Hunting Seasons & Licensing · ID
Idaho Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonIdaho is a premier big game destination with vast public lands and healthy populations of elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep. Over 60% of the state is public land, including national forests and BLM land. Idaho offers both general and controlled hunt tags, with general elk and deer tags available over the counter in many zones. The state is known for producing trophy-class elk and mule deer.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | Archery | Aug 30 – Sep 30, 2025 | 1 elk per tag | Bow and arrow |
| Elk | General Rifle | Oct 10 – Nov 18, 2025 (varies by zone) | 1 elk per tag | Rifle, muzzleloader, bow |
| Mule Deer | General | Oct 10 – Nov 18, 2025 (varies by zone) | 1 deer per tag | Rifle, muzzleloader, bow |
| White-tailed Deer | General | Oct 10 – Nov 25, 2025 | 1 deer per tag | Rifle, muzzleloader, bow |
| Pronghorn | General | Aug 15 – Sep 30, 2025 | 1 pronghorn per tag | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Black Bear | Spring | Apr 15 – Jun 30, 2026 | 1 bear per tag | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Black Bear | Fall | Aug 30 – Nov 18, 2025 | 1 bear per tag | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Mountain Lion | General | Aug 30 – Mar 31, 2026 | 1 lion per tag | Rifle, bow, handgun |
| Moose | Controlled | Oct 10 – Nov 18, 2025 | 1 moose | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
Elk (Archery): General archery tags available OTC in most zones
Elk (General Rifle): General tags OTC in some zones; controlled hunt in others
Mule Deer (General): Many zones require controlled hunt tag
White-tailed Deer (General): Northern Idaho — general tags available OTC
Pronghorn (General): Controlled hunt only
Black Bear (Spring): Hound hunting permitted in designated zones
Mountain Lion (General): Hound hunting permitted. Quotas by zone.
Moose (Controlled): Very limited — controlled hunt only
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 15 – May 25, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct 1 – Nov 18, 2025 | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Oct 11 – Dec 31, 2025 | 3 daily (roosters only) / 9 possession | Shotgun |
| Chukar | General | Sep 20 – Jan 31, 2026 | 8 daily / 24 possession | Shotgun |
| Hungarian Partridge | General | Sep 20 – Jan 31, 2026 | 8 daily / 24 possession | Shotgun |
Chukar (General): Idaho is one of the top chukar states
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 7 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Pacific Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Year-round | 10 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Snowshoe Hare | General | Year-round | 8 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $15.75 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $154.75 | — |
| Resident Deer Tag | $19.75 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Tag | $316.75 | — |
| Resident Elk Tag | $30.75 | — |
| Non-Resident Elk Tag | $568.75 | — |
| Youth (under 18) | Reduced fees | — |
| Controlled Hunt Application Fee | $6.25 per application | — |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Idaho uses a controlled hunt system for many big game species and units. Applications are due in early June. The state uses a preference point system — unsuccessful applicants receive one point that increases their odds in future draws. General elk and deer tags are available over the counter in many zones, making Idaho one of the more accessible western states for non-residents. Some premium zones (like the Selway and Frank Church Wilderness) are controlled hunt only with very limited tags.
Harvest Reporting
Idaho requires mandatory harvest reporting for all big game species. Elk and deer must be reported within 10 days of harvest through the IDFG online system or by phone. Mandatory CWD testing is required in designated surveillance zones. All controlled hunt tags must be returned (whether or not an animal was harvested) to remain eligible for future draws.
Idaho Wildlife Resources
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Citizens Against Poaching: 1-800-632-5999
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.