IDFG 2026-27 migratory bird regs); combined Greater+Lesser 2/day | 2 | 6 |
| Greater Scaup & Lesser Scaup Duck Area 2 · Oct 3–Dec 27 · Idaho Area 2 scaup season 2026-10-03..2026-12-27 (IDFG 2026-27 migratory bird regs); combined Greater+Lesser 2/day | 2 | 6 |
12 female mallard, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 scaup. Scaup season: October 29, 2026 – January 22, 2027.
2Area 3 includes Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties. Includes mergansers in bag.
32 female mallard, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 scaup. Scaup season: November 7, 2026 – January 31, 2027.
4Area 1 includes all parts of the state NOT included in areas 2 and 3. Includes mergansers in bag.
52 female mallard, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 2 scaup. Scaup season: October 3, 2026 – December 27, 2026.
6Area 2 includes Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton, and Valley counties plus specified portions of Bingham and Caribou counties. Includes mergansers in bag.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose Area 31 | Nov 3 – Feb 15 | 5 | 15 |
| Canada Goose Area 42 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 First Split | 5 | 15 |
| Oct 3 – Dec 31 Second Split | 5 | 15 | |
| Canada Goose Area 23 | Oct 3 – Jan 15 | 5 | 15 |
| Canada Goose Area 14 | Oct 19 – Jan 31 | 5 | 15 |
1Area 3: all parts of state NOT in areas 1, 2, and 4.
2Area 4: All of Bear Lake County; portions of Bingham and Caribou counties.
3Area 2: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton and Valley counties.
4Area 1: Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Gem, Idaho, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette, Washington counties.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-fronted Goose Area 41 | Oct 10 – Jan 22 | 6 | 18 |
| White-fronted Goose Area 22 | Oct 19 – Jan 31 | 6 | 18 |
| White-fronted Goose Area 33,4 | Nov 3 – Feb 15 | 6 Closed Feb 1–Mar 10, 2027 at Fort Boise and Payette River WMAs, Roswell Marsh Wildlife Habitat Area south of State Highway 18, and Snake River Islands Unit of Deer Flat NWR. | 18 |
| White-fronted Goose Area 15 | Oct 3 – Jan 15 | 6 | 18 |
1Area 4: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties.
2Area 2: all parts of state NOT in areas 1, 3, and 4.
3Closed Feb 1–Mar 10, 2027 at Fort Boise and Payette River WMAs, Roswell Marsh Wildlife Habitat Area south of State Highway 18, and Snake River Islands Unit of Deer Flat NWR.
4Area 3: Ada, Boise, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, Washington counties.
5Area 1: Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton, and Valley counties; portions of Bingham and Caribou.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Goose Area 31,2,3 | Oct 19 – Dec 24 First Split | 20 | 60 |
| Feb 1 – Mar 10 Second Split (Conservation Order) | 20 Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns allowed during this segment when all other waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons (except falconry) are closed. | 60 | |
| Light Goose Area 24 | Oct 19 – Jan 31 | 20 | 60 |
| Light Goose Area 45,6,7 | Oct 3 – Dec 23 First Split | 20 | 60 |
| Feb 16 – Mar 10 Second Split (Conservation Order) | 20 Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns allowed when all other waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons (except falconry) are closed. | 60 | |
| Light Goose Area 58 | Oct 10 – Jan 22 | 20 | 60 |
| Light Goose Area 19 | Oct 3 – Jan 15 | 20 | 60 |
1Area 3: Ada, Blaine, Boise, Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, Washington counties.
2Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns allowed during this segment when all other waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons (except falconry) are closed.
3Snow (including Blue) and Ross's Geese. Conservation order methods (electronic calls, unplugged shotguns) apply Feb 16–Mar 10, 2027 per the page 11 legal hunting methods note.
4Area 2: Adams, Clearwater, Custer, Idaho, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties.
5Area 4: Bannock, Butte, Franklin, Oneida, Power counties; portions of Bingham, Bonneville, Caribou, Clark, and Jefferson counties.
6Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns allowed when all other waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons (except falconry) are closed.
7Snow (including Blue) and Ross's Geese. Conservation order methods (electronic calls, unplugged shotguns) apply Feb 16–Mar 10, 2027.
8Area 5: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties.
9Area 1: all parts of state NOT in areas 2, 3, 4, and 5.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Area 31Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Duck season Oct 10, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027; scaup Oct 29, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 10 – Jan 22 | 25 | 75 |
| Duck Area 12All parts of Idaho NOT included in Duck Areas 2 and 3. Duck/merganser season Oct 19, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027; scaup Nov 7, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 19 – Jan 31 | 25 | 75 |
| Duck Area 23Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton and Valley counties; the portion of Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and the portion of Caribou County north and east of the Highway 30 / Power Plant Road / Alexander Reservoir / Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary. Duck season Oct 3, 2026 - Jan 15, 2027; scaup Oct 3 - Dec 27, 2026. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 3 – Jan 15 | 25 | 75 |
1Coot season concurrent with duck season. Dates inherited from Duck Area 3.
2Coot season concurrent with duck season. Dates inherited from Duck Area 1.
3Coot season concurrent with duck season. Dates inherited from Duck Area 2.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Area 11All parts of Idaho NOT included in Duck Areas 2 and 3. Duck/merganser season Oct 19, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027; scaup Nov 7, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 19 – Jan 31 | 7 | 21 |
| Duck Area 21Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton and Valley counties; the portion of Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and the portion of Caribou County north and east of the Highway 30 / Power Plant Road / Alexander Reservoir / Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary. Duck season Oct 3, 2026 - Jan 15, 2027; scaup Oct 3 - Dec 27, 2026. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 3 – Jan 15 | 7 | 21 |
| Duck Area 31Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Duck season Oct 10, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027; scaup Oct 29, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 10 – Jan 22 | 7 | 21 |
1Mergansers counted within the 7-duck aggregate bag limit. Page 8 title states 'Duck Bag Limit (Including mergansers)'.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crane Area 4 - Jefferson1,2,3Eastern Idaho RMP crane hunt area; portion of Mud Lake WMA excluded from early hunt | Sep 1 – Sep 15 September 1–15 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – |
| Sep 16 – Sep 30 September 16–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – | |
| Oct 1 – Oct 30 October 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – | |
| Crane Area 5 - Swan Lake1,4,5Eastern Idaho RMP crane hunt area | Sep 1 – Sep 30 September 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – |
| Oct 1 – Oct 30 October 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – | |
| Crane Area 1 - Bear Lake6,7,8Eastern Idaho RMP crane hunt area | Sep 1 – Sep 30 September 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. Shot size no larger than T (0.2 inches diameter). | – |
| Oct 1 – Oct 30 October 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. Shot size no larger than T (0.2 inches diameter). | – | |
| Crane Area 2 - Teton1,9,10Eastern Idaho RMP crane hunt area | Sep 1 – Sep 15 September 1–15 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – |
| Oct 1 – Oct 30 October 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – | |
| Crane Area 6 - Malad1,5,11Eastern Idaho RMP crane hunt area | Sep 1 – Sep 30 September 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – |
| Oct 1 – Oct 30 October 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – | |
| Crane Area 3 - Fremont1,3,10,12Eastern Idaho RMP crane hunt area; Chester Wetlands WMA excluded from early hunt | Sep 1 – Sep 15 September 1–15 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – |
| Sep 16 – Sep 30 September 16–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – | |
| Oct 1 – Oct 30 October 1–30 | 2 Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. | – |
1Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required.
230 tags available. Area 4 includes Jefferson County except certain WMA boundary portions.
330 tags available.
450 tags available. Area 5 includes Bannock County east of I-15 and south of US-30, and all of Franklin County.
520 tags available.
6Season limit: 2. Sandhill Crane Tag required. Shot size no larger than T (0.2 inches diameter).
7300 tags. Area 1 includes all of Bear Lake County and all of Caribou County except portion within Grays Lake Basin.
8150 tags. Area 1 includes all of Bear Lake County and all of Caribou County except portion within Grays Lake Basin.
940 tags available. Area 2 includes Teton County except portion west of Hwy 33/south of Packsaddle Rd/north of North Cedron Rd/east of Teton River.
1040 tags available.
1150 tags available. Area 6 includes portion of Oneida County within specified boundary.
1240 tags available. Area 3 includes Fremont County except Chester Wetlands WMA.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan Controlled Hunt Area 1 (Panhandle)1,2Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties only | Oct 10 – Dec 1 | 1 Swan Controlled Hunt Tag required. Shot size no larger than T (0.2 inches diameter). Mandatory check within 3 days of kill. | 1 |
1Swan Controlled Hunt Tag required. Shot size no larger than T (0.2 inches diameter). Mandatory check within 3 days of kill.
2Hunt No. 9301. 50 tags. Area includes Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties only. Controlled hunt; tag required.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 | – Daily duck, goose, and coot limits same as regular season statewide. Open to licensed hunters 17 and younger. | – |
1Daily duck, goose, and coot limits same as regular season statewide. Open to licensed hunters 17 and younger.
2Duck, goose, and coot seasons open for two days only. Federal Duck Stamp not required for hunters 15 and younger. Adult (18+) must accompany each youth party; adults not authorized to hunt.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Sep 26 – Sep 27 | – Same limits as regular season statewide. Veterans and active military may hunt and harvest; HIP permit and Federal Duck Stamp required. | – |
1Same limits as regular season statewide. Veterans and active military may hunt and harvest; HIP permit and Federal Duck Stamp required.
2Combined with youth weekend. Sept 26–27, 2026 only.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Jan 23 – Mar 10 | 3 Daily Bag Limit: 3 | Possession Limit: 9 | 9 |
1Daily Bag Limit: 3 | Possession Limit: 9
2Dove extended falconry season. Refer to Idaho Upland Game, Turkey & Furbearer Seasons & Rules for more info.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Area 21Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Teton and Valley counties; the portion of Bingham County within the Blackfoot Reservoir drainage; and the portion of Caribou County north and east of the Highway 30 / Power Plant Road / Alexander Reservoir / Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary. Duck season Oct 3, 2026 - Jan 15, 2027; scaup Oct 3 - Dec 27, 2026. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 3 – Jan 15 Wilson's Snipe | 8 | 24 |
| Duck Area 32Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Duck season Oct 10, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027; scaup Oct 29, 2026 - Jan 22, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 10 – Jan 22 Wilson's Snipe | 8 | 24 |
| Duck Area 13All parts of Idaho NOT included in Duck Areas 2 and 3. Duck/merganser season Oct 19, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027; scaup Nov 7, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027. IDFG 2026-27 brochure p.8. | Oct 19 – Jan 31 Wilson's Snipe | 8 | 24 |
1Wilson's Snipe season concurrent with duck season in Area 2. Dates inherited from Duck Area 2.
2Wilson's Snipe season concurrent with duck season in Area 3. Dates inherited from Duck Area 3.
3Wilson's Snipe season concurrent with duck season in Area 1. Dates inherited from Duck Area 1.
Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2026-2027 season. This data was verified on August 13, 2026. Always confirm with the official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.