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

Applications for spring black bear controlled hunts runs Jan. 15 through Feb. 15

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 11:24 AM MST

Spring 2022 black bear controlled hunt applications open Jan. 15 to Feb. 15. Here are a few ways to apply this year.

Controlled Hunt Information Big Game Hunting Hunting Black Bear
Last call for 2021 big game hunter reports

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - 2:38 PM MST

With many of Idaho’s big game hunting seasons now closed, Idaho Fish and Game reminds hunters to fill out their hunter harvest reports if they purchased a deer, elk or pronghorn tag in 2021. Reporting harvested or unharvested game is vital so wildlife managers can get the critical population data they need to manage big game herds and propose hunting seasons in the future.

Big Game Hunting Hunting Hunter Report Form for Deer, Elk and Pronghorn Elk hunting
Hunt and fish 2022 worry-free by renewing your hunting and fishing license today

Wednesday, December 22, 2021 - 12:35 PM MST

Don’t be caught flatfooted this January when that next fishing trip or late-winter hunting opportunity presents itself. Renewing your annual Idaho hunting and/or fishing license is quick and easy, and can be done right from your computer or cellphone.

Hunting Fishing Ice Fishing in Idaho Licenses, tags, and permits
Banding data crucial to studying returning waterfowl

Tuesday, December 21, 2021 - 10:00 AM MST

Where do Idaho’s ducks come from? Here’s how duck banding and harvest data provide biologists with valuable migratory information.

Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management
Hunters and anglers using boats urged to use caution this winter

Friday, December 17, 2021 - 9:41 AM MST

Temperatures (and snow) are falling across much of the state. With the onset of cold air and water temperatures, anglers and waterfowl hunters are encouraged to take precautions and practice boating safety this winter.

Hunting Fishing
Top 3 small game species to hunt this winter

Friday, December 10, 2021 - 12:10 PM MST

Hunters: Don’t lock up the gun safes just yet. Here are three of the most commonly found (and exciting) small game species to hunt this winter.

Hunting Upland Game Hunting Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) Spruce Grouse (Falcipennis canadensis)
Fish and Game provides a mentored waterfowl hunt for disabled American veterans

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 - 8:40 AM MST

In late November, staff from Idaho Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region, partnered with the Idaho Division of Veteran Services to provide an opportunity for disabled American veterans (DAV) to enjoy a day of mentored waterfowl hunting. This year, two veterans participated in a Commission-approved mentored duck hunt at the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area.

Magic Valley Region Hunting Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Mallard

UPLAND GAME / FURBEARERS

Idaho Fish and Game

Idaho Trespass Law

Idaho's trespass law changes July 1, 2018

Learn more

Videos

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.