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

Bird hunters encouraged to donate their wings

Wednesday, September 18, 2019 - 3:13 PM MDT

With many upland game bird seasons opening soon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking hunters to donate a fully feathered wing for each bird they harvest. Because juvenile and adult birds molt their wing feathers differently, biologists can use this information to estimate chick production that year.

Upland Bird Hunting Hunting
2019 Upland Forecast: Here's what hunting looks like across the state

Monday, September 16, 2019 - 2:58 PM MDT

Fish and Game's wildlife biologists in each region have compiled an update of what they're seeing and hearing on the ground with upland bird populations, so hunters can get a look at their favorite areas and quarry.

Upland Bird Hunting Southwest Region Southeast Region Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Magic Valley Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region Hunting
F&G Commission approves 2019 sage-grouse season

Monday, August 26, 2019 - 3:03 PM MDT

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Aug. 22 set the 2019 sage-grouse hunting seasons and rules, which included expanded closures in Owyhee County, a restrictive two-day season in some areas in the central part of the state (see map: Zone 3), and a seven-day season in portions of Owyhee, Twin Falls, Oneida and Cassia counties.

Upland Bird Hunting Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules Hunting Idaho Seasons and Rules Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Idaho's early small game opportunities are a great gateway for new hunters

Friday, August 23, 2019 - 4:02 PM MDT

Hunting small game is a great way for beginners to get started, and some of the earliest fall hunting seasons — including squirrel, snowshoe hare, cottontail, dove and forest grouse — present excellent opportunities for new hunters to develop their skills and confidence without breaking the bank. The best part? Good hunting for all of these species can be found on public land.

Hunting Upland Game Hunting Upland Bird Hunting
F&G's online course is the fast-track for hunter education

Friday, August 23, 2019 - 2:02 PM MDT

For people interested in hunting this fall who have not taken a hunter education course, it’s not too late. By completing an online course and attending a mandatory field day, students can fast-track their hunter education and be ready to hunt.

Hunter Education Programs Hunting
Hunting season is here: see what's open in late August and September

Friday, August 23, 2019 - 1:44 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
Second controlled hunt draw results now online

Thursday, August 22, 2019 - 3:09 PM MDT

Results of the second controlled hunt drawing have been posted. Lookup results Unclaimed tags

Controlled Hunt Information Controlled Hunt Results Information Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Hunting Wild Turkey Hunting Pronghorn Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

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.