October 19 is the start of the waterfowl opener in the Panhandle Region and the opener of the first-ever swan season in Idaho. 50 tags were issued in August, first come first serve for the hunt.
Idaho Fish and Game says the hunt will be evaluated as an experimental hunt for at least three years. After that period, the hunt could become operational once approved by the Pacific Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Limited hunting will occur in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties. The swan season runs until December 1, 2020, with a daily bag limit of one swan and a possession limit of one swan.
Hunters with a swan permit are encouraged to take Fish and Game's Swan Orientation Course to familiarize themselves with swan species identification and hunting requirements.
Swan hunters must follow these rules:
- Swan tag
- Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit
- Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp
- Shotgun capable of carrying no more than three shells
- Nontoxic shot
- Shot size: No person shall take swans while in possession of shot larger than two tenths (0.2 inches) in diameter (size T)
If successful, hunters must, within three days of the date of kill, present the swan carcass for a mandatory check and report. Hunters can find more information on regulations and area maps in the Idaho Migratory Game Bird 2020-2021 Seasons and Rules booklet.
