Idaho Elk & Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations, 2023 – 2024
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up-to-date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Idaho is home to some great hunting opportunities and is known for its elk hunts. There is lots of other game to track and harvest though and you can be sure you will find
Deer Season in Idaho
| Archery only | August 30, 2023 – December 31, 2023 |
| Short range weapons | August 30, 2023 – November 24, 2023 |
| General (Any weapon) | September 15, 2023 – November 20, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader only | November 10, 2023 – December 1, 2023 |
| Any weapon | August 15, 2023 – December 20, 2023 |
| Archery only | August 15, 2023 – December 19, 2023 |
| Youth only | August 30, 2023 – December 31, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader only | October 1, 2023 – December 9, 2023 |
| General (Any weapon) | September 15, 2023 – December 9, 2023 |
| Archery only | August 30, 2023 – December 31, 2023 |
| General Muzzleloader Only | November 10, 2023 – December 9, 2023 |
| Short Range Weapon | October 10, 2023 – December 31, 2023 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that includes location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the deer section of the Idaho Fish and Game Department Big Game page.
Idaho hunters can pursue both white-tailed deer and mule deer and primarily on public land. The general bag limit is one deer per hunter per year. However, some controlled hunts and depredation hunts offer additional harvest. Mule deer hunting is much more controlled and very specific to permit type and location.
General Deer Season runs October 10th through December 1st.
Elk Season in Idaho
| Archery A Tag | August 30 – September 30, 2023 |
| Any Weapon A Tag | August 01 – December 31, 2023 |
| Archery B Tag | August 01 – September 30, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader A Tag | September 01 – December 31, 2023 |
| Any Weapon B Tag | October 10 – December 30, 2023 |
| Late Archery A Tag | December 01 – December 31, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader B Tag | December 02 – December 08, 2023 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that includes location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the elk section of the Idaho Fish and Game Department Big Game page.
Elk hunting in Idaho is very complex. Not only are there specific seasons based on location, but each location also has separate dates and regulations for methods of take. Additionally, there is an A tag and a B tag for most locations, and a hunter can only choose one location and one tag. Generally, A tags are better if you are interested in archery (but not crossbows), and B tags are better for rifles. Some areas do not have B tags available so make sure to check with Idaho Fish and Game Department at the link above.
Pronghorn Season in Idaho
| Either Sex | Sep 25 – Oct 24 |
| Doe or Fawn | Oct 25 – Nov 30, Nov 1 – Nov 30 |
| Archery Only | Aug 15 – Sep 15, Aug 15 – Aug 30, Sep 1 – Sep 15, Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Muzzleloader Only | Aug 15 – Sep 15, Aug 15 – Aug 30, Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Short Range Weapon | Sep 25 – Oct 24 |
| Youth Only (Either sex, Limited access, Short range weapons only on Payette River and Montour WMAs, Motorized Hunting) | Sep 25 – Oct 24 |
| Youth Only (Either sex, Archery only) | Aug 15 – Sep 15 |
| Youth Only (Doe or Fawn only) | Oct 25 – Dec 31, Aug 15 – Oct 24 |
| Youth Only (Either sex, Muzzleloader only) | Aug 8 – Oct 24 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that includes location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the pronghorn section of the Idaho Fish and Game Department Big Game page.
In Idaho, all Pronghorn hunting is controlled, even the archery seasons. This means that there are generally limited tags (with some exceptions). Make sure to check on the Area and Units because each has specific regulations and rules to follow.
Bear Season in Idaho
| Youth-Only Fall-Controlled Hunt Areas | Sep 15 – Oct 9, Sep 1 – Oct 31 |
| Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt Areas | Sep 1 – Oct 31 |
| Spring Black Bear Controlled Hunts | Apr 1 – May 22 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that include location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the bear section of the Idaho Fish and Game Department Big Game page.
*Note* It is illegal across the state to kill Grizzly bears unless being threatened or harmed. They are considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
For black bears, the spring season is quite extensive beginning in April and running through the end of June.
There is a two-bear bag limit excluding females, mothers, and their young.
Mountain Lion Season in Idaho
| Mountain Lion | Aug. 30 – Jun. 30 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that includes location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the mountain lion section of the Idaho Fish and Game Department Big Game page.
If planning on using hounds to hunt mountain lions in Idaho, make sure to check regulations and read up on the specific hound hunting rules in the area.
Turkey Season in Idaho
| Spring Turkey | Apr. 8 – May 25, 15-Apr-23 – 25-May-23 |
| Spring Controlled Hunt | Apr. 15 – Apr. 30, 1-May-23 – 25-May-23 |
| Spring Controlled Hunts Youth Only | Apr. 8 – May 25 |
| Spring Landowner Permission | Apr. 15 – May 25 |
| Youth Only Spring Turkey | Apr. 8 – Apr. 14, 8-Apr-23 – 14-Apr-23 |
| Fall Turkey | Aug. 30 – Oct. 9, Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 31-Dec-23, Sep. 15 – Nov. 30 |
| Youth Only Fall Controlled Hunt | Aug. 30 – Oct. 9, Sep. 15 – Nov. 30 |
| Fall Landowner Permission | Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, Sep. 1 – Dec. 31 |
| Fall Controlled Hunts | Sep. 1 – Dec. 31, Oct. 10 – Dec. 31 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that include location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the turkey section of the Idaho Fish and Game Department upland game, furbearer, and turkey page.
During the spring season, the daily bag limit is two bearded turkeys. Either sex may be taken during the fall and the daily bag limit is congruent to the number of tags possessed. A hunter cannot purchase more than six tags per calendar year at $18 each.
In addition to the general hunts, there are additional controlled turkey hunts and landowner-specific hunts, so be sure to check the regulations if you are looking for a harvest.
Idaho Small Game Seasons
| Cottontail Rabbit | Aug. 30 – Mar. 31 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Aug. 30 – Mar. 31 |
| Red Squirrel | Aug. 31 – Mar. 31 |
| Dusky Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse | Aug. 30 – Jan. 31 |
| California and Bobwhite Quail | Sep. 16 – Jan. 31 |
| Chukar and Gray Partridge | Sep. 17 – Jan. 31 |
| Sharp-Tailed Grouse | Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 |
| Pheasants | Oct. 8 – Dec. 31 |
*Idaho has highly specific Units that determine when you are able to hunt which animals. For a comprehensive list of details and regulations that includes location specific-dates, as well as additional useful hunt information, check out the small game sections of the Idaho Fish and Game Department upland game, furbearer, and turkey page.
Crossbow Hunting in Idaho
Idaho is pretty neutral as far as crossbow regulations. The weapons are not considered kosher for archery season but pretty open outside of that.
- Crossbows are legal during any season other than archery only season, just as long as you obtain your license and the proper tag.
- The bolt and/or arrow must proceed nock and shaft.
- Bolt or arrow and broadhead must be a combined weight of 300 grams or more.
- You may NOT use a crossbow during the archery-only season unless you are disabled and hold the proper certification.
Hunting Licenses in Idaho
To hunt in Idaho, you will need:
- A hunting license
- A tag for big-game species and turkey
- If born after January 1st, 1975 you will need to conduct a hunter’s safety course.
A hunting license is good from the date purchased through December 31st of the same year. Idaho residents are eligible to purchase a lifetime license at any time.
Costs vary depending on age, residency, and the type of hunting you will be conducting. There are also special licensing and permits available for veterans and disabled individuals.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Illinois.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Hawaii
