Deer Hunting

Every fall hunters eagerly look forward to the annual deer hunt. Learn more about deer hunting in Idaho.

Idaho’s over-the-counter tags and controlled hunts give hunters access to some of the best deer hunting in the West. Hunters can pursue both mule deer and white-tailed deer, largely on public land. Mule deer are widespread in the central mountains and southern deserts of Idaho, while white-tailed deer dominate the northern forested areas of Idaho.

Every fall hunters eagerly look forward to the annual deer hunt. This yearly tradition is so important, hunter surveys consistently tell Fish and Game they are willing to forgo larger bucks for the opportunity to hunt every year. Creating a variety of opportunities guides wildlife managers’ decisions. Fortunately they have the resources to provide not only diverse general seasons that allow hunters to harvest a buck each year, but also high-quality trophy controlled hunts for hunters to pursue larger mature bucks.

News

Proposals for 2021-22 big game season now available for public comment; deadline is Feb. 25

Monday, February 1, 2021 - 2:29 PM MST

Hunters can now see proposed big game season proposal at idfg.idaho.gov/big-game and provide comments. The comment period deadline is Feb. 25. There will also be a series of virtual open house Feb. 16–25.

2021-2022 Big Game Season Setting Big Game Seasons and Rules Big Game Hunting Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Pronghorn Hunting White-tailed Deer Mule Deer Elk Pronghorn Black Bear Mountain Lion Gray Wolf
Deer, elk and pronghorn hunters: Submit your mandatory harvest report by Jan. 31

Monday, January 11, 2021 - 2:15 PM MST

Big game hunters have until January 31 to submit mandatory harvest reports and fulfill a crucial role in the management of Idaho’s big game herds. Hunters can submit their mandatory hunter report online at license.gooutdoorsidaho.com, or by calling 1-877-268-9365.

Elk hunting Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Pronghorn Hunting Hunting Mule Deer White-tailed Deer Elk Pronghorn
Bringing big game carcasses and heads into Idaho creates potential for spreading CWD

Monday, November 30, 2020 - 9:20 AM MST

During the last several weeks, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game became aware of several separate incidents of hunters illegally transporting whole deer carcasses or deer heads into Idaho from states with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). It’s important for hunters traveling to states where CWD is present to know that it is illegal to bring whole carcasses or heads back to Idaho, and presents substantial risks to Idaho's wildlife.

Chronic Wasting Disease - The Rules Chronic Wasting Disease Status in Idaho Big Game Hunting Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region
Hunters urged to provide lymph nodes to help monitor Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the Clearwater Region

Tuesday, November 24, 2020 - 2:30 PM MST

Testing samples from deer is the first line of defense in monitoring Idaho’s wildlife for CWD and hunters play a vital role in this effort.

Deer Hunting Mule Deer Elk White-tailed Deer
F&G commission approves changes to nonresident participation in general season deer and elk hunts

Friday, November 20, 2020 - 11:24 AM MST

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Nov. 20 approved changes to nonresident participation in general season deer and elk hunts to address concerns from residents about hunter congestion in some areas. Starting 2021, nonresident hunters in most general season elk and deer hunts will be limited to 10 or 15 percent of the total hunters in each elk zone or deer units based on hunter participation estimates averaged over the last five years. The new limits do not apply to capped elk zones.

Fish and Game Commission Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk Nonresident Tag Limits White-tailed Deer Nonresident Tag Limits Regular Deer Nonresident Tag Limits Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas and Limits Licenses, tags, and permits General Season Hunts Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Nonresident Fee Increase and Hunting Changes Elk
The right clothes can make you a more effective hunter

Thursday, October 8, 2020 - 11:04 AM MDT

Fall hunting takes place in all weather conditions and temperatures, so don’t overlook your hunting clothing because it may play a role in your comfort and success. It takes a little preparation and investment in the right clothing for the weather, but it will pay dividends when you're more comfortable and able to stay out longer in all conditions.

Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting
Hunt safe: Survival tips for big game hunters

Thursday, October 1, 2020 - 3:00 PM MDT

Every hunting season, hunters get lost in the woods, and while most escape no worse than tired, chilled and hungry, the hazards of being lost in Idaho's woods shouldn't be underestimated. Here are ways to avoid it.

Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting