Idaho
141,400
Duck Statewide Harvest
23,000
Goose Statewide Harvest
15,200
No. Waterfowl Licenses Sold Annually
10.0
Ducks Per Hunter
2.9
Geese Per Hunter
$15.75
Cost of Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$1.75 to $2.75
Cost of Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
Swan, $22.75; sandhill crane, $18 to $22.75
Annual small-game, $141.75; three-day small-game, $71.75
Cost of Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$5.00
Cost of Non-Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
Swan $74.25; sandhill crane $74.25
Photo by Jim Nelson
One day, I'll go to the Snake River in early January and shoot a limit of big drake goldeneyes. Why? Because they're one of the coolest ducks in the country, and I've discovered how to turn them into jerky that's downright delicious. Yes, I said delicious. And while I'm there, I might shoot a mallard or two.
Idaho is a sleeper and has been for years. It has deer, elk and turkeys, but seldom do you hear the words Idaho and ducks used in the same sentence. That's a shame, really, because the Snake River is a tremendous duck flow, especially later in the season. For a fee, non-tribal hunters can work the waters of the Fort Hall Reservation near American Falls. Or you can save your money and focus on the refuges, Snake River and wildlife management areas, or knock on a few doors for some hot late-season Canada goose action.
Regardless of your choice, the hunting's there, and Idaho definitely deserves the A it gets here.
— Compiled and written by M.D. Johnson
