February 6, 2024

Idaho Hunting Season 2024 🏹New Regulation & Latest Dates

ID Hunting Season, Idaho Hunting Season, Idaho Hunting Season 2022, Idaho Hunting Season 2023

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		31-Mar	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		30-Jun	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

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.		25-May
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	25-May

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	15-Sep	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 [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.

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John Lewis

John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.