Idaho Bird Hunting

Seasons Span August 30 – January 31, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Forest Grouse (Ruffed, Spruce, Dusky):
    • Northern Idaho (Area 1: Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, portions of Latah and Clearwater counties in management units 6 and 9, Benewah, and Shoshone counties, except portions in units 8, 8A, 10, and 10A): August 30, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • Rest of the state (Area 2): August 30, 2025 – December 31, 2025
  • Chukar and Gray Partridge:
    • Statewide: October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Bobwhite and California (Valley) Quail:
    • Western Idaho (Area 1: Ada, Adams, Benewah, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Lincoln, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Twin Falls, Valley, and Washington counties): October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • Eastern Idaho (Area 2): Closed
  • Pheasant:
    • General Season: October 18, 2025 – December 31, 2025 (specific areas may vary; check regulations)
    • Note: On nine Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in southern Idaho where pheasants are stocked, seasons may align with the general season but have specific permit requirements.
  • Sage-Grouse:
    • Limited season in sage-grouse Area 2: October 1, 2025 – October 7, 2025
  • Sharp-tailed Grouse:
    • Most of eastern Idaho: October 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025

Note: No legal hunting season for Mountain or Gambel’s Quail statewide.

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland game birds in Idaho, hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license or hunting passport. Additional permits are required for specific species. Costs vary based on residency status, and the following are approximate prices based on available data (subject to change; check Idaho Fish and Game for exact 2025-26 pricing).

  • Hunting License:
    • Resident:
      • Adult Hunting License: $15.50–$22.00
      • Sportsman’s Package (includes hunting, fishing, and certain tags): ~$127.25
      • Junior (10–17) Hunting License: ~$8.75
    • Nonresident:
      • Adult Hunting License: $98.25–$185.00
      • Junior (10–17) Hunting License: ~$51.75
    • A hunting license is required for all upland game birds except sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, which require additional permits.
  • Sage/Sharp-tailed Grouse Permit:
    • Required for sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse hunting.
    • Cost: ~$4.75 (resident or nonresident, based on 2011 data; confirm current pricing).
  • WMA Upland Game Bird Permit:
    • Required for hunters 18 or older to hunt pheasants on nine WMAs where pheasants are stocked (e.g., C.J. Strike, Payette River).
    • Cost: ~$23.75 (resident or nonresident, based on prior data; confirm current pricing).
  • Additional Notes:
    • Licenses can be purchased at Idaho Fish and Game offices, license vendors, or online at https://idfg.idaho.gov.
    • Nonresidents may face higher costs and restrictions on certain hunts. Always carry a valid license while hunting.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Forest Grouse (Ruffed, Spruce, Dusky):
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4 (all of one species or mixed)
    • Possession Limit: 12 (after the first day)
  • Chukar:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 8
    • Possession Limit: 24 (after the first day)
  • Gray Partridge:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 8
    • Possession Limit: 24 (after the first day)
  • Bobwhite and California Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 10 in aggregate
    • Possession Limit: 30 in aggregate (after the first day)
  • Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 cocks (general season); 2 cocks on WMAs where pheasants are stocked
    • Possession Limit: 9 cocks (general season); 6 cocks on WMAs
  • Sage-Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 1
    • Possession Limit: 2
  • Sharp-tailed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Possession Limit: 6

Additional Notes

  • Regulations and Restrictions:
    • Hunting hours for upland game birds are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
    • Nontoxic shot is required for waterfowl hunting but not explicitly for upland birds; check specific regulations for ammunition restrictions.
    • Hunters must avoid wasting edible portions of game birds (breasts).
    • Areas closed to upland game bird hunting also apply to American crow hunting.
  • Access and Maps:
    • Idaho offers abundant public land and the Access Yes! program, which facilitates access to private land with landowner permission. Tools like the HuntWise app or onX Hunt provide 3D maps to navigate terrain and boundaries.
  • Verification:
    • Season dates, bag limits, and license costs should be confirmed with the 2025-26 Idaho Upland Game, Furbearer, and Turkey Seasons and Rules booklet, available online at https://idfg.idaho.gov or at Fish and Game offices.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Idaho Fish and Game website or contact their regional offices, as regulations and costs may be updated for the 2025-26 season.