Heads up, elk hunters: Magic Valley sees new season changes and tag opportunity for 2025

Fall may still be weeks away, but Idaho elk hunters are already gearing up. Before you finalize your hunting plans or jump into the capped tag sales, Idaho Fish and Game reminds hunters of some important changes coming into the 2025 elk season in the Magic Valley Region. 

Unit 53 Moves to the Big Desert Zone 

Starting this season, elk hunters targeting Unit 53 should note a big change: Unit 53 is no longer part of the Snake River Zone. It has been reassigned to the Big Desert Zone, which means the short-range weapon hunt now falls under that zone. 

Why the change? This shift reflects updated elk herd movement and habitat alignment to improve long-term management. While the hunt in Unit 53 remains uncapped with no quota on tags, all hunters planning to hunt elk in Unit 53 must now purchase a Big Desert A tag. 

New Antlerless Opportunity: South Hills B Tag in Unit 56 

A new antlerless elk hunt is available this year in Unit 56, offered under the South Hills B tag. This replaces and expands upon last year's controlled antlerless hunt in the same unit.

There are 500 tags available and will be go on-sale first-come, first-served on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. 

Get Ready Now for Capped Tag Sales 

Don’t wait until the last minute—now’s the time to double-check your GoOutdoorsIdaho account and make sure all required certifications are properly entered. Incomplete or missing information is one of the most common reasons hunters miss out on tags during sales. 

What you should review ahead of time: 

• Hunter Education certification: To be eligible to purchase a license or tag, hunter's born on or after January 1, 1975 must show proof of completing an approved hunter education course.
• Archery Education certification: To buy an archery permit, all bowhunters must possess a valid hunting license and show proof they have completed an approved bowhunter education course or show evidence of having been licensed for an archery-only hunt in Idaho or another state. 

Once tag sales begin, there’s no time to troubleshoot—double-check your account now to avoid last-minute issues or missing out on your preferred zone.

A quick reminder: If you applied for an elk controlled hunt this year, you cannot purchase a capped elk tag until 5 days after the capped tags go on sale with some exceptions to those who put in for extra controlled hunts, Super Hunts, or depredation hunts. All capped elk zones, minus the Sawtooth zone, will go on-sale Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. The Sawtooth zone will go on sale Friday, July 11.

Be Smart. Stay Legal. Know Before You Go.

The 2025 Big Game Seasons and Rules are available online or stop by the regional office or vendor location to pick up a paper copy. Whether you're planning your first elk hunt or returning to a favorite unit, make sure your up to speed on current rules, zone boundaries, and changes that may affect your hunt. 

For more information, contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359, or visit idfg.idaho.gov for maps, seasons, and tag sale details.