Deer Hunting | Idaho Fish and Game

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.

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Check Station Reminders

Hunting seasons are here, and soon hunters will see Fish and Game check stations throughout the state. Remember that all hunters must stop at Fish and Game check stations, regardless of whether they’ve harvested game.

Southwest Region Deer Hunting Elk hunting Hunting Seasons and Rules Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Respect and courtesy are essential when hunting private land

With many of Idaho's hunting seasons set to begin soon, Idaho Fish and Game urges hunters to be conscious of their actions and act responsibly when hunting private land.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting
Prepare for fall hunting with summer shooting

With Idaho’s general rifle season fast approaching, many hunters are probably realizing that the last time they touched their rifle was during last year’s hunting season. Since then, their guns have been tucked away gathering dust.

Hunting Big Game Hunting Upland Bird Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting
2016 Second Drawing Controlled Hunt Results Online

Look up your result online.

Controlled Hunt Information Elk hunting Deer Hunting Big Game Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Elk (Cervus canadensis), Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Second controlled hunt drawing list of available big game tags

Over 2800 deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear controlled hunt tags will be available for hunters in the second controlled hunt drawing. Hunters can apply for these tags during the second controlled hunt drawing from August 5 through August 15. Results of the drawing will be available around August 23. The available tags are listed below by species.

Licenses, tags, and permits Big Game Hunting Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Elk (Cervus canadensis), Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Application period for big game controlled hunts ends June 5

Hunters have until midnight Sunday, June 5 to apply for this fall's deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear and turkey controlled hunts.

Elk hunting Deer Hunting Hunting Pronghorn Hunting Big Game Hunting Regions

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