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 2025
🦌 Big Game
Deer
| Species | Season Dates | Key Units/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed | Oct 10 – Dec 1 | Units 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5, 6 |
| CWD testing in Units 14, 18, 23, 24 | ||
| Mule Deer | Aug 30 – Dec 31 (varies) | Archery: Early unit-specific dates |
| Youth hunts available |
Elk
| Zone Type | Season Details |
|---|---|
| Panhandle | A-tag: Oct 10-31 (muzzleloader) |
| B-tag: Oct 10 – Nov 14 (any weapon) | |
| Controlled | 28 zones; second tags for residents |
🐻 Predators & Small Game
Black Bear
| Season | Dates | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Aug 30 – Oct 31, 2025 | Online ID test, baiting allowed |
| Spring | Apr 15 – Jun 30, 2026 | Tooth submission required |
Mountain Lion & Wolf
| Species | Season Dates | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 | Dog restrictions in some units |
| Gray Wolf | Same as above | No bag limit, expanded methods |
🦃 Upland Birds
Turkey
| Season | Dates | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr 15 – May 25 | Youth: Apr 8-14 |
| Fall | Aug 30 – Jan 31 (varies) | Extended/limited units apply |
Pheasant & Grouse
| Species | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | Oct 11 – Dec 31 (Area 1) | 3 daily |
| Forest Grouse | Aug 30 – Jan 31 | 4 daily, 12 total |
🦆 Waterfowl
Ducks & Geese
| Species | Zone Dates |
|---|---|
| Ducks (Area 1) | Oct 19, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 |
| Canada Goose | Oct 19 – Jan 31 (Area 1) |
| Light Geese | Feb-Mar (spring conservation) |
🏔️ Premium Controlled Hunts
| Species | Application Window | Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Moose | Apr 1-30 | Aug 30 – Nov 23 |
| Bighorn Sheep | Apr 1-30 | Aug 30 – Oct 13 |
| Mountain Goat | Apr 1-30 | Aug 30 – Nov 12 |
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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