Everything you need to plan your hunting trips in Idaho, from maps and regulations to season dates, game animals, quotas, and game management units. Plus much more! Start your research right here.
Overview
Known For
Idaho draws hunters from all over the U.S. for its big game and public land hunting opportunities. Many big game records have been harvested in the state of Idaho. There are also exceptional upland bird hunts to be had.
Terrain
Idaho’s terrain varies from high, forested mountains in the north to sagebrush and desert-like conditions in the south.
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See regulations for further details on seasons, units, and regulations: https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-2023-2024.pdf
Aug 30, 2023
Jun 30, 2024
Oct 21, 2023 – Nov 30, 2023
Pheasant – Area 2
Roosters only. Daily bag limit of 3. Check regulations.
Resident: October 21 through November 30
Nonresident: October 26 through November 30
Oct 21, 2023
Nov 30, 2023
Aug 30, 2022 – Mar 31, 2023
Rabbit – Cottontail
Daily bag limit 8.
Aug 30, 2022
Mar 31, 2023
Aug 30, 2022 – Mar 31, 2023
Rabbit – Snowshoe Hare
Daily bag limit 8
Aug 30, 2022
Mar 31, 2023
Sep 1, 2023 – Sep 15, 2023
Sandhill Crane 1
Season bag limit of 2. See regulations for details.
Idaho does not have a point system – all tags are issued via random drawing and all applicants have an equal chance
Tag Allocation
Up to 10% of the total tag quota for controlled hunt permits can be issued to nonresidents per species
If a controlled hunt has 10 or fewer permits, only 1 tag may be given to nonresidents
You may only apply for 1 of the following: moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat
If you apply for for moose, sheep or goat you cannot apply for limited entry controlled hunts for deer, elk or antelope unless there are unlimited permits available for the hunt
Understanding the Draw Odds
In Idaho, we include 1 draw odds columns in our List View – Draw Odds
Draw Odds: When the draw is performed everyone’s 1st choice is considered before anyone’s 2nd choice so the odds shown for each hunt are 1st Choice odds. Only lower demand hunts will be available to draw as a 2nd Choice and those hunts will show 100% odds in our tables.
Other Tips
The 10% total species cap has a meaningful impact for nonresidents applying for moose, sheep and mountain goat hunts. That’s why you see hunts for these species that have nonresident applicants, but 0 tags drawn. If there are 50 total sheep permits available, that means a maximum of 5 tags can be given to nonresidents across all sheep hunt codes. So don’t assume that because a particular hunt didn’t give a nonresident tag last year, that you shouldn’t apply for that hunt this year.
In Idaho you may only harvest one Bighorn sheep, California bighorn sheep and antlered moose in your lifetime.
For elk and deer Idaho offers General tags that can be purchased in December but the total number of nonresident tags given out are capped by specific zones. The best zones sell out quickly so be prepared going in! Click here for more information.
Idaho Licenses, Permits and Regulations
Idaho hunting licenses, permits, and regulations for resident and non-resident hunters can be purchased on the Idaho Fish and Game website. Click below to view the website.
Every Idaho hunter should have hunting GPS maps on hand. Idaho hunting maps are available from onX Hunt. With a paid membership you can access Satellite, Topo, or Hybrid Basemaps, over which you can view maps of hunting units, along with State, Forest Service, and other public and private property boundaries. You can view trails and roads, and even download maps to the Hunt App for use offline. Click below to get onX Hunt for Idaho.
Idaho’s hunting regulations are part of the state’s 75+ hunting units. Varying by species and region, each Idaho hunting unit has its own restrictions and quotas for each game species. Click below to view Idaho’s hunting units in more detail through an interactive map.
Over 760,000 parcels mapped by the onX team, this layer helps you know who the property owners are in Idaho. Tap any parcel to learn more info about the owner and acreage.
ID Gov Lands
onX has the most accurate maps of Gov Lands, covering over 37,000,000 acres in Idaho. Not all Gov Lands offer access opportunities, check regulations before recreating.
SUBLAYERS (17)
ID GMUs
Idaho Antelope, Bear, Deer, Elk, Goat, Moose, Sheep, Turkey, Waterfowl Hunt Zones and Game Management Units. Please hunt responsibly, obey all signage and have a safe legal hunt.
Includes 17 Sublayers
Antelope Controlled Hunt Areas
Bear Controlled Hunt Areas
Deer Controlled Hunt Areas
Elk Controlled Hunt Areas
Elk Mgmt Zones
Furbearer Controlled Hunt Areas
Game Mgmt Units
Mtn. Goat Controlled Hunt Areas
Moose Controlled Hunt Areas
Sheep Controlled Hunt Areas
Wolf Mgmt Zones
Turkey Controlled Hunt Areas
Canada Goose Hunt Areas
Duck Hunt Areas
Light Goose Hunt Areas
SandHill Crane Hunt Areas
White-Fronted Goose Hunt Areas
ID Possible Access
onX has mapped 1,100,000 acres of possible access lands in Idaho including timber companies and land conservation groups. Research rules on these private lands before recreating.
ID Access Yes!
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Access Yes! Lands. All hunters are expected to know the rules of the program. Please hunt responsibly and have a safe legal hunt.
Large Tracts Program
These land owners have entered into agreements to ensure access for hunting and fishing. Each of these landowners have established rules based on their ownership.
