This winter, Idaho Fish and Game will begin the process of proposing changes for the 2027 and 2028 hunting seasons. IDFG is already aware of the need to increase harvest in some areas due to growing wildlife populations that exceed management objectives and can provide more hunting opportunity. In these areas, the department is asking hunters to share their thoughts on potential hunting options before the official season-setting public comment period begins in early 2027.
IDFG will share information about a few management topics and provide hunters an opportunity to participate by sharing their preferences among hunting season alternatives designed to address those topics. Hunters may also provide comments on the alternatives and suggest different options. Input provided during this process will help wildlife managers better understand how hunters would like to adjust hunting seasons to achieve management goals.
Please review the following topics and provide feedback by Monday, Aug. 31, at 11:59 p.m. MDT:
- Southwest Region – McCall: Increase elk harvest in the Brownlee Zone
- Upper Snake Region: Increase elk harvest in the Island Park Elk Zone
- Upper Snake Region: Increase mule deer harvest in units 60, 60A, 61, 62, and 62A (Island Park DAU)
- Upper Snake Region: Reinstate antlerless mule deer hunting opportunity in GMUs 58, 59, and 59A (Medicine Lodge and Birch Creek)
Staff will compile and review the feedback as one of several factors considered during the season-setting process. Public input is an important part of that process, and final hunting season recommendations will also consider biological, social, and management objectives. All preliminary season proposals will be available for public input in February 2027.