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Idaho Hunting Overview

Idaho is a top destination for big game hunting, attracting hunters from all over the country with its diverse terrain and abundant wildlife. Each year, thousands of hunters come to Idaho to target elk, deer, pronghorn, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The Department of Fish and Game is responsible for managing Idaho hunting opportunities, and offers both over-the-counter and controlled tags for a variety of species. Over-the-counter tags are available for general hunts for elk, deer, and bear, while controlled hunts are offered through a drawing process with no preference or bonus points. Applicants are limited to applying for one species of sheep, moose, or mountain goat, with Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep being the most desired species.

Hunters in Idaho have the opportunity to explore some of the state’s most rugged and remote wilderness areas, with backcountry hunting available in the mountains. While wolves have had a negative impact on moose and elk populations in some areas, Idaho allows over-the-counter wolf hunting to help maintain stable numbers of these species. With excellent trophy quality for moose and Rocky Mountain bighorn and California bighorn sheep on offer, Idaho is a must-visit destination for serious big game hunters.

Big Game Species

Idaho offers a diverse range of big game species for hunting enthusiasts, including elk, deer, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and moose. Residents and non-residents can acquire hunting tags through a controlled hunt draw system or over-the-counter purchase. Details on how to acquire Idaho hunting tags are provided below for each species. Idaho attracts approximately 220,000 hunters annually, with roughly 85% of hunters being residents and 15% being non-residents.

Draw and OTC Sales and Dates

Point System

Idaho does not use any points systems.

Tags, Licenses, and Pricing

A valid hunting license and Access / De-predation are required to apply for Idaho controlled hunts and applications, excluding the Super Tag lotteries. A controlled hunt application fee is also required for controlled hunts, and varies by the species applied for. Tag fees only apply upon successfully drawing a tag in the controlled hunts, but hunters may elect not to purchase a drawn tag. The above fees are required to purchase tags in OTC sales, but may be purchase at the time of the sale and do not need to be purchased in advance. Below are tables of the general and species specific fees in the state.

General Licenses and Fees

Species Specific Fees

Idaho Hunting Regulations

Hunters Education

• Hunters Education is required for individuals born on or after January 1, 1975.

Age Restrictions

• Hunters must be 10 years of age.

Archery Limitations

• As of 2022, mechanical broadheads and lighted nocks are now allowed in Idaho.
• Draw weights must be 40 pounds or greater. Draw-lock devices are prohibited.
• Crossbows are not allowed in archery seasons.

Group Hunting

Group applications are permitted for controlled hunt draws. For elk, deer, and antelope, up to four hunters may enter as a single as a group. For goat, sheep, and moose, only two hunters may enter as a group. If there are more hunters in a group application than the number of permits available for a hunt, the group application will be rejected.

Idaho Hunting FAQ