Elk hunting
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
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Deer, elk and pronghorn hunters: Submit your mandatory harvest report by Jan. 31
Monday, January 11, 2021 - 2:15 PM MST
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Bringing big game carcasses and heads into Idaho creates potential for spreading CWD
Monday, November 30, 2020 - 9:20 AM MST
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F&G commission approves changes to nonresident participation in general season deer and elk hunts
Friday, November 20, 2020 - 11:24 AM MST
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
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Hunt safe: Survival tips for big game hunters
Thursday, October 1, 2020 - 3:00 PM MDT
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Badger Fire in Game Management Unit 54 impacts big game hunts
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 3:52 PM MDT
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Hunt Planner
The Idaho Hunt Planner is an interactive search and mapping engine for hunting regulations.
Chronic Wasting Disease Information
Learn more about the status of Chronic Wasting Disease in Idaho.