Idaho seeks comments on waterfowl seasons
HUNTING -- Waterfowl hunters are being asked to responded to a survey on Idaho hunting season options by the end of the week.
"We’ve had some requests for more late season duck hunting, and we’re asking hunters statewide to weigh in on which way they’d like to go," said Jim Hayden, Idaho Fish and Game Department regional wildlife manager in Coeur d'Alene, noting that the Coeur d'Alene area is in Area 2 for both ducks and geese.
Duck production surveys indicate a great crop of waterfowl in the western U.S., so it's worth chiming in on seasons.
Read on for details on the proposals currently under consideration.
Option 1: Early Split
This option includes a split season structure for ducks and dark geese in areas 2 and 3 that would run from October 1-19; close from October 20 - November 4; and reopen from November 5, 2011 - January 29, 2012.
A two-part season is proposed for light geese (snow and Ross’s) in areas 3 and 4 that would run from November 8, 2011 - January 29, 2012; close from January 30 - February 17; and reopen from February 18 - March 10, 2012.
Option 2: Late Split
This option includes a split season structure for ducks and dark geese in areas 2 and 3 that would run from October 1 - November 30; close from December 1 - 16; and reopen from December 17, 2011 - January 29, 2012.
A three-part season is proposed for light geese (snow and Ross’s) in areas 3 and 4 that would run from October 23 - November 30; close from December 1 - 16; and reopen from December 17, 2011 - January 29, 2012; close from January 30 - February 17; and reopen from February 18 - March 10, 2012.
Option 3: No change from 2010-2011 season
This option includes a continuous season structure for ducks and dark geese in areas 1 and 2 that would run from October 1, 2011 - January 13, 2012. In area 3, the season would run from October 8, 2011 - January 20, 2012.
A two-part season is proposed for light geese (snow and Ross’s) in areas 3 and 4 that would run from October 30, 2011 - January 20, 2012; close from January 21 - February 17; and reopen from February 18 - March 10, 2012.
Option 4: Delayed opener and late closure in Area 3
This option includes a continuous season structure for ducks and dark geese in Area 2 (same as Option 3). In area 3, the season would run from October 15, 2011 - January 27, 2012.
A two-part season is proposed for light geese (snow and Ross’s) in areas 3 and 4 that would run from November 6, 2011 - January 27, 2012; close from January 28 - February 17; and reopen from February 18 - March 10, 2012.