With its wide array of wildlife, terrain, and hunting regulations, Idaho is an ideal destination for any hunter. In this page, you shall find the complete hunting schedule, the types of game you can hunt, and the regulations you should be aware of. So, if you’re ready to embark on a hunting adventure, let’s get started!
Idaho Hunting Seasons
Bear
| Black Bear Units | Dates |
| 1 | Aug 30 – Oct 31 |
| Apr 15 – Jun 15 | |
| 2, 3, 5 | Aug 30 – Oct 31 |
| Apr 15 – Jun 15 | |
| 4, 4A | Aug 30 – Nov 30 |
| Apr 15 – Jun 30 | |
| 6 | Aug 30 – Nov 30 |
| Apr 15 – Jun 30 | |
| 26, 27, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 50, 51,58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 62A, 64, 65,66, 67,69 | Aug 30 – Nov 30, Apr 1 – Jun 30 |
| 66A, 76, 29, 30, 30A, 36A, 43, 44,48, 45, 49,52, 71, 72, 74, 75, 77, 78 | Aug 30 – Oct 31, Apr 15 – Jun 15 |
| Fall Controlled Hunt Areas | Sep 15 – Oct 9 |
| Sep 1 – Oct 31 | |
| Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt Areas | Sep 1 – Oct 31 |
| Spring Black Bear Controlled Hunts | Apr 1 – May 22 |
| Days Dogs Are Not Allowed | |
| 1 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 2, 3, 5 | Aug 30 – Sep 14, |
| Oct 10 – Oct 31, | |
| Apr 15 – Apr 30 | |
| 4, 4A | Aug 30 – Sep 14, |
| Oct 10 – Oct 31, | |
| Apr 15 – Apr 30 | |
| 6 | Aug 30 – Sep 14, |
| Oct 10 – Oct 31 | |
| 26 | Sep 15 – Oct 31 |
| 27 | Sep 15 – Nov 8 |
| 33, 34, 35, 36, 39 | Oct 5 – Oct 31 |
| 50, 51,58, 59,59A, 60, 60A, 63, 63A, 61 | Oct 1 – Oct 31 |
| 62, 62A | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 29, 30, 30A, 36A, 43, 44, 45, 49,52, 48, 64, 65,66, 67,69, 66A, 76, 29, 30, 30A, 36A, 43, 44,48, 45, 49,52, 71, 72, 74, 75, 77, 78 | Oct 1 – Oct 31 |
| 71, 72, | Aug 30 – Oct 31, |
| 74, 75, | Apr 15 – Jun 15 |
Mountain Lions
| Units | Start | End | Dogs Not Allowed On |
| 1 | 30-Aug | 30-Jun | Aug 30 – Dec 1 Apr I – Jun 30 |
| 2, 3, 5 | Aug 30 – Sep 14 Oct 10 – Dec 1 | ||
| 4, 4A, 6 | Aug 30 – Sep 14 Oct 10 – Oct 31 | ||
| 7, 9, 10, 12 | Oct 10 – Oct 31 | ||
| 8, l lA | 31-Mar | Oct 10 – Dec 1 | |
| SA, lOA | Aug 30 – Sep 14 Oct 10 – Dec 1 | ||
| 11 | Oct 10 – Dec 1 | ||
| 13 | Oct 10 – Nov 3 | ||
| 14, 15, 16 | Oct 10 – Nov 20 | ||
| 16A, 17, 19, 20 | 30-Jun | Sep 15 – Oct 31 | |
| 18 | 31-Mar | Oct 10 – Nov 20 | |
| 19A | Oct 1 – Nov 24 | ||
| 20A, 26 | 30-Apr | Sep 15 – Oct 31 | |
| 21A | 31-Mar | Oct 10 – Nov 8 | |
| 21, 28 | 30-Jun | Oct 10 – Nov 8 | |
| 22, 31, 32 | 31-Mar | Aug 30 – Nov 24 | |
| 23 | Oct 1 – Nov 24 | ||
| 24, 25 | Oct 5 – Nov 24 | ||
| 27 | 30-Jun | Sep 15 – Nov 8 | |
| 29, 30, 30A, 36A, 37, 37A | 31-Mar | Oct I – Nov 8 | |
| 32A | Aug 30 – Nov 3 Nov 10 – Nov 24 | ||
| 33, 34, 35, 36 | Oct 5 – Nov 8 | ||
| 36B | Oct 10 – Nov 8 | ||
| 38 | Oct 5 – Nov 30 | ||
| 39 | Oct 5 – Nov 9 | ||
| 40 | 30-Jun | Oct 5 – Nov 24 | |
| 41, 42 | Oct 5 – Nov 24 | ||
| 43,44,46, 48, 54, 55, 57,63, 63A,64, 65, 67, 68,68A, 71, 73A, 74, | 31-Mar | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | |
| 45,47,49,50,51,52,52A,66,66A,69,70,72,73,75,76,77,78 | Oct 1 – Nov 30 | ||
| 60,60A,61,62,62A | Oct 1 – Nov 30 |
Bobcat
- December 14 – February 16
Coyote
- January 1 – December 31
Wolf
| Units | Dates |
| Wolf Hunting | |
| Statewide (Private Land) | July 1 – June 30 |
| (Public Land) | |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, SA, 11, 1l A, 13, 19A, 21, 21A, 25, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 54, 55, 57, 60, 60A, 61, 62A, 63, 63A, 68, 68A, 71, 73A, 74 (Public Land) | July 1 – June 30 |
| 4, 4A, 6, 7, 9, 10, 10A, 12, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17, 18, 19, 20, 20A, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 36B, 39, 43, 44, 62, 64, 65, 67 | Apr 1 – Nov 14 |
| Nov 15 – Mar 31 | |
| 29, 32, 32A, 36A, 37, 49, 50, 51 | Apr 1 – Nov 14 |
| Nov 15 – Mar 31 | |
| 30, 30A, 37A, 45, 47, 52, 52A, 53, 56 58, 59, 59A, 66, 66A, 69, 70, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78 | July 1 – June 30 |
| Wolf Trapping | |
| (Private Land) | |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19A, 20A, 21, 21A, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30A, 31, 32, 32A, 33, 34, 35, 36, 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 50, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A 61, 62, 62A, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69 | Apr 1 – Nov 14 |
| Nov 15 – Mar 31 | |
| 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, 20, 45, 52, 52A, 53, 63, 63A, 66A, 68, 68A, 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 (Private Land) | April 1 – Oct 9 |
| Oct 10 – Mar 31 | |
| 48, 49 | July 1 – June 30 |
| (Public Land) | |
| 1 | Nov 15 – Mar 31 |
| 2, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19A, 20A, 21, 21A, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30A, 31, 32, 32A, 33, 34, 35, 36, 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52, 52A, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 59A, 60A, 63, 63A, 64, 65 66, 66A, 67, 68, 68A, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 | Sep 10 – Nov 14 |
| Nov 15 – Mar 31 | |
| 3 | Sep 10 – Nov 14 |
| Nov 15 – Mar 31 | |
| 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, 20 | Sep 10 – Oct 9 |
| Oct 10 – Mar 31 | |
| 38, 39 | Sep 10 – Nov 14 |
| Nov 15 – Mar 31 | |
| 60, 61, 62, 62A | Nov 15 – Mar 31 |
| 48, 49 | None |
Deer
| Regular Deer | ||
| Archery only | 30-Aug | 31-Dec |
| Short range weapons | 30-Aug | 24-Nov |
| General (Any weapon) | 15-Sep | 20-Nov |
| Muzzleloader only | 10-Nov | 1-Dec |
| Controlled Hunt | ||
| Any weapon | 15-Aug | 20-Dec |
| Archery only | 15-Aug | 19-Dec |
| Youth only | 30-Aug | 31-Dec |
| Muzzleloader only | 1-Oct | 9-Dec |
| White-tailed | ||
| General (Any weapon) | 15-Sep | 9-Dec |
| Archery only | 30-Aug | 31-Dec |
| General Muzzleloader Only | 10-Nov | 9-Dec |
| Short Range Weapon | 10-Oct | 31-Dec |
Elk Season
| Archery | September 10 – October 31 | September 10 – November 30 |
| Any Weapon | October 14 – November 30 | October 14 – November 30 |
| Archery + Muzzleloader | October 21 – November 12 | October 21 – November 12 |
| Any Weapon + Muzzleloader | November 13 – December 31 | November 13 – December 31 |
| Late Archery | December 1 – 31 | December 1 – 31 |
| Muzzleloader | October 30 – November 12 | October 30 – November 12 |
ID Elk Application & Regulation
| ID Elk Hunting Application & Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Idaho Elk Hunting | Elk tags for the 2023 season are selling out rapidly as the Idaho elk hunting season grows in popularity. |
| Booking Outfitters | Reservations for the 2024 and 2025 seasons are quickly filling up, and outfitters are already fully booked for the 2023 season. |
| Growing Popularity | Due to the state's expanding population and an increase in hunting license and tag applications, big game hunting in Idaho is on the rise. |
| Resident Survey | According to a poll, one in ten new residents of Idaho chose the state for its hunting options. |
| Backcountry Experience | With guided horseback excursions into the woods, Idaho provides a traditional backcountry hunting experience. |
| Stalking Game | Although outfitters provide helpful information, for a fair-chase hunting experience, sportsmen must still pursue wildlife and take precise shots. |
| Elk and Deer Outlook for 2023 | A hard winter had an effect on mule deer numbers, but elk populations are still healthy, with bull elk harvest reaching 20,000 animals. |
| Wolf Management and Improved Access | Wolf population reduction initiatives and path upkeep have made it easier to reach the backcountry hunting grounds. |
| Tag Availability | Big game tags are selling out rapidly, particularly for elk in capped zones. There are some extra tags left over from regulated hunts. |
| Difference Between "A" and "B" Tags | various hunt dates and permitted weapons may apply to various tags, like as late-season muzzleloader hunts. |
| Limited Outfitter Tags and Non-Resident Opportunities | Non-residents may no longer purchase outfitter set-aside tags, although certain zones still provide open bull elk tags. |
| Capped Zone Tags and Surplus Tags | There are limits on tags in several elk zones, and some are almost sold out. Tags left over from controlled hunts that weren't sold are being released. |
| Predator Hunts While Big Game Hunting | Elk and deer tags may be purchased in select wilderness hunting zones. |
Moose
| (Antlered Controlled) | 30-Aug – 1-Dec |
| (Antlerless Controlled) | 15-Oct – 23-Nov |
Bighorn Sheep
| Controlled Hunts | 30-Aug – 8-Oct |
| Controlled Hunts – Rams Only | 30-Aug – 31-Oct |
Mountain Goat
| Controlled Hunts Either Sex | 30-Aug – 12-Nov |
Pronghorn
a
| Either Sex | Sep 25 – Oct 24 |
| Doe or Fawn | Oct 25 – Nov 30 |
| Nov 1 – Nov 30 | |
| Archery Only | Aug 15 – Sep 15 |
| Aug 15 – Aug 30 | |
| Sep 1 – Sep 15 | |
| Muzzleloader Only | Aug 15 – Sep 15 |
| Aug 15 – Aug 30 | |
| Sep 10 – Sep 24 | |
| Short Range Weapon | Sep 25 – Oct 24 |
| Youth Only | |
| (Either sex, Limited access, Short range weapons only on Payette River and Montour WMAs Motorized Hunting) | Sep 25 – Oct 24 |
| (Either sex, Archery only) | Aug 15 – Sep 15 |
| (Doe or Fawn only) | Oct 25 – Dec 31 |
| Aug 15 – Oct 24 | |
| (Either sex, Muzzleloader only) | Aug 8 – Oct 24 |
Turkey
| GMU | Start | End |
| Spring | ||
| 1, 2 | 15-Apr | 25-May |
| 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17, 18, 19, 19A, 20, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32 | ||
| 32A, 33, 39, 68A, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77 & 78 | ||
| 2 (Archery only) | 8-Apr | |
| Spring Controlled Hunt Season | ||
| 21A-1:21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage | 15-Apr | 25-May |
| 36B-1:36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage. | ||
| 38-1:38 and that portion of 32 in Payette County. | 30-Apr | |
| 38-1:38 and that portion of 32 in Payette County. | 1-May | 25-May |
| 50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69. | 15-Apr | 30-Apr |
| 50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69. | 1-May | 25-May |
| 54:54:00 | 15-Apr | |
| Spring Controlled Hunts Youth Only | ||
| 21A-1:21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage | 8-Apr | 25-May |
| 36B-1:36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage. | ||
| 50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69. | ||
| 54:54:00 | ||
| Spring Landowner Permission Season | ||
38-2: Private land only in38 and that portion of 32 in Payette County. | 15-Apr | 25-May |
| Youth Only Spring Turkey | ||
| 1, 2 | 8-Apr | 14-Apr |
| 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17, 18, 19, 19A, 20, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32 | ||
| 32A, 33, 39, 68A, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77 & 78 | ||
| 32 & 38 | 25-May | |
| Fall | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7 & 9 | 30-Aug | 31-Jan |
| 2 | 1-Nov | 1-Dec |
| 8, 8A, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 18 | 31-Dec | |
| 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, & 20 | 30-Aug | 9-Oct |
| Outside the National Forest System boundary in 22, 31, 32, & 32A | 30-Aug | 9-Oct |
| 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, & 78 | 15-Sep | 30-Nov |
| Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt | ||
| 22-1:22, and 31 | 30-Aug | 9-Oct |
| 50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69. | 15-Sep | 30-Nov |
| Fall Landowner Permission Required Hunts | ||
| 22-3: Private land only, outside the national Forest System Boundary in 22, 31 and 32 | 1-Dec | 31-Dec |
| 38-2: Private land only in38 and that portion of 32 in Payette County. | 1-Sep | |
| 68A:68A | 1-Dec | |
| 69:69 | ||
| 70 | ||
| 71 | ||
| 73 | ||
| 74 | ||
| 77 | ||
| Fall Controlled Hunts | ||
| 21A-1:21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage. | 1-Sep | 31-Dec |
| 22-2: Outside the National Forest System boundary in 22, 31, and 32 (except that portion of Payette County). | 10-Oct | |
| 36B-1:36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage. | 15-Sep | |
| 38-1:38 and that portion of 32 in Payette County. | 15-Sep | 9-Oct |
| 68A:68A | 30-Nov |
Goose
Canada
| Area | Daily Bag | Possession | |
| 1 | October 19 – January 31 | 5 | 15 |
| 2 | October 7 – January 19 | 5 | 15 |
| 3 | October 7–22 and November 4 – January 31 | 5 | 15 |
| 4 | September 1–15 and October 7 – January 4 | 5 | 15 |
White-fronted
| Area | Daily Bag | Possession | |
| 1 | October 7 – January 19 | 10 | 30 |
| 2 | October 19 – January 31 | 10 | 30 |
| 3 | November 6 – February 18 | 10 | 30 |
Light Goose
| Area | DailyLimit | Possession | |
| 1 | October 7 – January 19 | 20 | 60 |
| 2 | October 19 – January 31 | 20 | 60 |
| 3 | November 27 – March 10 | 20 | 60 |
| 4 | October 7 – December 13 and February 3 – March 10 | 20 | 60 |
Swan Controlled Hunt
- Oct 7 – Dec 1
Dove
- September 1 – October 30
Crow
- October 8 – February 28
Sandhill Crane
| Area | |
| 1-Bear Lake | September 1–30 |
| 2-Teton | September 1–15 |
| 3-Fremont | September 1–15 |
| September 16–30 | |
| 4-Jefferson | September 1–15 |
| September 16–30 | |
| 5-Swan Lake | September 1–30 |
| 6-Malad | September 1–30 |
Rabbit
| 30-Aug | 31-Mar |
Upland Birds
| Chukar & Gray Partridge | 17-Sep | 31-Jan | Statewide |
Pheasant
| Area (Roosters only) | ||
| 1 | 13-Oct – 31-Dec | Bag 3 daily |
| 2 | 20-Oct – 30-Nov | |
| 3 | 20-Oct – 31-Dec |
Grouse
| Dusky, Ruffed & Spruce – Area 2 | 30-Aug – 31-Dec |
| Blue, Ruffed, and Spruce – Area 1 | 30-Aug – 31-Jan |
| Sage | 17-Sep – 31-Oct |
| Sharp-tailed | 1-Oct – 31-Oct |
Hunting Location
There are 3 regions. Area 3 comprises the panhandle and the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, whereas Area 2 contains the eastern counties and Valley county. Area 1 includes the central and southern counties.
Regulations
Hunting in the state requires some basic formalities such as a hunting license, Turkey and game animal tags and Hunter education.
If you’re eight or older and have never purchased a hunting license in Idaho or another state, you’re eligible for the Hunting Passport program. However you must never have bought another state’s hunting license.
Updated Regulations
New rules are below.
- Large game may be hunted using mechanical broadheads and lighted nocks.
- Crossbows and airguns (within caliber limits) may be used to hunt turkeys and other game birds.
- Optometrists may now testify to a person’s necessity for a weapon modification.
- Damage Payment Increased annual compensation to landowners for big game damage to property and crops and access to depredation claims.
- Big Game Units – Elk zones and restricted hunt areas have been modified to simplify boundaries. Previously, hunters were frustrated by their inability to articulate or recognize boundaries. Many of the new boundary lines correspond with roads or other clearly defined aspects to make them more logical.
Idaho Super Hunt
Idaho Super Hunts are special big game opportunities for any open hunt. 34 hunters win the chance to hunt elk, deer, pronghorn, and moose each year. To enter the drawing, hunters can do so online with a credit card, at license vendors, by phone with a credit card, at Fish and Game offices with a check/debit/credit card, or by mail with a check. The Super Hunt Drawings have two deadlines, May 31 and August 10, and winners will be notified in mid-June and mid-August, respectively. The Super Hunt Combo Drawings cost $20 and include all four species, while the single species drawing costs $6. A convenience fee plus $3.50 will be added for online and phone entries.
Contacts
Address
Idaho fish and game
600 S. Walnut,
Boise, ID 83712
Phone Number
(208) 334-3700
License Contact
If you have any questions about the acquisition of licenses, tags, or permits, contact licenses@idfg.idaho.gov
FAQ
How much is an Idaho hunting license?
Residents pay $38.75 for the Adult Combination H&F License, while the 3-year option is $97.00. The Combination – Junior H&F license is offered to junior hunters (14-17 years old) for $19.00, and the 3-year option is available for $49.00. The Combination – Senior H&F license is available to senior hunters (65 years and above) for $13.75, while the 3-year option costs $33.50. Priced at $144.60 is the Combination – Sportsman’s Package. There are discounted charges for those with disabilities: Disabled American Veterans – Combination H&F, Disabled American Veterans – Fishing, and Disabled Persons – Combination H&F permits may be purchased for $5.75, with the 3-year combination option costing $11.50.
Where is the best duck hunting in Idaho?
The Snake River is one of the best places to go, among other places. Hunters may hide in places with reeds and bushes along the Snake River as they wait for flocks of ducks to come.
Other areas include the Southeast, Southwest, Magic Valley, Panhandle, Upper Snake, and Southeast. Boundary-Creek Smith Wildlife Management Area, which borders Canada, is a suggested spot for early-season waterfowl. Additionally, one of the biggest and most well-known sites in the state, C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area, provides excellent prospects for ducks.
Can i hunt on my own property in Idaho?
In most cases, hunters who have authorization to hunt on private property are allowed to take whatever game animals they kill. Since much of the state landscape is under private ownership.
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