Hunting

Hunting in Idaho runs the spectrum from plentiful upland game to highly coveted trophy species.

Seasons in Idaho are generally structured to provide a wide variety of hunting experiences with a strong emphasis on opportunity.

To hunt in Idaho you will need:

a hunting license
a tag for big game species and turkey
to take a hunter education class if born after January 1, 1975

If you’ve never purchased a hunting license in Idaho, or any other state, and you’re 8 years of age or older, you are eligible for our Hunting Passport program.

News

Duck Hunting on the Snake River [video]

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 2:07 PM MST

Migratory Bird Hunting Hunting Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Controlled hunt application periods for spring black bear opens Jan. 15, spring turkey Feb. 1

Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 7:54 PM MST

Hunters who are looking to apply for controlled bear or turkey hunts during spring can apply in January and February. The application period for spring controlled black bear hunts kicks off on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 15. Applications for the spring turkey controlled hunts will be accepted from Feb. 1 through March 1.

Controlled Hunt Information Hunting Upland Bird Hunting Wild Turkey Hunting Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Licenses, tags, and permits Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Respect and courtesy are essential when hunting private land

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 2:36 PM MDT

Hunters should get permission before hunting on private land, and Idaho Fish and Game urges them to act responsibly so access to private lands can be preserved.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting
Hunters are reminded to stop at check stations

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 10:58 AM MDT

Hunting seasons are here, and soon hunters will see Fish and Game check stations throughout the state. Remember that all hunters must stop at Fish and Game check stations, regardless of whether they’ve harvested game.

Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Southwest Region Upper Snake Region Panhandle Region Southeast Region Salmon Region Clearwater Region Magic Valley Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Tips for a safe hunting season

Friday, October 5, 2018 - 4:06 PM MDT

Some people have the mistaken impression that because firearms are involved, hunting is a dangerous activity. There is the potential for a firearm accident, but statistics show a hunter is more likely to be seriously injured while driving to a hunting location than while actively hunting.

Hunting Salmon Region
Check your licenses and tags for fading, and here's what to do if they're faded

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 - 2:05 PM MDT

Hunters and anglers who have poorly printed licenses and fading tags can get a replacement tag or license free of charge. Idaho Fish and Game is providing a couple ways for sportsmen and women to get new copies.

Licenses, tags, and permits Hunting Fishing Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region
Time for boots on the ground, lots of hunting starts on Aug. 30 and more in September

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - 3:08 PM MDT

Aug. 30 kicks off many archery seasons for deer and elk, general hunts for bear, mountain lion and wolves, as well as seasons for some upland game birds and animals with more seasons opening in September.

Hunting Upland Game Hunting Upland Bird Hunting Big Game Hunting

UPLAND GAME / FURBEARERS

Idaho Fish and Game

Idaho Trespass Law

Idaho's trespass law changes July 1, 2018

Learn more

Videos

Girls with Fire

Forest Grouse Primer

Hunting the Sagebrush Sea

Applications

Access Yes!

Access Yes! is a program designed to improve sportsmen's access to private land or through private land to public land by compensating willing landowners who provide access.