Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
Your Guide to Hunting in Idaho 2026
The potential for a record big game trophy — or a gray wolf — is reason enough to hunt in Idaho this year. But you might also be drawn to this state for the ample upland bird hunting opportunities.
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 March 31, 2026
When Can I Hunt 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 Hunting Season Dates | |
Idaho Deer SeasonSeason 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.
| ElkMuch 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. |
AntelopeAll antelope (pronghorn) hunts are through controlled hunts.
| Idaho Bear SeasonHunting areas and other specifics determine spring and fall black bear season dates. Refer to the IDFG big game season guide for the latest details.
|
Mountain LionHunters 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 WolfSeason 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
| Bighorn SheepYou'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 GoatMountain goat hunts are also controlled hunts. The season dates are August 30 – November 12. | TurkeySpring:
|
Upland and Small GameForest Grouse
Chukar and Gray Partridge: September 15, 2026 – January 31, 2027 and September 15, 2027 – January 31, 2028 Sage-Grouse: season set in July Sharp-Tailed Grouse:
Red Squirrel: August 30, 2026 – March 31, 2027 and August 30, 2027 – March 31, 2028 For more details on upland game and trapping season dates and rules, check the IDFG upland game guide. | Migratory BirdsDuck, Snipe, and Coot
Sandhill Crane: September 1–15, 2025, September 16–30, 2025. or September 1–30, 2025 depending on tag type. For more specifics about migratory bird seasons and rules, check the IDFG migratory bird guide. |
CoyoteNo closed season | Furbearer (Hunting and Trapping)Make sure you understand the regulations for live animal trapping vs. hunting for these species. Panhandle, Southwest, & Clearwater Regions:
Magic Valley, Southeast, Upper Snake, & Salmon Regions:
Controlled Beaver Trapping Unit Permits
|
What are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Idaho?
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.
Idaho Hunting Season Bag Limits | |||
| 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, 2 per season (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 |
| Sage Grouse | 2 per day and season | Otter | 3 per trapper |
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.
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 use multiple map layers to 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.
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 HuntCast weather forecasting.
Download the app and start your free trial to be ready for opening day!
Previous in State Hunting Guide
More Content Like This
The Guide to Arizona Hunting Seasons 2026
We know hunters are ready to get out into the field for the upcoming Arizona hunting seasons. Whether you hunt turkey, deer, antelope, bison, elk, coyote, or bear, you need to know when the seasons start, where to hunt, and how to get your license so...Read More
Read More
The Guide to Colorado Hunting Season Dates 2026
Whether you've hunted in Colorado or not, Colorado plans the state's hunting seasons for big game through a five-year structure. So, to prepare for your hunts in 2026, pay close attention to the latest application process, draw odds, and more.Read More
Read More
The Guide to the Mississippi Hunting Season 2026
Duck hunters need to experience waterfowl season in Mississippi at least once. It’s a well-known wintering ground for ducks and geese, and the state is known for world-class hunting for waterfowl. Read More
Read More- State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Arizona Hunting Seasons 2026
We know hunters are ready to get out into the field for the upcoming Arizona hunting seasons. Whether you hunt turkey, deer, antelope, bison, elk, coyote, or bear, you need to know when the seasons start, where to hunt, and how to get your license so...Read More
Read More - State Hunting Guide
The Guide to Colorado Hunting Season Dates 2026
Whether you've hunted in Colorado or not, Colorado plans the state's hunting seasons for big game through a five-year structure. So, to prepare for your hunts in 2026, pay close attention to the latest application process, draw odds, and more.Read More
Read More - State Hunting Guide
The Guide to the Mississippi Hunting Season 2026
Duck hunters need to experience waterfowl season in Mississippi at least once. It’s a well-known wintering ground for ducks and geese, and the state is known for world-class hunting for waterfowl. Read More
Read More
1 of 3