Big Game Seasons and Rules

Seasons and rules information for big game hunting in Idaho

2017 and 2018 Big Game Seasons and Rules

Including Controlled Hunts for Deer, Elk, Pronghorn and Black Bear
– Full booklet, pages 1-120 [PDF, 9.1 MB]

Notice: Fees and rules may change. It is your responsibility to be aware of changes since these seasons and rules were printed. Please see the fee schedules in the License, Tag and Permit Fees section for current prices.

Sections:

Intro Information — Table of Contents, Getting Started / What's New, Key Dates
– Pages 1-7 [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Deer General Seasons
– Pages 8-18 [PDF, 2.1 MB]
- Deer Controlled Hunt Seasons
  – Pages 19-30 [PDF, 1.8 MB]
Elk General Zone Seasons
– Pages 32-45 [PDF, 3.6 MB]
- Elk Controlled Hunt Seasons
  – Pages 46-61 [PDF, 1.7 MB]
Pronghorn Controlled Hunts
– Pages 62-66 [PDF, 820 KB]
Black Bear Seasons
– Pages 67-72 [PDF, 579 KB]
Mountain Lion Seasons
– Pages 73-75 [PDF, 348 KB]
Gray Wolf Seasons
– Pages 76-81 [PDF, 802 KB]
Unit Map and Unit Boundary Descriptions — Bighorn Sheep Raffle
– Pages 82-94 [PDF, 1.3 MB]
General Wildlife Laws — Trespass, Weapons, Hound Hunting, Proxy Statement, Trails, ATV's, Right of Way
– Pages 95-105 & 116 [PDF, 1.3 MB]
Controlled and Special Hunt Information — Application Worksheet, Depredation and Permit Information, Map Order Form
– Pages 106-111 [PDF, 1.7 MB]
License, Tag and Permit Fees
– Pages 112-120 [PDF, 1.5 KB]

Key Dates for Big Game Controlled Hunts

1st controlled hunt application period May 1 - June 5.
Successful 1st draw applicants will be notified by July 10.
2nd controlled hunt application period August 5-15.
Leftover tags from the 2nd drawing go on sale August 25.

After a Successful Hunt

Big Game Field Dressing
Backcountry Game Meat Care Guide
Fill Out A Hunt Report – whether you have a successful hunt or not, please report on your hunt.

Other Rules Information

Idaho Fish & Game strongly encourages wearing hunter orange as a voluntary safety measure. See the Hunter Orange Policy – [PDF, 16 KB]
Idaho's Amphibians and Reptiles – Rules for collection, possession and permitting – [PDF, 650 KB]
Marijuana on Public Lands – What you should know when hunting in the field

News

Please fill out your hunter report after your hunt ends

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 2:55 PM MDT

You can submit your harvest reports online or by calling (877) 268-9365. The phone option is available 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Please have your hunting tag number when calling.

Big Game Hunting Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region Big Game Seasons and Rules Hunter Report Form for Deer, Elk and Pronghorn
Hunters are reminded to stop at check stations

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 10:58 AM MDT

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.

Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Southwest Region Upper Snake Region Panhandle Region Southeast Region Salmon Region Clearwater Region Magic Valley Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Nonresident/second whitetail tags now sold out

Monday, October 15, 2018 - 1:34 PM MDT

Fish and Game has sold all its nonresident/second deer and elk tags. Nonresidents who want to ensure they get a general deer or elk tag for next year can start buying 2019 tags on Dec. 1.

Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident
Oct. 10 is new opener for wolf trapping in some units

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - 11:12 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game Commission in August extended hunting and trapping seasons for wolves in many units for fall/winter hunts.

Trapping and Furbearer Information Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Survey finds most mule deer hunters satisfied, but hunting management could improve

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 - 3:30 PM MDT

Most mule deer hunters are satisfied with hunting in Idaho, and their attitudes and preferences have not changed much over the last decade, according to a survey conducted by Idaho Fish and Game in 2017.

Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Mule Deer Initiative Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
New rules in effect to prevent chronic wasting disease from entering Idaho

Tuesday, August 14, 2018 - 11:29 AM MDT

At its July 26 meeting in Idaho Falls, Fish and Game Commission approved several new rules to prevent chronic wasting disease from entering Idaho, or managing the disease if it ever is found in Idaho. New rules include:

Chronic Wasting Disease Status in Idaho Big Game Hunting Big Game Winter Feeding in Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules
Application period is Aug. 10-17 for second controlled hunt drawing for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear

Thursday, August 9, 2018 - 3:32 PM MDT

It's not too late to apply for the second controlled hunt drawing for over 2,250 unclaimed, controlled hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn and bear.

Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Controlled Hunt Information Controlled Hunt Results Information

The Idaho Hunt Planner helps you filter and map the seasons and rules. Learn more at the Idaho Hunt Planner.

The Rules Brochures

Online rules brochures are created in PDF file format. They are produced to keep the online display as close as possible to the printed version.

Printed copies of the rules brochure can be picked up, without charge, at local license vendors or by calling 208-334-3700 to receive a copy by mail.

To view Idaho Fish and Game administrative rules and code, visit the Office of Administrative Rules on the Idaho Department of Administration website.

To advertise in future Idaho Fish and Game rules brochures, call: Rotary Offset Press: 1-253-216-1256.