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

Application period open for moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep controlled hunts

Monday, April 1, 2019 - 9:38 AM MDT

The application period for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts began on April 1 and runs through April 30. Hunters can apply online or at any Fish and Game office, license vendor, or by telephone by calling (800) 554-8685. Hunters are reminded that Fish and Game no longer accepts mail-in applications.

Hunting Controlled Hunt Information Moose Hunting Bighorn Sheep Hunting Mountain Goat Hunting Big Game Hunting Moose (Alces americanus) Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Turkey Hunting Tips and Tricks

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 10:39 AM MDT

Like other game, knowing a bit about your quarry and its habitat will make your turkey hunt more successful and enjoyable. Turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats. Diversity is important. Turkeys prefer to roost at night in large trees. Trees that are close to clearings with low brush and other ground cover are ideal.

Hunter Education Programs Hunting Wild Turkey Hunting
Hunting spring snows in southern Idaho

Monday, February 25, 2019 - 3:44 PM MST

Snow geese’s unique migration allows a different hunting opportunity in Idaho. The spring “light goose” season, which includes blue, snow and Ross’ geese, is a relatively new opportunity for hunters.

Migratory Bird Hunting Hunting Wildlife Conservation and Management Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)
2018 deer, elk harvests similar to 2017; above 10-year averages except mule deer

Friday, February 15, 2019 - 11:20 AM MST

Hunters took more mule deer and fewer white-tailed deer in 2018 compared to 2017, while the elk harvest was similar between the two years -- dropping by less than 2 percent from 2017 to 2018. The 2018 elk harvest was about 15.4 percent above the 10-year average, and the overall deer harvest was less than 1 percent below the 10-year average.

Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Hunting Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Duck Hunting on the Snake River [video]

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 2:07 PM MST

Migratory Bird Hunting Hunting Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Controlled hunt application periods for spring black bear opens Jan. 15, spring turkey Feb. 1

Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 7:54 PM MST

Hunters who are looking to apply for controlled bear or turkey hunts during spring can apply in January and February. The application period for spring controlled black bear hunts kicks off on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 15. Applications for the spring turkey controlled hunts will be accepted from Feb. 1 through March 1.

Controlled Hunt Information Hunting Upland Bird Hunting Wild Turkey Hunting Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Licenses, tags, and permits Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Respect and courtesy are essential when hunting private land

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 2:36 PM MDT

Hunters should get permission before hunting on private land, and Idaho Fish and Game urges them to act responsibly so access to private lands can be preserved.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting

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.