The state's spring black bear season opens on April 1 in a number of units in the state, providing Idaho hunters with a chance to hunt big game in the spring.
The balance of units with spring black bear hunts are set to open on April 15.
Many parts of the state offer general hunting seasons for black bears, but hunters can not take any female bear with young. Here are the black bear seasons and rules.
Hunters typically spot-and-stalk, bait or use hounds for black bears. For hunters using bait or hounds, additional permits are required, and other rules apply.
Hunters who harvest a bear must present the skull and hide to an Idaho Fish and Game regional office, official check point, or a Fish and Game conservation officer for removal and retention of a premolar tooth, and to have the hide tagged with an official state export tag.
Closing dates for black bear seasons vary by unit, but most run through the May and some into June.
While bears are prized for their hides, which can be black, cinnamon or occasionally blond, the meat can also be excellent for eating. Bears are omnivores, but most of their diet consists of plants.
In some units, wolf hunting will run through April, which is not reflected in the 2017-18 big game rules brochure. Here's information about extended wolf seasons.