Your Guide to Hunting in Idaho 2025

Bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goats, antelope, deer, and bear make Idaho a destination location for many hunters looking for an excellent big-game hunting experience. So, if you have your eye on something big, it's time to start planning your hunt.

HuntWise is here to help! We've gathered the information you need about season dates, bag limits, and hunting licenses. We'll also help you find the best locations to hunt game — large or small.

Updated May 7, 2025

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Idaho?

We've already given you a hint. Hunters come to Idaho for big game and trophy hunts. Is a mountain lion hunt on your bucket list? Idaho can make that happen for you.  

But you can also hunt deer, turkey, and waterfowl (including swans). You'll also find some of the best upland bird hunting in the country, from pheasants to grouse and more.

So, whether you live in Idaho or plan to travel there for an out-of-state hunt, it's an excellent place for a hunt this year.

Where Should I Hunt?

Idaho offers an abundance of public land opportunities in the spirit of providing plenty of access to the sport of hunting. Additionally, the Access Yes! program helps create more ways to get to public land through private land by partnering with landowners who provide access.

With the HuntWise app, you can scout the land and understand boundaries to find the best places (and permissions) for your hunt. Our 3-D maps and layers help you visualize Idaho's varying terrain, from the desert conditions in the southern part of the state to the forests and high mountains up north.  

When Can I Hunt?

Herein lies your first challenge when planning to go hunting in Idaho! The state has a very detailed system of season dates based on hunting units, antlered vs. antlerless hunts, and weapon types, depending on the species you are after. You'll want to read the state's information closely to have your license and tags in hand for the hunt that fits your schedule, preferred locations, and take method.

Note that the information we provide is the latest available from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG). We'll update this guide with the latest season information as new details become available.

While our guide is an excellent resource for planning your season, we also recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting season dates.  

Idaho Deer Season

Season dates are determined by hunting areas and other specifics (antler vs. antlerless, archery, general firearms, muzzleloader, mule deer vs. white-tailed, etc.).

Reference the IDFG big game season guide for the latest details to plan your hunt.

• Archery: Begins August 30 through various ending dates

• General Any Weapon: Begins September 15 through various ending dates

• Muzzleloader: Begins August 30 through various ending dates

• White-tailed Deer General Any Weapon: Begins September 15 through various ending dates

• White-tailed Deer General Archery Only: Begins August 30 through various ending dates

• White-tailed Deer Short-Range Weapon: Begins October 10 through various ending dates

• Controlled Hunts: See the IDFG season guide for the latest information

Elk

Much like the deer season dates, elk open season dates are determined by hunting areas and other specifics. Refer to the IDFG big game season guide for the latest details to plan your hunt.

Season dates range from August 1 through December 31.

Antelope

All antelope (pronghorn) hunts are through controlled hunts.

• Either Sex: September 25 – October 24, 2025

• Doe or Fawn: October 25 – November 30, 2025

• Archery Only: Various dates from August 15 to September 15, 2025

• Muzzleloader: Various dates from August 15 to October 24, 2025

• Short-Range Weapon: September 25 to October 24, 2025

• Youth Only: Various dates from August 8 to December 31

Idaho Bear Season

Hunting areas and other specifics determine spring and fall black bear season dates. Refer to the IDFG big game season guide for the latest details.

• Spring: Dates vary from April 1 through July 31, 2026

• Fall: Dates vary from August 30 through November 30, 2025

Mountain Lion

Hunters can go after mountain lions throughout most months of the year, but it's still crucial to check the dates that apply to specific hunt areas. If you plan to hunt with dogs, you'll also want to check the dates that dogs are prohibited for hunts.

The open season starts July 1 and runs with varying closing dates through June 30.

Gray Wolf

Season dates vary based on hunting units (public land) and private land hunts. Check the IDFG big game season guide for the latest dates and rules for baiting and trapping.

Moose

• Controlled Hunts: Dates vary starting September 15. Check the IDFG season guide for details.

• Antlered (Archery Only): August 30 – November 23

Bighorn Sheep

You'll need to draw a tag to get out for a bighorn sheep hunt. These are controlled hunts only.

Dates vary based on the controlled hunt area starting August 30 and run through October 13.

Mountain Goat

Mountain goat hunts are also controlled hunts. The season dates are August 30 – November 12.

Turkey

Spring:

• Youth Only: April 8 – April 14 or April 8 – May 25, 2025 (depending on the hunt unit)

• Male or Bearded: April 15 – May 25, 2025 (April 15 – 30 archery only)

• Controlled:

  • Youth Only (Male or Bearded): April 8 – May 25, 2025

  • Male or Bearded: April 15 – May 25, April 15 – 30, or May 1 – 25, 2025 (depending on the hunt area)

Fall:

• Either-sex: Dates vary from August 30 through January 31 (depending on the hunt area)

• Controlled Hunts:

  • Youth Only (Either-sex): August 30 – October 9 or September 15 – 30 (depending on the hunt area)

  • Either-sex: October 10 – December 31, September 15 – December 31, September 15 – October 9, or September 15 – November 30 (depending on the hunt area)

Upland Game

Forest Grouse

• Area 1: August 30 – January 31

• Area 2: August 30 – December 31

California and Bobwhite Quail

• Area 1: September 20 – January 31

• Area 2: Closed

Chukar and Gray Partridge: September 20 – January 31

Sage-Grouse: Season will announced in July

Sharp-Tailed Grouse: October 1 – 31

Pheasants (no Hens)

• Area 1: October 11 – December 31 (residents) and October 16 – December 31 (nonresidents)

• Area 2: October 18 – November 30 (residents) and October 23 – November 30 (nonresidents)

• Area 3: October 18 – December 31 (resident) and October 23 – December 31 (nonresident)

• Youth: October 4 – 10, 2025

Cottontail and Snowshoe Hare: August 30 - March 31

Red Squirrel: August 30 – March 31

For more details on upland game and trapping season dates and rules, check the IDFG upland game guide.

Migratory Birds

Duck, Snipe, and Coot

• Area 1: October 19 – January 31 (Scaup November 7 – January 31)

• Area 2: October 5 – January 17 (Scaup October 5 – December 29)

• Area 3: October 5 – January 17 (Scaup October 24 – January 17)

Canada Goose

• Area 1: October 19 – January 31

• Area 2: October 5 – January 17

• Area 3: October 5 – 20 and November 4 – January 31

• Area 4: September 1 – 15 and October 5 – January 2

White-Fronted Goose

• Area 1: October 5 – January 17

• Area 2: October 19 – January 31

• Area 3: November 4 – February 16

Light Goose

• Area 1: October 5 – January 17

• Area 2: October19 – January 31

• Area 3: November 26 – March 10

• Area 4: October 5 – December 10 and February 1 – March 10

Swan

• Controlled Season: October 5 – December 1

Dove (Mourning and White-Winged)

• Regular Firearm: September 1 – October 30

Crow: October 27 – February 28

Sandhill Crane: September 1–15, September 16–30, or September 1–30, depending on tag type.

For more specifics about migratory bird seasons and rules, check the IDFG migratory bird guide.

Coyote

No closed season

What Do I Need to Know About Idaho Hunting Regulations?

All hunters must pass a hunter education course, either online or an in-person course. Once completed, you can get your hunting license for any game and season that doesn't go through a draw system to award tags.

Hunters can purchase licenses online.

If your hunt takes place through a draw, you'll want to pay close attention to the application dates so you don't miss your chance to hunt one of the big game species you have your eye on. Check the IDFG website for details.

What are the Bag Limits?

How many coyotes, gray wolves, or pheasants can you bring home this year? To comply with Idaho hunting regs, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt. 

Check out the overview below.

Deer

1 per tag

Pheasants

3 roosters per day (9 roosters in possessions)

Antelope

1 per tag

Cottontail or Snowshoe Hare

8 per day (24 in possession)

Black Bear

1 per tag

Red Squirrel

8 per day (24 in possession)

Mountain Lion

1 per tag

Duck

7 of any kind per day (3x the daily in possession)

Gray Wolf

No limit (but only one per legal tag)

Wilson's Snipe

8 per day (3x the daily in possession)

Moose

1 anterless and 1 antlered (lifetime)

Coots

25 per day (3x the daily in possession)

Bighorn Sheep

1 Rocky Mountain and 1 California (lifetime)

Canada Goose

5 per day (15 in possession)

Mountain Goat

1 lifetime

White-Fronted Geese

10 per day (30 in possession)

Elk

1 per tag

Light Goose

20 per day (60 in possession)

Turkey

2 male per day (spring), 1 either-sex per tag

Swan

1 per day (1 in possession)

Forest Grouse

4 per day (12 in possession)

Dove

15 per day (45 in possession)

Quail

10 per day (30 in possession)

Crow

No limits

Partridge

8 Chukar and 8 Partridge per day (24 each in possession)

Sandhill Crane

2 per day (2 for the season)

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

2 per day (6 in possession)

Coyote

No limits

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

When hunting in Idaho, you need the right gear!

Successful hunts — especially big game hunts — require gear like a good hunting knife, a solid pair of binoculars, the right clothing (depending on the season), and a good rifle for those big game hunts.

Remember: As you get geared up for your hunt, use your gear discounts through our HuntWise partners. From optics to odor control and clothing, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear.

HuntWise Guides You to Success When Hunting in Idaho

We hope the information we've shared in this guide helps you plan your hunts in Idaho this season! Remember also to consult official resources when finalizing your plans, as information can change.

What else do you need for success? The HuntWise hunting app! It's the best tool for hunters to scout and plan a hunt before heading out, giving you an advantage over other hunters and an efficient (and successful) day in the field.

HuntWise is the best hunting app for e-scouting private or public hunting land. Plus, Elite subscribers get access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of animal activity and weather forecasting.

Download the app and start your free trial to be ready for opening day!