Hunting season is here for archery, bird and upland game

Many archery seasons for deer run from Aug. 30 through Sept. 30.
 For details by unit, check the archery season in the “Big Game Seasons and Rules” booklet.
 Many archery elk hunts also opened on Aug. 30 but exact dates and details differ by zone. A handful of short-range and any weapon hunts are already open.  
 Many fall black bear, mountain lion and wolf seasons run concurrent with the archery seasons, and many hunts for these animals allow rifle hunting as well.
Upland game birds
 Forest grouse (dusky, ruffed and spruce) seasons opened Aug. 30 statewide with closing dates Dec. 31 or Jan. 31, depending on the zone.
 California and bobwhite quail seasons open Sept. 21 in many parts of the state.
 Chukar and gray partridge seasons open Sept. 21 statewide and run through Jan. 1.
 Sage grouse season opens in some areas on Sept. 21 and runs through Sept. 27, and Sept. 21 through Sept. 22 in others. There are also expanded closures this season.
 Fall turkey seasons offer general hunts. Some areas opened on  Aug. 30 and others will open on Sept. 15.
Upland game animals
 Hunting for cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares opened Aug. 30 statewide.
 Details on hunting can be found in the “Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearers” rules booklet.
 The statewide red squirrel season opened on Aug. 30, an opportunity for upland game hunters that started in 2018.
Migratory birds
 Mourning dove season opened statewide Sept. 1. Mourning dove hunters must have a migratory bird permit, and other rules for migratory bird hunting apply.
 Hunters also have opportunity for Eurasian-collared doves, which are non-native and may be taken in any amounts and at any time by holders of a valid Idaho hunting license.
 If you're new to hunting in Idaho, check out the “Beginner's Guide to Hunting” produced by IDFG staff.