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

Water Levels Restored at Birding Island Ponds

Monday, January 13, 2020 - 9:54 AM MST

Water is once again flowing to the pond complex at the Birding Island segment of Payette River WMA, thanks to some ingenuity by WMA manager Steve Dempsey.

Hunting Southwest Region Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Apply for spring bear controlled hunts soon

Friday, January 3, 2020 - 10:21 AM MST

Hunters wanting to participate in this spring's controlled hunts for black bear can apply from January 15 through February 15. Spring 2019 bear controlled hunt information is in the 2019 & 2020 Big Game Seasons and Rules book.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Controlled Hunt Information Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Now is the Time to Take Hunter Education

Thursday, January 2, 2020 - 2:21 PM MST

Life will soon be hectic with spring sports and summer vacations making winter a perfect time to take Hunter Education! Don't miss out on the Boise course starting January 14th. https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/151880

Southwest Region Hunting Hunter Education Programs
Water Levels May be Dropping at Some Birding Island WMA Ponds

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 - 10:14 AM MST

Work continues on the main weir at Birding Island WMA. Due to this ongoing construction, water cannot be diverted into some of the more popular waterfowl hunting ponds on the WMA, including 9th, Island, Muskrat, Swan and New.

Hunting Southwest Region Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Safe Boating Reminders for Waterfowl Hunters

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 - 8:37 AM MST

The onset of winter can only mean one thing; the waterfowl season is in full swing across Idaho! While many waterfowl hunters walk to their favorite hunting spot, numerous others utilize boats with motors to reach their chosen hideaway.

Southwest Region Hunting Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Here's where Idaho's ducks come from

Monday, December 16, 2019 - 2:18 PM MST

Winter brings the arrival of ducks migrating from the north into Idaho. But exactly where in the north are these birds coming from? Here are the details, as well as where Idaho's ducks go.

Migratory Bird Hunting Hunting Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) American Wigeon (Anas americana) Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) Gadwall (Anas strepera)
There is still time to bag a wild turkey for the holidays

Monday, November 25, 2019 - 2:24 PM MST

While hunting wild turkeys in the fall often takes a back seat to big game, waterfowl and upland bird hunting, pursuing the elusive birds in the fall has its advantages. “Hunting turkeys in the fall can be just as exciting as in the spring,” said Jeff Knetter, Fish and Game upland game and migratory game bird program manager.

Clearwater Region Panhandle Region Wild Turkey Hunting Hunting Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

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.