Idaho has it all with great big game hunting, major waterfowl flyways, predator hunting and upland birds. Tons of public lands, big rivers and big country make up this state. The system is really well managed and hunting pressure is distributed well by the controlled hunts and draw systems. Resident and non-resident hunters can apply for deer and elk tags along with other big game opportunities. The Snake river provides a major artery for waterfowl and upland hunters have access to healthy populations of pheasant and chukar. The diversity in terrain and habitat is spectacular.

Idaho Hunting License Costs

Resident:

• Hunt and Fish Combo – $38.50
• Hunt and fish combo, 3 year – $97
• Sportsman’s package (combo license + deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, wolf, turkey, salmon, steelhead, archery and muzzleloader) – $144.60
• Hunting – $15.75
• Hunting 3 year – $34.75
• Black Bear – $13.75
• Deer – $24.75
• Elk – $36.75
• Mountain Lion – $13.75
• Turkey – $12.25
• Wolf – $13.50
• Archery – $19.50
• Muzzleloader – $19.50
• Moose – $199.75
• Mountain Goat – $199.75
• Antelope – $36.50

Non-resident:

• Hunt and Fish Combo – $240
• Hunt and Fish Combo, 3 year – $716.50
• Hunting – $154.75
• Hunting, 3 year – $460.75
• Hunting, Small Game – $97.75
• Hunting, Small Game 3 day – $35.50
• Black Bear – $186
• Deer – $301.75
• Elk – $416.75
• Mountain Lion – $186
• Turkey – $80
• Wolf – $31.75
• Archery – $20
• Muzzleloader – $20
• Bighorn Sheep – $2101.75
• Moose – $2101.75
• Mountain Goat – $2101.75
• Antelope – $311.75

Idaho Big Game Hunting Application Deadlines

May 1 – June 5 deadline for elk, deer, antelope, fall bear and fall turkey.

June 15 – June 25 – bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose

Aug 5 – 15 – second drawing for deer, elk, antelope, fall bear

Point Systems – Idaho does not use a point system for their controlled hunts. It’s a pure lottery system and everyone who enters has the same odds of drawing. Other states use bonus and preference point systems. Idaho does not.

Idaho Hunting Season Dates

Deer and Elk seasons vary by the unit. They are all a little different. Here is the complete Idaho hunting regulations with the seasons for each individual unit – https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game. You can also view the cow elk objectives for each zone to see where populations are health. Whitetail deer distribution maps are shown on the deer PDF as well.

Upland Game: 

• Dusky, Ruffed and Spruce Grouse – Aug 30 – Jan 31, 4 daily, 12 in possession
• California and Bobwhite Quail – Sept 15 – Jan 31, 10 daily, 30 in aggregate (area 1)
• Chukar and Gray Partridge – Sept 15 – Jan 31, 8 Chukar and 8 Gray’s daily
• Sharptail Grouse – Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2 daily, 6 in possession (area 1)
• Pheasant – Oct 13 – Dec 31(zone 1), Oct 20 – Nov 30 (zone 2), Oct 20 – Dec 31 (area 3)

Because it’s a straight draw, the Idaho Hunting regulations aren’t too painful to navigate. Have maps handy to note the different units and boundaries when researching everything. Also pay close attention to access as there are some really large wilderness areas with very limited access here. This is a great state to for non-residents looking to draw elk and deer tags. It ranks up there with Colorado in terms of finding good odds and opportunities to hunt quality areas.

Return to the main Hunting Regulations Page.