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

Waterfowl forecast: Duck numbers down from last year but above long-term average

Monday, October 2, 2017 - 4:05 PM MDT

In the traditional survey areas across North America, the total duck population estimate was 47.3 million birds, which is similar to the 2016 estimate of 48.4 million and 34 percent higher than the long-term average from 1955 to 2016.

Hunting
What to Expect at a Check Station

Monday, October 16, 2017 - 9:32 AM MDT

First, remember that you must stop at a check station if you have been hunting, fishing or trapping…whether you have harvested or not. Usually you will see a sign like this.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Regions White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis) Moose (Alces americanus)
Hunter how-to video: Field dressing big game

Tuesday, October 10, 2017 - 2:59 PM MDT

So you have had a successful hunt, now what? Wildlife biologist and hunter Steve Nadeau demonstrates how to field dress and quarter a deer (or any other big game animal).

Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Moose (Alces americanus)
How to avoid common hunting violations - Video series

Thursday, October 5, 2017 - 2:30 PM MDT

It happens every fall. Hunters unwittingly violate game laws because they are unaware of a rule or they don’t understand the reason for the law.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Hunter Education Programs Enforcement Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region
Public's Help Sought in Deer Poaching Case

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 - 2:42 PM MDT

Fish and Game is asking the public for information regarding the recent poaching of a large mule deer buck. The poaching incident likely occurred this past weekend. Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information in the case and callers can remain anonymous. Contact CAP at 1-800-632-5999 twenty four hours a day.

Southwest Region Deer Hunting Hunting Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Hunters: Mule Deer needed for chronic wasting disease testing

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 3:08 PM MDT

Although the disease has not been found in Idaho, the prevalence of CWD has been expanding in some neighboring states, and Fish and Game wants to sample harvested deer for it.

Deer Hunting Hunting Elk hunting Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region Clearwater Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Entire Middle Fork Elk Zone is Now Open (Rescinded Fire Closures)

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 - 9:55 AM MDT

Hunters now have access to all of the Middle Fork Elk Zone – units 20A and 26 – thanks to cool weather and light rain moving across the region. While the Highline and Goat Fires continue to burn in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, fire danger is minimal, though hunters are still advised to exercise caution when near the active fire line.

Southwest Region Fire Information Elk hunting Hunting

UPLAND GAME / FURBEARERS

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.