Big Game Seasons and Rules
Seasons and rules information for big game hunting in Idaho
2019 - 2020 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules
The 2019 - 2020 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure is available online as a full download, or by section below. Printed brochures will be available by May 1 at offices and vendors.
– Full brochure, pages 1-124, [PDF, 8.6 MB] – First Edition
These seasons and rules take effect July 1, 2019.
Archive – 2017-2018 Brochure
Review the previous brochure, which is still valid for hunts through June 30, 2019. This brochure will remain available through late June 2019.
Note: Hunters can find spring 2019 bear and wolf seasons here.
Brochure Sections:
The sections below are split into smaller files focused on the categories listed.
Intro Information
Includes — Table of contents, Getting started / What's new, key dates
– Pages 2-7 [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Some key dates are also listed below.
Deer General Seasons
– Pages 8-18 [PDF, 853 KB]
Deer Controlled Hunt Seasons
– Pages 19-30 [PDF, 706 KB]
Elk General Seasons
– Pages 32-47 [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Elk Controlled Hunt Seasons
– Pages 48-63 [PDF, 1.7 MB]
Pronghorn Controlled Hunt Seasons
– Pages 64-67 [PDF, 400 KB]
Black Bear Seasons
– Pages 69-74 [PDF, 549 KB]
Mountain Lion Seasons
– Pages 75-77 [PDF, 365 KB]
Gray Wolf Seasons
– Pages 78-83 [PDF, 746 KB]
Unit Map and Unit Boundary Descriptions
Includes — Bighorn sheep raffle
– Pages 84-96 [PDF, 1.3 MB]
General Wildlife Laws
Includes — Trespass, weapons, hound hunting, proxy statement, trails, ATV's, right of
way
– Pages 97-107, 121 & 116 [PDF, 940 KB]
Controlled Hunt Information
Includes — Application worksheet, depredation and permit information
Please note: Mail-in controlled hunt applications are no longer accepted.
– Pages 108-113 [PDF, 486 KB]
License, Tag, and Permit Fees
Includes — Purchasing options, item pricing, super hunt application, paper map order
form
– Pages 114-122 [PDF, 1.3 KB]
Dates to Remember
-
May1
First controlled hunt application period begins
The big game application period runs May 1 through June 5. Please note mail-in applications are no longer accepted.
-
June5
First controlled hunt application period closes
Avoid the last-minute rush and apply early to ensure proper application processing.
The big game application period runs May 1 through June 5. Please note mail-in applications are no longer accepted.
-
July10
Resident general (over-the-counter) tags on sale
Resident general (over-the-counter) tags go on sale July 10.
Latest that notifications are sent to successful controlled hunt drawing applicants
It is your responsibility to determine if your drawing was successful. First drawing tags must be purchased by August 1.
-
Aug1
Deadline to buy first drawing controlled hunt tags
Tags not purchased by August 1 will be forfeited (excluding unlimited tags).
Unsold nonresident deer and elk tags become available as second tags.
Deer and elk tags sold out in both 2017 and 2018.
-
Aug5
Second controlled hunt application period begins
The big game application period runs August 5 through August 15. Please note mail-in applications are no longer accepted.
-
Aug15
Second controlled hunt application period closes
Avoid the last-minute rush and apply early to ensure proper application processing.
The big game application period runs August 5 through August 15. Please note mail-in applications are no longer accepted.
Looking for big game hunting news?
Big game hunting press releases and related news can be found on our website's "big game hunting page."
Notice:
Seasons, rules, and fees may change. It is your responsibility to be aware of changes since these seasons and rules were printed.
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
-
F&G Commission sets migratory game bird seasons and adjusts wolf hunt in two units
Thursday, April 11, 2019 - 1:30 PM MDT
-
Big game rules available online
Monday, April 8, 2019 - 12:32 PM MDT
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2019-2020 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules Available ONLINE
Friday, April 5, 2019 - 3:44 PM MDT
Big Game Seasons and Rules Big Game Hunting Elk hunting Deer Hunting Pronghorn Hunting Idaho Seasons and Rules Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Mountain Lion, Cougar, or Puma (Puma concolor) Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) -
Some units remain open to wolf hunting until April 30
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 - 4:21 PM MDT
-
Spring bear seasons open April 1 in some units, many others open April 15
Friday, March 29, 2019 - 2:19 PM MDT
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-
Final big game season proposals available online
Thursday, March 7, 2019 - 10:39 AM MST
Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Salmon Region Upper Snake Region Southeast Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Big Game Seasons and Rules Elk (Cervus canadensis) Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Mountain Lion, Cougar, or Puma (Puma concolor) Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Idaho Hunt Planner
Search for hunting areas around the state. Filter by animal, dates, weapons, tag type, and more.
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, Offices, 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.