Idaho Hunting Season 2023-2024 🏹New Regulation & Latest Dates

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Idaho Hunting Seasons for 2023-2024 offers several public and private property hunting possibilities. The state is home to various valuable game animals due to its vast geography and different habitats. Hunting and outdoor lovers alike will find Idaho attractive when combined with the state’s favorable gun laws. Therefore, if you’re eager to go on a thrilling hunting expedition, now is the ideal time to prepare and head to Idaho’s rich hunting areas.

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 Idaho hunting season 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

Fans of the great outdoors may look forward to a memorable hunting season in Idaho in 2023-2024. Elk, deer, and antelope are just a few examples of the many types of game animals accessible for hunting.

Here’s a complete hunting list that you may game.

Bear Season

Black Bear UnitsSeason DatesDays Dogs Are Not Allowed
1Aug 30 - Oct 31Jan 1 - Dec 31
Apr 15 - Jun 15
2, 3, 5Aug 30 - Oct 31Aug 30 - Sep 14,
Apr 15 - Jun 15Oct 10 - Oct 31,
Apr 15 - Apr 30
4, 4AAug 30 - Nov 30Aug 30 - Sep 14,
Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 10 - Oct 31,
Apr 15 - Apr 30
6Aug 30 - Nov 30Aug 30 - Sep 14,
Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 10 - Oct 31
26Aug 30 - Nov 30, Apr 1 - Jun 30Sep 15 - Oct 31
27Aug 30 - Nov 30, Apr 1 - Jun 30Sep 15 - Nov 8
29, 30, 30A, 36AAug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 15Oct 1 - Oct 31
33Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 5 - Oct 31
34, 35, 36, 39Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 5 - Oct 31
43, 44,48Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 15Oct 1 - Oct 31
45, 49,52Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 15Oct 1 - Oct 31
50, 51,58, 59,59AAug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 1 - Oct 31
60Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 1 - Oct 31
60A, 63, 63AAug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 1 - Oct 31
61Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 1 - Oct 31
62, 62AAug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Jan 1 - Dec 31
66A, 76Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 15Oct 1 - Oct 31
64, 65,66, 67,69Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 30Oct 1 - Oct 31
71, 72,Aug 30 - Oct 31, Apr 15 - Jun 15Aug 30 - Oct 31,
74, 75,Apr 15 - Jun 15
77, 78
Fall Controlled Hunt AreasSep 15 - Oct 9
Sep 1 - Oct 31
Sep 1 - Oct 31
Sep 1 - Oct 31
Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt AreasSep 1 - Oct 31
Spring Black Bear Controlled HuntsApr 1 - May 22
Apr 1 - May 22
Apr 1 - May 22

Mountain Lions

Mountain Lion UnitsStart DatesEnd DatesDogs Not Allowed On
000130-Aug-2330-Jun-23Aug 30 - Dec 1
Apr I - Jun 30
2, 3, 530-Aug-2330-Jun-23Aug 30 - Sep 14
Oct 10 - Dec 1
4, 4A, 630-Aug-2330-Jun-23Aug 30 - Sep 14
Oct 10 - Oct 31
7, 9, 10, 1230-Aug-2330-Jun-23Oct 10 - Oct 31
8, l lA30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Dec 1
SA, lOA30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Aug 30 - Sep 14
Oct 10 - Dec 1
001130-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Dec 1
001330-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Nov 3
14, 15, 1630-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Nov 20
16A, 17, 19, 2030-Aug-2330-Jun-23Sep 15 - Oct 31
001830-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Nov 20
19A30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 1 - Nov 24
20A, 2630-Aug-2330-Apr-23Sep 15 - Oct 31
21A30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Nov 8
21, 2830-Aug-2330-Jun-23Oct 10 - Nov 8
22, 31, 3230-Aug-2331-Mar-23Aug 30 - Nov 24
002330-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 1 - Nov 24
24, 2530-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 5 - Nov 24
002730-Aug-2330-Jun-23Sep 15 - Nov 8
29, 30, 30A, 36A,
37
, 37A
30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct I - Nov 8
32A30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Aug 30 - Nov 3
Nov 10 - Nov 24
33, 34, 35, 3630-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 5 - Nov 8
36B30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 10 - Nov 8
003830-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 5 - Nov 30
003930-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 5 - Nov 9
004030-Aug-2330-Jun-23Oct 5 - Nov 24
41, 4230-Aug-2330-Jun-23Oct 5 - Nov 24
43,44,46, 48, 54,
55, 57,63, 63A,64,
65, 67, 68,68A, 71,
73A, 74,
30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 1 - Nov 30
45,47,49,50,51,52,52A,66,66A,69,70,72,73,75,76,77,7830-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 1 - Nov 30
60,60A,61,62,62A30-Aug-2331-Mar-23Oct 1 - Nov 30

Bobcat Season

GamesHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
BobcatThursday, December 14, 2023Friday, February 16, 2024

Coyote Season

GamesHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
CoyoteSunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023

Wolf Season

UnitsSeason Dates
Wolf Hunting Season
Statewide (Private Land)July 1 - June 30
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 (Public Land)
Apr 1 - Nov 14
Nov 15 - Mar 31
29, 32, 32A, 36A,
37, 49, 50, 51 (Public Land)
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 (Public Land)
July 1 - June 30
Wolf Trapping Season
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 (Private Land)
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 (Private Land)July 1 - June 30
1 (Public Land)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 (Public Land)
Sep 10 - Nov 14
Nov 15 - Mar 31
3 (Public Land)Sep 10 - Nov 14
Nov 15 - Mar 31
10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, 20 (Public Land)Sep 10 - Oct 9
Oct 10 - Mar 31
38, 39 (Public Land)Sep 10 - Nov 14
Nov 15 - Mar 31
60, 61, 62, 62A (Public Land)Nov 15 - Mar 31
48, 49 (Public Land)None

Deer Season

Idaho Deer SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Regular Deer
Archery only30-Aug-2331-Dec-23
Short range weapons30-Aug-2324-Nov-23
General (Any weapon)15-Sep-2320-Nov-23
Muzzleloader only10-Nov-231-Dec-23
Controlled Hunt
Any weapon15-Aug-2320-Dec-23
Archery only15-Aug-2319-Dec-23
Youth only30-Aug-2331-Dec-23
Muzzleloader only1-Oct-239-Dec-23
White-tailed Deer
General (Any weapon)15-Sep-239-Dec-23
Archery only30-Aug-2331-Dec-23
General Muzzleloader Only10-Nov-239-Dec-23
Short Range Weapon 10-Oct-2331-Dec-23

Note: Download Complete ID Deer Season Printable PDF Here

Elk Season

Elk Season IdahoCategoryHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
ArcheryA TagWednesday, August 30, 2023Saturday, September 30, 2023
Any WeaponA TagTuesday, August 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
Archery B TagTuesday, August 01, 2023Saturday, September 30, 2023
MuzzleloaderA TagFriday, September 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
Any WeaponB TagTuesday, October 10, 2023Saturday, December 30, 2023
Late Archery A TagFriday, December 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
MuzzleloaderB TagSaturday, December 02, 2023Friday, December 08, 2023

Note: Download Complete ID Elk Season Printable PDF Here

ID Elk Hunting 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 Season

Moose SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Moose (Antlered Controlled)Wednesday, August 30, 2023Friday, December 01, 2023
Moose (Antlerless Controlled)Sunday, October 15, 2023Thursday, November 23, 2023

Note: Download Complete ID Moose Season Printable PDF Here

Bighorn Sheep Season

Idaho Bighorn Sheep SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Controlled Hunts30-Aug-238-Oct-23
Controlled Hunts - Rams Only 30-Aug-2331-Oct-23

Mountain Goat Season

Idaho Mountain Goat SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Controlled Hunts Either Sex30-Aug-2312-Nov-23

Pronghorn Season

Controlled Hunt Pronghorn SeasonSeason Dates
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Either Sex Sep 25 - Oct 24
Doe or Fawn Oct 25 - Nov 30
Doe or Fawn Nov 1 - Nov 30
Doe or Fawn Nov 1 - Nov 30
Archery Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Archery Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Archery Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Archery Only Aug 15 - Aug 30
Archery Only Sep 1 - Sep 15
Archery Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Archery Only Aug 15 - Aug 30
Archery Only Sep 10 - Sep 24
Archery Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Archery Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Muzzleloader Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Muzzleloader Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Muzzleloader Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Muzzleloader Only Aug 15 - Sep 15
Muzzleloader Only Aug 15 - Aug 30
Muzzleloader Only 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
Youth Only (Either sex, Archery only)Aug 15 - Sep 15
Youth Only (Doe or Fawn only)Oct 25 - Dec 31
Youth Only (Doe or Fawn only)Aug 15 - Oct 24
Youth Only (Either sex, Muzzleloader only)Aug 8 - Oct 24

Note: Please match the Deer, Elk and Pronghorn dates below in the detailed guide before planning the trip to the wild. More information about seasons, units, and rulesmay be found in the regulations.

Download the regulations & Idaho Hunting Season 2023-2024 Printable PDF Here

Turkey Season

ID Turkey SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End Dates
Spring Turkey
GMU 1, 215-Apr-2325-May-23
GMU 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
15-Apr-2325-May-23
GMU 32A, 33, 39, 68A, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77 & 7815-Apr-2325-May-23
GMU 2 (Archery only)8-Apr-2325-May-23
Spring Controlled Hunt Season
21A-1: All of Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage15-Apr-2325-May-23
36B-1: All of Units 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage.15-Apr-2325-May-23
38-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.15-Apr-2330-Apr-23
38-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.1-May-2325-May-23
50-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.15-Apr-2330-Apr-23
50-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.1-May-2325-May-23
54: All of Unit 54.15-Apr-2325-May-23
Spring Controlled Hunts Youth Only
21A-1: All of Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage8-Apr-2325-May-23
36B-1: All of Units 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage.8-Apr-2325-May-23
50-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.8-Apr-2325-May-23
54: All of Unit 54.8-Apr-2325-May-23
Spring Landowner Permission Season

38-2: Private land only in all of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.
15-Apr-2325-May-23
Youth Only Spring Turkey
GMU 1, 28-Apr-2314-Apr-23
GMU 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
8-Apr-2314-Apr-23
GMU 32A, 33, 39, 68A, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77 & 788-Apr-2314-Apr-23
GMU 32 & 388-Apr-2325-May-23
Fall Turkey Season
GMU 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7 & 930-Aug-2331-Jan-24
GMU 21-Nov-231-Dec-23
GMU 8, 8A, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 18 31-Dec-23
GMU 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, & 2030-Aug-239-Oct-23
GMU Outside the National Forest System boundary in Units 22, 31, 32, & 32A30-Aug-239-Oct-23
GMU 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, & 7815-Sep-2330-Nov-23
Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt
22-1: All of Units 22, and 3130-Aug-239-Oct-23
50-1: All of Units 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.15-Sep-2330-Nov-23
Fall Landowner Permission Required Hunts
22-3: Private land only, outside the national Forest System Boundary in Units 22, 31 and 321-Dec-2331-Dec-23
38-2: Private land only in all of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.1-Sep-2331-Dec-23
68A: All of Unit 68A1-Dec-2331-Dec-23
69: All of Unit 691-Dec-2331-Dec-23
70: All of Unit 701-Dec-2331-Dec-23
71: All of Unit 711-Dec-2331-Dec-23
73: All of Unit 731-Dec-2331-Dec-23
74: All of Unit 741-Dec-2331-Dec-23
77: All of Unit 771-Dec-2331-Dec-23
Fall Controlled Hunts
21A-1: All of Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage.1-Sep-2331-Dec-23
22-2: Outside the National Forest System boundary in Units 22, 31, and 32 (except that portion of Payette County).10-Oct-2331-Dec-23
36B-1: All of Units 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage.15-Sep-2331-Dec-23
38-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.15-Sep-239-Oct-23
68A: All of Unit 68A15-Sep-2330-Nov-23

Duck Season, Merganser, Coots & Wilson’s Snipe Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Area 1:
DuckOctober 19, 2023 – January 31, 20247 (exceptions apply)3 times daily bag limit
ScaupNovember 7, 2023 – January 31, 202423 times daily bag limit
Area 2:
DuckOctober 7, 2023 – January 19, 20247 (exceptions apply)3 times daily bag limit
ScaupOctober 7, 2023 – December 31, 202323 times daily bag limit
Area 3:
DuckOctober 7, 2023 – January 19, 20247 (exceptions apply)3 times daily bag limit
ScaupOctober 26, 2023 – January 19, 202423 times daily bag limit
Youth and Veterans/Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Weekend:
DuckSeptember 23–24, 20237 (exceptions apply)3 times daily bag limit
Bag Limits:
SpeciesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Wilson's Snipe83 times daily bag limit
Coot253 times daily bag limit
Duck7 (exceptions apply)3 times daily bag limit
Female Mallard2-
Redhead2-
Pintail1-
Canvasback2-
Scaup2-

ID Goose Season

Canada Goose Season

ID Canada Goose SeasonSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Area 1October 19, 2023 – January 31, 2024515
Area 2October 7, 2023 – January 19, 2024515
Area 3October 7–22, 2023 and November 4, 2023 – January 31, 2024515
Area 4September 1–15, 2023 and October 7, 2023 – January 4, 2024515

White-fronted Goose

ID White-fronted Goose SeasonSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Area 1October 7, 2023 – January 19, 20241030
Area 2October 19, 2023 – January 31, 20241030
Area 3November 6, 2023 – February 18, 20241030

Light Goose Seasons

Light Goose SeasonSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Area 1October 7, 2023 – January 19, 20242060
Area 2October 19, 2023 – January 31, 20242060
Area 3November 27, 2023 – March 10, 20242060
Area 4October 7, 2023 – December 13, 2023 and February 3, 2024 – March 10, 20242060

Swan Controlled Hunt Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Swan Controlled Hunt SeasonOct 7, 2023 – Dec 1, 202311

Dove Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Mourning DoveSeptember 1, 2023 – October 30, 20231545
White-winged DoveSeptember 1, 2023 – October 30, 20231545

Crow Season

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
American CrowOctober 8, 2023 – February 28, 2024No limitsNo limits

Sandhill Crane Seasons

Sandhill Crane AreaSeason Dates
1-Bear LakeSeptember 1–30
2-TetonSeptember 1–15
3-FremontSeptember 1–15
3-FremontSeptember 16–30
4-JeffersonSeptember 1–15
4-JeffersonSeptember 16–30
5-Swan LakeSeptember 1–30
6-MaladSeptember 1–30

The below season dates are with reference to last season schedule. Please check before planning.

Rabbit Season

Rabbit SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Rabbit (Cottontail)30-Aug31-MarA bag limit of 8 daily
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)30-Aug31-MarA bag limit of 8 daily

Upland Birds

ID Upland Bird SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateLocationBag Limit
Chukar & Gray Partridge17-Sep31-JanStatewideA bag limit 8 per day for each chukar & gray partridge.

Pheasant Season

Pheasant SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Pheasant – Area 1 (Roosters only)13-Oct31-DecA bag limit of 3 daily
Pheasant – Area 2 (Roosters only)20-Oct30-NovA bag limit of 3 daily
Pheasant – Area 3 (Roosters only)20-Oct31-DecA bag limit of 3 daily

Grouse Season

Grouse Seaon in IdahoHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Grouse – Dusky, Ruffed & Spruce – Area 230-Aug31-DecGrouse species include blue (dusky), ruffed, and spruce. There is a daily limit of four bags.
Grouse – Blue, Ruffed, and Spruce – Area 130-Aug31-JanDaily maximum of 4 bags. Counties outside of management units 8, 8A, 10, and 10A: Boundary, Bonner, and Kootenai; parts of Latah and Clearwater in units 6 and 9; and Counties of Benewah and Shoshone.
Grouse – Sage17-Sep31-OctThere are different units: 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5B, 6E, 6W, 7A, 7B, and 8. Daily and total per season cap of 2.
Grouse – Sharp-tailed1-Oct31-Oct(Area 1 only) For further information, please refer to the rules. Daily maximum of 2 bag

Idaho Hunting Seasons
Idaho Hunting Seasons

Hunting Location

Idaho has 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. Idaho Fish and Game’s website has a hunting map.

Hunting Regulations

Idaho’s hunting seasons provide for a variety of activities while focusing on opportunity. Idaho hunting 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 hunting 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 Hunting 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 hunting opportunities in Idaho 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 hunting 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 for Idaho Hunting

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  

FAQs on Idaho Hunting

How much is an Idaho hunting license?

The cost of a hunting license in Idaho varies based on the category and term of the license. Residents pay $38.75 for the Adult Combination Hunting and Fishing License, while the 3-year option is $97.00. The Combination – Junior Hunting and Fishing 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 Hunting and Fishing 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 Hunting and Fishing, Disabled American Veterans – Fishing, and Disabled Persons – Combination Hunting and Fishing 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 duck hunting in Idaho, 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 in Idaho that allow duck hunting 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 hunting. Additionally, one of the biggest and most well-known hunting sites in the state, C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area, provides excellent prospects for duck hunting.

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 Idaho’s landscape is under private ownership.

John Lewis

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