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

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 (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Elk (Cervus canadensis) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)
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
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 (Cervus canadensis)
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
Hunters and anglers are reminded they must stop at check stations

Thursday, October 1, 2020 - 9:59 AM MDT

Hunting season is underway, and soon hunters will see Fish and Game check stations throughout the state. Remember that all hunters must stop at check stations. New this year: In order to maintain Covid safety, people are asked to remain in their vehicles while at check stations.

Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Enforcement Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Badger Fire in Game Management Unit 54 impacts big game hunts

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 3:52 PM MDT

The Badger Fire on the Minidoka Ranger District has led to the closure of a significant portion of Unit 54 south of Twin Falls, impacting several big game hunts this fall. The Badger Fire started on the Cassia Division of the Minidoka Ranger District on September 12, 2020.

Magic Valley Region Wildlife Conservation and Management Elk hunting Deer Hunting Pronghorn Hunting Fire Information Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)