Hunting

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

Share your favorite hunting shots

Fall is here, and we're already seeing some great Idaho hunting shots on social media. Why not put them here, too? We love seeing folks out hunting in the fall and sharing their experiences through photos, and we encourage people to share their best shots on our photo gallery.

Hunting Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Introducing novices to hunting has never been easier

It's easier than ever to introduce someone new to hunting in Idaho. One way is through Idaho Fish and Game’s Hunting Passport, which offers novice hunters, both young and old, the opportunity to hunt for one year before needing to complete a hunter education course.

Licenses, tags, and permits Hunting
Land managers lifting fire restrictions Sept. 15

With the reduced risk of wildfires due to cooler temperatures and precipitation in the area, state and federal wildfire officials will lift Stage 1 Fire Restrictions within the West Central Idaho Mountains effective Thursday, Sept. 15, at 11:59 p.m.

Fire Information Hunting
Get some shooting practice before rifle season

When your rifle is sighted in, step away from the bench rest and practice shots you will take when hunting.

Hunting
Check Station Reminders

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.

Southwest Region Deer Hunting Elk hunting Hunting Seasons and Rules Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Cooler Idaho weather helping fire efforts

Cooler weather along with fire fighter's efforts have helped with the handful of fires in Idaho over the labor day weekend. Always check-in with the forest or management agency for the destinations you're heading to. Additional online resources include:

Fire Information Hunting Big Game Hunting
Use your survival gear for more than emergencies

I was hunting with a friend last fall and gave him some bad intel about an area that was new to him, but I knew well (or so I thought). “Walk in that direction for a while and you will come to an old fire road. We will meet there,” I told him as we separated.

Hunting Big Game Hunting