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Idaho Hunting Season 2024 🏹New Regulation & Latest Dates

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 UnitsDates
1Aug 30 – Oct 31
 Apr 15 – Jun 15
2, 3, 5Aug 30 – Oct 31
 Apr 15 – Jun 15
4, 4AAug 30 – Nov 30
 Apr 15 – Jun 30
6Aug 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, 67,69Aug 30 – Nov 30, Apr 1 – Jun 30
66A, 76, 29, 30, 30A, 36A, 43, 44,48, 45, 49,52, 71, 72, 74, 75, 77, 78Aug 30 – Oct 31, Apr 15 – Jun 15
Fall Controlled Hunt AreasSep 15 – Oct 9
 Sep 1 – Oct 31
Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt AreasSep 1 – Oct 31
Spring Black Bear Controlled HuntsApr 1 – May 22
 
Days Dogs Are Not Allowed
1Jan 1 – Dec 31
2, 3, 5Aug 30 – Sep 14,
 Oct 10 – Oct 31,
 Apr 15 – Apr 30
4, 4AAug 30 – Sep 14,
 Oct 10 – Oct 31,
 Apr 15 – Apr 30
6Aug 30 – Sep 14,
 Oct 10 – Oct 31
26Sep 15 – Oct 31
27Sep 15 – Nov 8
33, 34, 35, 36, 39Oct 5 – Oct 31
50, 51,58, 59,59A, 60, 60A, 63, 63A, 61Oct 1 – Oct 31
62, 62AJan 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, 78Oct 1 – Oct 31
71, 72,Aug 30 – Oct 31,
74, 75,Apr 15 – Jun 15

Mountain Lions

UnitsStartEndDogs Not Allowed On
130-Aug30-JunAug 30 – Dec 1
Apr I – Jun 30
2, 3, 5Aug 30 – Sep 14
Oct 10 – Dec 1
4, 4A, 6Aug 30 – Sep 14
Oct 10 – Oct 31
7, 9, 10, 12Oct 10 – Oct 31
8, l lA31-MarOct 10 – Dec 1
SA, lOAAug 30 – Sep 14
Oct 10 – Dec 1
11Oct 10 – Dec 1
13Oct 10 – Nov 3
14, 15, 16Oct 10 – Nov 20
16A, 17, 19, 2030-JunSep 15 – Oct 31
1831-MarOct 10 – Nov 20
19AOct 1 – Nov 24
20A, 2630-AprSep 15 – Oct 31
21A31-MarOct 10 – Nov 8
21, 2830-JunOct 10 – Nov 8
22, 31, 3231-MarAug 30 – Nov 24
23Oct 1 – Nov 24
24, 25Oct 5 – Nov 24
2730-JunSep 15 – Nov 8
29, 30, 30A, 36A,
37, 37A
31-MarOct I – Nov 8
32AAug 30 – Nov 3
Nov 10 – Nov 24
33, 34, 35, 36Oct 5 – Nov 8
36BOct 10 – Nov 8
38Oct 5 – Nov 30
39Oct 5 – Nov 9
4030-JunOct 5 – Nov 24
41, 42Oct 5 – Nov 24
43,44,46, 48, 54,
55, 57,63, 63A,64,
65, 67, 68,68A, 71,
73A, 74,
31-MarOct 1 – Nov 30
45,47,49,50,51,52,52A,66,66A,69,70,72,73,75,76,77,78Oct 1 – Nov 30
60,60A,61,62,62AOct 1 – Nov 30

Bobcat

  • December 14 – February 16

Coyote

  • January 1 – December 31

Wolf

UnitsDates
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, 49July 1 – June 30
(Public Land)
1Nov 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
3Sep 10 – Nov 14
 Nov 15 – Mar 31
10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, 20Sep 10 – Oct 9
 Oct 10 – Mar 31
38, 39Sep 10 – Nov 14
 Nov 15 – Mar 31
60, 61, 62, 62ANov 15 – Mar 31
48, 49None

Deer

Regular Deer  
Archery only30-Aug31-Dec
Short range weapons30-Aug24-Nov
General (Any weapon)15-Sep20-Nov
Muzzleloader only10-Nov1-Dec
   
Controlled Hunt  
 Any weapon15-Aug20-Dec
Archery only15-Aug19-Dec
Youth only30-Aug31-Dec
Muzzleloader only1-Oct9-Dec
   
White-tailed  
General (Any weapon)15-Sep9-Dec
Archery only30-Aug31-Dec
General Muzzleloader Only10-Nov9-Dec
Short Range Weapon10-Oct31-Dec

Elk Season

ArcherySeptember 10 – October 31September 10 – November 30
Any WeaponOctober 14 – November 30October 14 – November 30
Archery + MuzzleloaderOctober 21 – November 12October 21 – November 12
Any Weapon + MuzzleloaderNovember 13 – December 31November 13 – December 31
Late ArcheryDecember 1 – 31December 1 – 31
MuzzleloaderOctober 30 – November 12October 30 – November 12

ID Elk Application & Regulation

ID Elk Hunting Application & RegulationDetails
Idaho Elk HuntingElk tags for the 2023 season are selling out rapidly as the Idaho elk hunting season grows in popularity.
Booking OutfittersReservations for the 2024 and 2025 seasons are quickly filling up, and outfitters are already fully booked for the 2023 season.
Growing PopularityDue 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 SurveyAccording to a poll, one in ten new residents of Idaho chose the state for its hunting options.
Backcountry ExperienceWith guided horseback excursions into the woods, Idaho provides a traditional backcountry hunting experience.
Stalking GameAlthough outfitters provide helpful information, for a fair-chase hunting experience, sportsmen must still pursue wildlife and take precise shots.
Elk and Deer Outlook for 2023A 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 AccessWolf population reduction initiatives and path upkeep have made it easier to reach the backcountry hunting grounds.
Tag AvailabilityBig 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" Tagsvarious hunt dates and permitted weapons may apply to various tags, like as late-season muzzleloader hunts.
Limited Outfitter Tags and Non-Resident OpportunitiesNon-residents may no longer purchase outfitter set-aside tags, although certain zones still provide open bull elk tags.
Capped Zone Tags and Surplus TagsThere 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 HuntingElk 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 Hunts30-Aug – 8-Oct
Controlled Hunts – Rams Only30-Aug – 31-Oct

Mountain Goat

Controlled Hunts Either Sex30-Aug – 12-Nov

Pronghorn

a

Either SexSep 25 – Oct 24
Doe or FawnOct 25 – Nov 30
 Nov 1 – Nov 30
Archery OnlyAug 15 – Sep 15
 Aug 15 – Aug 30
 Sep 1 – Sep 15
Muzzleloader OnlyAug 15 – Sep 15
 Aug 15 – Aug 30
 Sep 10 – Sep 24
Short Range WeaponSep 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

GMUStartEnd
Spring  
1, 215-Apr25-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 drainage15-Apr25-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-May25-May
50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.15-Apr30-Apr
50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.1-May25-May
54:54:0015-Apr
   
Spring Controlled Hunts Youth Only  
21A-1:21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage8-Apr25-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-Apr25-May
   
Youth Only Spring Turkey  
1, 28-Apr14-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 & 3825-May
   
Fall  
1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7 & 930-Aug31-Jan
21-Nov1-Dec
8, 8A, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 18 31-Dec
10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, & 2030-Aug9-Oct
Outside the National Forest System boundary in 22, 31, 32, & 32A30-Aug9-Oct
70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, & 7815-Sep30-Nov
   
 Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt  
22-1:22, and 3130-Aug9-Oct
50-1:50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.15-Sep30-Nov
   
Fall Landowner Permission Required Hunts  
22-3: Private land only, outside the national Forest System Boundary in 22, 31 and 321-Dec31-Dec
38-2: Private land only in38 and that portion of 32 in Payette County.1-Sep
68A:68A1-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-Sep31-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-Sep9-Oct
68A:68A30-Nov

Goose

Canada

Area Daily BagPossession
1October 19 – January 31515
2October 7 – January 19515
3October 7–22 and November 4 – January 31515
4September 1–15 and October 7 – January 4515

White-fronted

Area Daily BagPossession
1October 7 – January 191030
2October 19 – January 311030
3November 6 – February 181030

Light Goose

Area DailyLimitPossession
1October 7 – January 192060
2October 19 – January 312060
3November 27 – March 102060
4October 7 – December 13 and February 3 – March 102060

Swan Controlled Hunt

  • Oct 7 – Dec 1

Dove

  • September 1 – October 30

Crow

  • October 8 – February 28

Sandhill Crane

Area 
1-Bear LakeSeptember 1–30
2-TetonSeptember 1–15
3-FremontSeptember 1–15
 September 16–30
4-JeffersonSeptember 1–15
 September 16–30
5-Swan LakeSeptember 1–30
6-MaladSeptember 1–30

Rabbit

30-Aug31-Mar

Upland Birds

Chukar & Gray Partridge17-Sep31-JanStatewide

Pheasant

Area (Roosters only)  
113-Oct – 31-DecBag 3 daily
220-Oct – 30-Nov
320-Oct – 31-Dec

Grouse

Dusky, Ruffed & Spruce – Area 230-Aug – 31-Dec
Blue, Ruffed, and Spruce – Area 130-Aug – 31-Jan
Sage17-Sep – 31-Oct
Sharp-tailed1-Oct – 31-Oct

Idaho Hunting Seasons

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.
  • 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 [email protected]  

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.

John Lewis
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