Fire and Fall Hunting: What Idaho hunters need to know

As wildfire activity continues across Idaho, hunters preparing for upcoming seasons should be aware of potential impacts to their hunting areas and know what options are available if a fire affects their hunt.

Idaho Fish and Game is monitoring wildfire activity. The department may temporarily close Fish and Game-owned lands when necessary or coordinate with other state and federal agencies — Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Idaho Department of Lands — to protect public safety or support firefighting operations. Hunters should stay informed about closures and restrictions in the areas where they plan to hunt by watching for updates and press releases from their local Fish and Game region.

NOTE: Hunters, however, should not assume that a wildfire or temporary closure means their hunt will be canceled or their season will be changed.

In most cases, Fish and Game does not close an entire hunt or change a season because of a temporary wildfire closure. Most wildfires do not affect an entire hunt unit, elk zone or controlled hunt unit for the entire duration of a hunt. Hunters whose planned hunting area is affected by fire may have a few options.

Consider another part of the hunt area

A fire or temporary closure may affect only a portion of a hunt area. Hunters should check current fire restrictions and closures and consider hunting another portion of their hunt area that remains open and accessible.

Before heading into the field, hunters should make sure they understand which lands are open and any fire-related restrictions that may apply. Restrictions can vary by location and can change as wildfire conditions develop.

Consider hunting later in the season

If fire activity or a temporary closure affects a hunter's preferred area at the beginning of a season, another option may be to wait until later in the season. Many fire-related closures are temporary. If the fire is contained and restrictions are lifted while the season remains open, hunters may still be able to pursue their hunt later in the season.

Hunters should continue monitoring Fish and Game updates and local fire information throughout the season. 

Controlled hunt tag options for resident hunters

Resident hunters who have drawn a controlled hunt and determine that wildfire impacts will prevent them from hunting their intended area have additional options if their controlled hunt tag season has not started.

• Before a controlled hunt begins, hunters may exchange a controlled hunt tag for a general season tag. Controlled hunt fees are not refunded as part of the exchange.
• All controlled hunt tag exchanges must be completed at an Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office.
• Hunters considering an exchange should contact or visit a Fish and Game Regional Office for information about their specific circumstances and available options.

Stay informed before heading into the field

Wildfire conditions can change quickly, and a hunting area that is open one day may be subject to restrictions or closure later. Hunters should check for the latest information before each trip into the field.

Fish and Game regional offices will provide information about closures and other changes affecting Fish and Game-managed lands through regional updates and press releases.

Hunters should also remember that fire restrictions and land closures can apply differently depending on who manages the land. Hunters are responsible for knowing the restrictions that apply wherever they are hunting. 

See current Idaho fire closures

The most important thing for hunters is to stay informed, remain flexible, and follow all fire restrictions and land closures. A wildfire does not necessarily mean a hunt is lost. In many cases, hunters can find another open portion of their hunt area or wait until later in the season when conditions improve and restrictions are lifted.

NOTE: Beginning July 1, 2026, rules related to eligibility for license and tag refunds and rainchecks have changed. Please visit our refund webpage for more information.