Elk hunting

Idaho has many elk hunting opportunities

An incredible mixture of elk hunting opportunity is available to the hunter, thanks to Idaho’s diverse habitats and a population of more than 120,000 elk. The Idaho elk hunter can pursue bulls that vanish like ghosts in the sagebrush deserts, chase herds in the lung-busting climbs of the central Idaho mountains, or stalk the thick-timbered ridges of northern Idaho.

The current Idaho strategy is to offer over-the-counter tags that provide annual opportunity for family and friends to hunt together, in combination with mature bull opportunity in controlled hunt areas.

Elk hunting is managed in 28 elk zones with a 2-tag system in most zones - A tag & B tag. In general, 'A tags' provide more opportunity for muzzleloader and archery hunters and B tags provide more opportunity for center fire rifle hunters. Hunters may select one zone and choose either an A tag or a B tag.

Elk Hunting Opportunities

News

Last call for 2021 big game hunter reports

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - 2:38 PM MST

With many of Idaho’s big game hunting seasons now closed, Idaho Fish and Game reminds hunters to fill out their hunter harvest reports if they purchased a deer, elk or pronghorn tag in 2021. Reporting harvested or unharvested game is vital so wildlife managers can get the critical population data they need to manage big game herds and propose hunting seasons in the future.

Big Game Hunting Hunting Hunter Report Form for Deer, Elk and Pronghorn Elk hunting
Nonresident elk tags still available for residents to buy as second tags

Thursday, October 21, 2021 - 10:59 AM MDT

Resident Idaho hunters looking to potentially double their elk hunting opportunities this year are in luck. Some nonresident elk tags remain available for residents as second tag for the 2021 season. After Aug. 1, unsold nonresident tags remaining can be bought by resident hunters as second tags, but still at the nonresident price.

Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas and Limits Elk Nonresident Tag Limits Elk hunting
Recent field dressing and skinning class was a hit among folks in the Panhandle Region

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 - 12:50 PM MDT

Fish and Game in the Panhandle Region recently hosted a class covering the basics of field dressing, skinning and cooking wild game, with a particular focus on big game such as deer and elk.

Panhandle Region Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Hunting Education
Fish and Game needs your help monitoring for chronic wasting disease in the Panhandle and elsewhere in the state

Friday, October 15, 2021 - 1:13 PM MDT

With most hunting seasons already underway and many more to begin in the weeks and months ahead, Idaho Fish and Game is reminding hunters that we need your help monitoring for chronic wasting disease in Idaho.

Panhandle Region Deer Hunting Elk hunting Moose Hunting Big Game Hunting Chronic Wasting Disease - The Rules Helping Monitor for Chronic Wasting Disease White-tailed Deer Moose Elk
Hunt safe: Survival tips for big game hunters

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 - 4:35 PM MDT

Every hunting season, hunters get lost or disoriented, caught outdoors in cold, wet weather, or experience some other unexpected hazard. While most escape no worse than tired, chilled and hungry, the hazards in Idaho's woods shouldn't be underestimated. Hunters can take precautions and prepare for unexpected situations.

Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting
Dressing for hunting: hope for the best weather, but prepare for the worst

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 3:23 PM MDT

Fall hunting happens in all kinds of weather and conditions, so don’t underestimate the importance of your clothing. It may determine how long you’re able to stay outdoors and hunt, and more time in the woods often equates to a higher chance of success. Dressing for Idaho's variable fall weather takes preparation and investment, but it can pay dividends.

Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting
Elk hunters are reminded to know their bulls before pulling the trigger

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 1:03 PM MDT

After multiple moose were mistaken for elk and illegally killed in Idaho Fish and Game's Southwest Region in 2020, Fish and Game is reminding hunters that it is their responsibility to positively identify their target before pulling the trigger, and that they need to "know their bulls" before heading out for rifle seasons.

Southwest Region Elk hunting Moose Elk