Idaho Hunting Seasons 2023 ๐Ÿน[Updated Schedule!]

Hunters in Idaho have access to a vast number of both public and private hunting areas. The enormity of the state’s environment provides habitat for many different types of prized game animals. This, along with Idaho’s generous firearms restrictions, makes it a desirable location for hunters and campers. If you’re up for a hunting trip, then by all means, let’s get going!

With its wide array of wildlife, terrain, and hunting regulations, Idaho is an ideal destination for any hunter. In this article, we will discuss the Idaho hunting season, the types of game you can hunt, and the regulations you should be aware of. So, if youโ€™re ready to embark on a hunting adventure, letโ€™s get started!

Idaho Hunting Seasons
Idaho Hunting Seasons

Idaho Hunting Seasons

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

Hereโ€™s a complete hunting list that you may game.

Deer Seasons.

Idaho Deer SeasonCategoryHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Controlled Hunt Any weaponMonday-August 15, 2022Thursday-December 15, 2022
Controlled HuntArchery onlyMonday-August 15, 2022Monday-December 19, 2022
Controlled HuntYouth onlyTuesday-August 30, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Archery onlyTuesday-August 30, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Short range weaponsTuesday-August 30, 2022Thursday-November 24, 2022
GeneralAny weaponThursday-September 15, 2022Friday-November 18, 2022
Controlled Hunt Muzzleloader onlySaturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-December 14, 2022
Muzzleloader onlyThursday-November 10, 2022Thursday-December 1, 2022

* Seasons differ depending on location and circumstances. Please see the rules for further information on certain seasons, units, and permissible game

Antelope Season

Antelope Season in IdahoCategoryHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Youth Only 1Monday-August 8, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
Early Either-sexMonday-August 15, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022
Archery Either-sex 1Monday-August 15, 2022Tuesday-August 30, 2022
Muzzleloader Either-sex 1Monday-August 15, 2022Sunday-September 18, 2022
Youth Only 3Monday-August 15, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
Youth Only 2Monday-August 15, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022
Archery Either-sex 2Monday-August 15, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022
Archery Either-sex 3Saturday-September 10, 2022Saturday-September 24, 2022
MuzzleloaderEither-sex 2Monday-September 19, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
Youth Only 4Either-sex 3Sunday-September 25, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
MuzzleloaderSunday-September 25, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
Regular Either-sexSunday-September 25, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
Short Range Either-sexSunday-September 25, 2022Monday-October 24, 2022
Doe/Fawn 1Tuesday-October 25, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Youth Only 5Tuesday-October 25, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Doe/Fawn 2Tuesday-November 1, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022

* More information about certain restricted hunts may be found in the rules.

Elk Season

Elk Season IdahoCategoryHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
ArcheryA TagMonday-August 1, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022
Any WeaponA TagMonday-August 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Archery B TagMonday-August 1, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022
MuzzleloaderA TagThursday-September 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Any WeaponB TagMonday-October 10, 2022Friday-December 30, 2022
Late Archery A TagThursday-December 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
MuzzleloaderB TagFriday-December 2, 2022Thursday-December 8, 2022

* Seasons differ depending on location and circumstances. Please see the rules for further information on certain seasons, units, and authorized game. 

Idaho Bear Season

Idaho Bear SeasonUnitHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Fall Black BearUnit 1Tuesday-August 30, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022
Fall Black Bear Unit 8Tuesday-August 30, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022
Fall Black Bear Unit 2, 3, 5Tuesday-August 30, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022
Fall Black Bear Unit 11Tuesday-August 30, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022
Fall Black Bear Unit 6Tuesday-August 30, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Fall Black Bear Unit 7, 9Tuesday-August 30, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Fall Black BearUnit 4, 4ATuesday-August 30, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Fall Bear Unit 10, 12Tuesday-August 30, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Spring BearUnit 10, 12Saturday-April 1, 2023Friday-June 30, 2023
Spring Black Bear Unit 2, 3, 5Saturday-April 15, 2023Thursday-June 15, 2023
Spring Black Bear Unit 11Saturday-April 15, 2023Wednesday-May 31, 2023
Spring Black Bear Unit 4, 4ASaturday-April 15, 2023Friday-June 30, 2023
Spring Black Bear Unit 8Saturday-April 15, 2023Wednesday-May 31, 2023
Spring Black Bear Unit 1Saturday-April 15, 2023Thursday-June 15, 2023
Spring Black Bear Unit 6Saturday-April 15, 2023Friday-June 30, 2023

Bobcat, Coyote and Mountain Lion Season in Idaho

GamesHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
BobcatWednesday-December 14, 2022Thursday-February 16, 2023
CoyoteSaturday-January 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Mountain Lion (Winter Season)Tuesday-August 30, 2022Friday-June 30, 2023

** More information about seasons, units, and rules may be found in the regulations

Duck & Dove Season

GamesHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag LimitNote
Dove โ€“ MourningThursday-September 1, 2022Sunday-October 30, 2022Bag limit per day is 15. See regulations for further details.
Duck โ€“ Area 2Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-January 13, 2023Bag limit per day is 7 Scaup dates vary (See regulations for details.)
Duck โ€“ Area 1Wednesday-October 19, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Bag limit per day is 7 Scaup dates vary (See regulations for details.)
Quai (Bobwhite and California)Saturday-September 17, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Daily bag limit of 10.Bobwhite and california quail.

Goose Season

Goose Season IdahoHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag limit
Canada Goose Area-3Thursday-September 1, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022Daily bag limit of 5.
Canada Goose Area 3-Regular SeasonSaturday-October 1, 2022Thursday-December 29, 2022Daily bag limit of 4.
Light Goose Area-1Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-January 13, 2023Daily bag limit of 20.
Light Goose Area 4-EarlySaturday-October 1, 2022Friday-December 9, 2022Bag limit of 20 per day.
Canada Goose Area-2Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-January 13, 2023Bag limit of 4 per day.
White-fronted Goose Area-1Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-January 13, 2023Bag limit of 10 per day.
White-fronted Goose Area-2Wednesday-October 19, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Bag limit of 10 per day.
Light Goose Area-2Wednesday-October 19, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Bag limit of 20 per day.
Canada Goose Area-1Wednesday-October 19, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Bag limit of 4 per day.
White-fronted Goose Area-3Monday-November 7, 2022Sunday-February 19, 2023Bag limit of 10 per day.
Light Goose Area-3Saturday-November 26, 2022Friday-March 10, 2023Bag limit of 20 per day.
Light Goose Area 4 -LateSaturday-February 4, 2023Friday-March 10, 2023Bag limit of 20 per day.

Grouse Season

Grouse Seaon in IdahoHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Grouse โ€“ Dusky, Ruffed & Spruce โ€“ Area 2Tuesday-August 30, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Grouse species include blue (dusky), ruffed, and spruce. There is a daily limit of four bags.
Grouse โ€“ Blue, Ruffed, and Spruce โ€“ Area 1Tuesday-August 30, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Daily 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 โ€“ SageSaturday-September 17, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022There are different units: 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5B, 6E, 6W, 7A, 7B, and 8. Daily and total per season cap of 2.
Grouse โ€“ Sharp-tailedSaturday-October 1, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022(Area 1 only) For further information, please refer to the rules. Daily maximum of 2 bag

Moose Season

Moose SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Moose (Antlered Controlled)Tuesday-August 30, 2022Thursday-December 1, 2022
Moose (Antlerless Controlled)Saturday-October 15, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022

* More information about seasons, units, and rules may be found in the regulations.

Rabbit Season

Rabbit SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Rabbit (Cottontail)Tuesday-August 30, 2022Friday-March 31, 2023A bag limit of 8 daily
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)Tuesday-August 30, 2022Friday-March 31, 2023A bag limit of 8 daily

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Sandhill Crane-1Thursday-September 1, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022A bag limit of 2 per season
Sandhill Crane-2Friday-September 16, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022A bag limit of 2 per season

* For more information on seasons, units, and regulations, see regulations.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
California Controlled HuntTuesday-August 30, 2022Saturday-October 8, 2022
Rocky Mountain ControlledTuesday-August 30, 2022Thursday-October 13, 2022
Rocky Mountain (Late Controlled)Friday-October 14, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022

Seasons, units, and laws are further explained in the regulations.

Turkey Season

Idaho Turkey SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateUnit
Fall General-2Tuesday, August 30, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Unit 8, 8A, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 18
Fall General-3Tuesday-August 30, 2022Sunday-October 9, 2022Unit 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, & 20
Fall Controlled Youth-1Tuesday-August 30, 2022Sunday-October 9, 202222-1: All of Units 22, 31.
Fall General-1Tuesday-August 30, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Unit 1, 2 (except Farragut State Park and Farragut WMA),\n3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7 & 9
Fall General-4Tuesday-August 30, 2022Sunday-October 9, 2022Outside the National Forest System boundary in Units 22, 31, 32 (except that portion in Payette County), & 32A
Fall Controlled Hunt-1Thursday-September 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 202221A-1: All of Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage.
Fall Controlled Hunt-3Thursday-September 15, 2022Saturday-December 31, 202236B-1: All of Units 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage
Fall General-5Thursday-September 15, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022Unit 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78.
Fall Controlled Youth-2Thursday-September 15, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 202250-1: All of Units 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69.
Fall Controlled Hunt-4Thursday-September 15, 2022Sunday-October 9, 202238-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.
Fall Controlled Hunt-2Monday-October 10, 2022Saturday-December 31, 202222-2: Outside the National Forest System boundary\nin Units 22, 31, and 32 (except that portion of Payette\nCounty).
Spring Controlled Youth-2Saturday-April 8, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202336B-1: All of Units 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage.
Spring Controlled Youth-3Saturday-April 8, 2023Thursday-May 25, 2023Unit 50-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62,\n62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.
Spring Controlled Youth-1Saturday-April 8, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202321A-1: All of Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage.
Spring General Youth-2Saturday-April 8, 2023Thursday-May 25, 2023Unit 32 (that portion in Payette County) & 38
Spring Controlled Youth-4Saturday-April 8, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202354: All of Unit 54
Spring General Youth-1Saturday-April 8, 2023Friday-April 14, 2023Unit 1, 2 (except Farragut State Park and Farragut WMA), 3, 4,\n4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17, 18,\n19, 19A, 20, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32 (except that portion in Payette\nCounty), 32A, 33, 39, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77 & 78
Spring Controlled Hunt-9Saturday-April 15, 2023Sunday-April 30, 202368A: All of Unit 68A.
Spring Controlled Hunt-3Saturday-April 15, 2023Sunday-April 30, 202338-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.
Spring Controlled Hunt-1Saturday-April 15, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202321A-1: All of Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of\nUnit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage
Spring Controlled Hunt-7Saturday-April 15, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202354: All of Unit 54.
Spring Controlled Hunt-5Saturday-April 15, 2023Sunday-April 30, 202350-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.
Spring GeneralSaturday-April 15, 2023Thursday-May 25, 2023Unit 1, 2 (excluding Farragut State Park and Farragut WMA), 3, 4,\n4A, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 11A, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16A, 17, 18,\n19, 19A, 20, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32 (except that portion in Payette\nCounty) 32A, 33, 39, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77 & 78
Spring Controlled Hunt-2Saturday-April 15, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202336B-1: All of Units 36A, 36B, 37, 37A, and that portion of Unit 28 upstream from and including the Hat Creek drainage.
Spring Controlled Hunt-6Monday-May 1, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202350-1: All of Unit 50, 51, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69.
Spring Controlled Hunt-4Monday-May 1, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202338-1: All of Unit 38 and that portion of Unit 32 in Payette County.
Spring Controlled Hunt-8Monday-May 15, 2023Thursday-May 25, 202354: All of Unit 54.

Wolf Season

Idaho Wolf SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
WolfFriday-July 1, 2022Friday-June 30, 2023

* Details about seasons, units, and rules may be found in the relevant regulations.

Upland Birds

ID Upland Bird SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateLocationBag Limit
Chukar & Gray PartridgeSaturday-September 17, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023StatewideA bag limit 8 per day for each chukar & gray partridge.

Pheasant Season

Pheasant SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateBag Limit
Pheasant โ€“ Area 1 (Roosters only)Thursday-October 13, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022A bag limit of 3 daily
Pheasant โ€“ Area 2 (Roosters only)Thursday-October 20, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022A bag limit of 3 daily
Pheasant โ€“ Area 3 (Roosters only)Thursday-October 20, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022A bag limit of 3 daily

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.
  • 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 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 [email protected]  

FAQs on Idaho Hunting

How much is an Idaho hunting license?

Following are the list of fees associated in obtaining a hunting license in Idaho.

  • Combination – Adult Hunting and Fishing for residents cost $ 38.75 and Combination – Adult Hunting and Fishing – 3 Year costs $ 97.00.
  • Combination – Junior Hunting and Fishing (14-17 yrs) costs $ 19.00 and Combination – Junior Hunting and Fishing (14-17 yrs) – 3 Year costs $ 49.00.
  • Combination – Senior Hunting and Fishing (65+ yrs) costs $ 13.75 and Combination – Senior Hunting and Fishing (65+ yrs) – 3 Year costs $ 33.50.
  • Combination – Sportsman’s Package costs $ 144.60
  • For Disabled American Veterans โ€“ Fishing, Disabled American Veterans – Combination Hunting and Fishing, Disabled Persons โ€“ Fishing and Disabled Persons – Combination Hunting and Fishing cost $ 5.75. And Disabled Persons – Combination Hunting and Fishing – 3 Year costs $ 11.50

Where is the best duck hunting in Idaho?

Snake River duck hunting is Idaho’s greatest spot. Choose an area somewhere along river where you may hide in the reeds & shrubs and wait for a flock to arrive.

Upper Snake, Panhandle, Magic Valley, Southeast, and Southwest allow duck hunting. Boundary-Creek Smith WMA, which borders Canada, is good for early season waterfowl hunting. C.J. Strike WMA is one of the state’s largest and greatest hunting areas.

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.

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