The middle part of the Snake River that winds through southern Idaho is well known for excellent waterfowl hunting. Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge offers an opportunity on this part of the river, and refuge hunts often draw out-of-state hunters. The refuge, situated on Lake Walcott (a river reservoir), offers a variety of duck species as well as Canada geese during the early part of Idaho’s waterfowl season. Hunters hide among the willows and vegetation that line the river as it winds through sagebrush sagebrush
The western United States’ sagebrush country encompasses over 175 million acres of public and private lands. The sagebrush landscape provides many benefits to our rural economies and communities, and it serves as crucial habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including the iconic greater sage-grouse and over 350 other species.
Learn more about sagebrush country.
Late-season hunting can be excellent for mallard and fast-flying goldeneye. Hunters may also take any pheasant, gray partridge or rabbit that they flush. 1,108 acres of the refuge south of the Snake River, between Raft River and the refuge’s eastern boundary, are open to elk hunting in accordance with state seasons and regulations. The refuge’s 362-acre Unit 12 (Lake Channel Unit) is open to hunting of all state game species, including mule deer, elk, upland game and migratory birds.