Idaho Hunting Guide
Complete Idaho hunting guide. Idaho hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.
Wildlife Agency
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Draw Application Deadlines
| Species | Type | Opens | Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk (Controlled) | Primary Draw | Apr 1 | Jun 5 | Late Jun |
| Deer (Controlled) | Primary Draw | Apr 1 | Jun 5 | Late Jun |
| Moose | Primary Draw | Apr 1 | Jun 5 | Late Jun |
| Mountain Goat | Primary Draw | Apr 1 | Jun 5 | Late Jun |
| Bighorn Sheep | Primary Draw | Apr 1 | Jun 5 | Late Jun |
Idaho Hunting Seasons
Elk
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 30 | Sep 27 |
| Rifle | Oct 10 | Nov 10 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 10 | Dec 20 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
General season tags available over the counter in some zones. Controlled hunts by draw in premium units. Idaho has excellent elk hunting with vast public land.
Mule Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 30 | Sep 27 |
| Rifle | Oct 10 | Oct 31 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 10 | Dec 20 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
General tags for mule deer bucks. Controlled hunts for antlerless and some premium zones. Whitetail deer also available in northern Idaho.
Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Oct 10 | Nov 20 |
| Archery | Aug 30 | Sep 27 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (general tag + additional in some units)
Primarily in northern Idaho Panhandle region. General tag over the counter. Liberal antlerless harvest in many units.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 15 | May 31 |
| Archery | Apr 15 | May 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring), 2 (fall)
Merriam's and Rio Grande turkeys. Spring and fall seasons. Over-the-counter tags. Growing populations.
Bear
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Apr 15 | Jun 30 |
| Archery | Aug 30 | Sep 27 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1-2 depending on zone
Spring and fall seasons available. Baiting and dogs allowed in some units. Healthy black bear population throughout forested areas.
Moose
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Oct 1 | Nov 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Controlled hunt only with limited permits. Shiras moose. Very competitive draw. Mostly in eastern Idaho and Panhandle region.
Mountain Goat
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 1 | Nov 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime
Once-in-a-lifetime draw. Extremely limited tags.
Bighorn Sheep
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 1 | Nov 30 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime (most states)
Extremely limited tags. Once-in-a-lifetime draw.
Mountain Lion
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall/Winter | Nov 1 | Mar 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per year
Hound hunting legal in most western states. Quotas apply.
Planning Tools
- Idaho Draw Odds by Unit — success rates for every limited-entry hunt
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
- Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?
Idaho Hunting Guides
destinations
Idaho Elk Hunting: Zones, OTC Tags, and Wilderness Access
draw odds
Idaho Pronghorn Draw Odds: Best Units and Application Strategy
draw odds
Idaho Elk Draw Odds: Controlled Hunt Tags and OTC Strategy
draw odds
Idaho Mule Deer Draw Odds: Limited Entry Units and Point Strategy
draw odds
Idaho Deer Draw Odds: Mule Deer and Whitetail Tag Strategy
destinations