Hunting in Idaho, USA
Idaho Hunting Trips
Idaho’s Wild Beauty and Hunting Opportunities
Idaho is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, where rugged mountain peaks, expansive lakes, fast-flowing rivers, and dramatic canyons shape the landscape. The state is home to some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the lower 48, including the massive Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, covering 2.3 million acres. With such vast, untouched territory, Idaho offers outstanding hunting opportunities that reflect its wild character. Hunters can pursue a wide range of species, including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Upland bird hunting is also excellent, with species like California quail, chukar partridge, Hungarian (gray) partridge, several grouse varieties, pheasants, and wild turkeys available.
Big Game Populations and Tagging System
Idaho’s elk population is strong, estimated at around 107,000 animals, thriving across diverse habitats — from southern sagebrush flats and central mountain ranges to forested ridges in the north. Hunters can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags, while special draw tags for larger bulls are available across 28 designated zones. Both mule deer and white-tailed deer are accessible through a mix of OTC tags and controlled hunts. Mule deer primarily occupy southern deserts and central mountain regions, whereas white-tailed deer dominate the lush northern forests. On average, the success rates for deer hunters over the past five years have hovered around 40%, while elk hunters have seen a 23% success rate.
Other Big Game and Predators
Idaho maintains a thriving black bear population, with many bears showing cinnamon or brown coloration. Hunters may pursue bears with hounds or bait, and interestingly, nonresident deer or elk tags can also be used to harvest a black bear or mountain lion. For pronghorn antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, the state offers a limited number of draw tags. The moose population, estimated between 10,000 and 12,000 animals, has been declining in some areas but expanding in others. Bighorn sheep, numbering several thousand, roam Idaho’s rugged backcountry, and roughly 85 highly sought-after controlled hunt tags are issued each year. Lucky hunters can harvest both a California bighorn and a Rocky Mountain bighorn once in their lifetime. Mountain goats inhabit areas like North Idaho, the White Cloud Mountains, and Idaho’s southeastern ranges.
Licensing and Regulations
To hunt in Idaho, individuals must hold a valid hunting license, secure a species-specific tag for big game, and show proof of completing a hunter education course if born after January 1, 1975. For detailed regulations, season dates, and application information, visit the official Idaho Department of Fish and Game website at idfg.idaho.gov/hunt.
