Elk hunting | Idaho Fish and Game

An incredible mixture of elk hunting opportunity is available to the hunter, thanks to Idaho’s diverse habitats and a population of about 107,000 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 yearly 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.

News

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
Shooting down rumors about lighted nocks and expandable broadheads

Rumors have spread throughout Idaho that expandable broadheads and lighted nocks on arrows are legal for big game archery hunting. However, these rumors are not true

Hunting Big Game Hunting Elk 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)
Fish and Game discounts nonresident elk tags sold as second tags

Elk hunters can double their hunting opportunity at a discount in August by buying a second tag to extend their season and have a chance to harvest two elk. Starting Aug. 1, nonresident elk tags will be $299 when purchased as a second tag, which is discounted from the regular price of $416. It will return to the regular price on September 1.

Elk hunting Second Tags Big Game Hunting Licenses, tags, and permits Hunting Elk (Cervus canadensis), Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

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Elk Hunting in Idaho's Back Country

Frequently Asked Questions

With quotas on elk hunting zones, am I going to be able to buy a tag for this fall?

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