New Or Noteworthy For This Year

Idaho's Elk Breakdown

Idaho's Mule Deer Breakdown

Idaho's Antelope Breakdown

Idaho's 2024 deer, elk and antelope controlled hunt application overview

The deadline to apply for Idaho deer, elk, and antelope is June 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m MT. You can apply online here, in person at any Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) office or license vendor, or by phone by calling 1-800-554-8685. Fees do apply to online and phone purchases.

Deer

Antelope

STATE INFORMATION

View important information and an overview of Idaho’s rules/regulations, the draw system, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map on our State Profile. You can also view the Idaho species profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you locate trophy areas.

Important dates and information

THE IDAHO DRAW SYSTEM

Idaho is one of the few unique states that does not use a formal system of preference or bonus points for the distribution of controlled hunt permits. A simple lottery system is used, which puts every applicant—regardless of time spent applying—on a level playing field. In Idaho, nonresidents are eligible to draw up to 10% of any given species controlled hunt tags (bighorn sheep raffle and Super Hunt tags do not affect this 10% allotment) although this number is not guaranteed. In hunts with fewer than 10 available tags, only one shall be issued to nonresidents.

As a nonresident, how can my odds be the same as a resident? Idaho’s draw odds can be a little complicated with the way that they cap the nonresidents at up to 10% of the tags. However, the way that they run the drawing process can be a benefit to nonresidents. Any time that the ratio between resident to nonresident applicants is higher than 9:1, meaning nine residents to one nonresident, the nonresident applicant has basically the same odds as a resident. With this ratio, there are not enough nonresident applicants to fill the 10% of the total permits offered for that unit, so the cap or quota doesn’t come into play.

Although not renowned for producing giant bulls, Idaho presents excellent opportunities for hunters with either over-the-counter (OTC) tags or controlled hunt permits. Across the state, ample opportunities exist for those prepared to put in the effort; however, the most favorable conditions, trophy potential, and hunt dates are often found within the controlled hunt opportunities. Certain units offer both controlled and OTC hunt options a fact that needs to be watched closely to stay legal, but can also play big into your favor when it comes to backdooring some mature bulls.

Current elk herd condition

The current 2023/2024 has been fairly normal to light in terms of overall snow pack and elk should experience very little complications. With a normal spring expected we should see great calf recruitment for this year and healthy bulls heading into the rut. 

THE CONTROLLED HUNT SEASONS

Idaho may not be famous for its massive bulls, but it still provides fantastic chances for hunters with either over-the-counter (OTC) tags or controlled hunts. Throughout the state, opportunity abounds for those ready to work for it. However, the optimal conditions, trophy potential, and timing are typically found within the controlled hunting opportunities. Idaho offers a large number of controlled hunts—most of which are season specific—and it will be important for hunters to pay close attention to their hunt codes when applying. In the below section, we take an indepth look at the best controlled hunts for Idaho elk.

Archery

As archery seasons often coincide with the September rut, hunters holding these tags can expect an exceptional experience. While securing these tags can be challenging, the hunt itself has the potential to forge unforgettable memories. Idaho boasts only a few archery-only controlled hunt areas, primarily concentrated in the southwestern corner of the state. These areas are carefully managed, allowing bulls to reach impressive sizes due to regulated hunting pressure.

Muzzleloader

Idaho imposes stringent regulations on muzzleloader usage, limiting hunters from employing modern firearm technology. Consequently, some hunters may hesitate to pursue these tags, despite the prime season dates ideal for harvesting mature bulls. However, favorable drawing odds are widespread for these tags. For those willing to invest the extra effort, pursuing these options could prove to be an excellent choice.

Rifle

Rifle seasons for Idaho elk, being the preferred weapon for many, present steep odds but also boast the broadest range of opportunities. Idaho provides both early and late rifle hunting seasons, with the early hunts typically falling towards the end of the rut, while the late hunts primarily target migratory elk. Both tags offer good opportunities, although conditions during the late hunts can be challenging.

Managing expectations

In Idaho, there isn’t a formal bonus or preference point system, meaning applicants won't receive any rewards based on their application history for a particular unit. Nevertheless, this setup ensures a level playing field for all applicants. In this system, any applicant stands a chance of drawing their dream tag at any time. Setting clear goals and aspirations for Idaho early in your application strategy is crucial to increase your chances of drawing your preferred tag. With the abundance of controlled tags offered most hunters can likely find a hunt with favorable odds to match their goals and aspirations.

Idaho has been a popular mule deer destination for hunters for generations. While trophy potentials aren’t as high as they once were, solid hunting for great bucks can still be found. The state offers both over-the-counter and draw opportunities though most of the best hunts, and best chances at larger bucks, will be found within the controlled hunt options.

Current mule deer herd condition

In Idaho, mule deer populations have been experiencing a gradual yet consistent decline in recent years, resulting in a slight decrease in overall buck quality. Particularly, the southeastern corner of the state faced significant impacts from winter storms a few years ago, leading to considerable drops in deer populations. As a result, these areas will exhibit lower deer densities, making it more challenging to locate mature bucks, requiring hunters to invest extra dedication and effort.

THE CONTROLLED HUNT SEASONS

There are remarkable opportunities available through diligent effort with over-the-counter (OTC) tags; however, it's no secret that controlled hunts consistently yield the best dates and largest bucks. Idaho offers a vast array of hunts, with the choice of weapon being the primary limiting factor that applicants must initially take into account. In the following tables, we are going to look at some of the best hunts to consider based on each weapon type for 2024.

Archery

Among the controlled hunts, archery hunts typically boast the highest odds of drawing, albeit with less desirable dates and lower hunter success rates. Nonetheless, considering the investment required, archery hunts present a valuable opportunity for all hunters to consider.

Muzzleloader

Despite the strict regulations surrounding muzzleloaders in Idaho, hunters can uncover significant opportunities if they're willing to accommodate the limitations. Many of the muzzleloader controlled hunts coincide with the mule deer rut, offering hunters excellent chances to observe numerous bucks.

Rifle

Being the favored weapon choice, controlled rifle season hunts typically have the lowest odds for applicants. Many of these hunts occur during or around the rut, with some extending throughout its entirety. While the draw odds are steep, these seasons generally offer the best opportunity for harvesting trophy bucks in Idaho.

Managing expectations

In Idaho, the absence of a formal bonus or preference point system means that applicants won't receive rewards based on their application history for any specific unit, ensuring an equal playing field for all. Consequently, anyone's name could be drawn for the tag of a lifetime at any time. Establishing your goals and aspirations for Idaho early in your strategy is crucial for increasing your chances of drawing your desired tag. With the abundance of controlled tags available, most hunters can likely find a hunt with favorable odds to meet their needs. Moreover, considering the over-the-counter (OTC) hunts in Idaho can also be a worthwhile option!

Whitetail deer in Idaho

In addition to mule deer, hunters in Idaho can pursue whitetail deer across nearly the entire state. Much of the whitetail hunting is conducted using general tags, offering hunters the chance to encounter exceptional bucks, especially in the panhandle region. Furthermore, several general tag options permit hunters to pursue whitetail during the rut using rifles.

Idaho boasts a smaller yet robust population of antelope. While the trophy potentials may not be as high as in some neighboring states, Idaho still sees the harvest of impressive bucks annually. Archery hunts usually present the optimal opportunity for securing a tag, with consistently high harvest statistics. Additionally, hunters can explore the options of muzzleloader and rifle hunts for antelope in Idaho.

Current antelope herd condition

Antelope populations continue to do well in the state despite the smaller population sizes. the southeastern corner of the state faced significant impacts from winter storms a few years ago, leading to considerable drops in animal populations. Still, anyone holding a tag for 2024 should be in for a good hunt.

THE CONTROLLED HUNT SEASONS

Idaho provides a diverse selection of controlled hunt opportunities for antelope, categorized primarily by weapon type. Rifle hunts typically yield the highest success rates, although they often come with steep draw odds. On the other hand, archery hunts offer better odds but present a more challenging hunting experience.

Archery

The archery seasons typically offer the best draw odds, with several hunts featuring unlimited tag quotas. Many of these hunts kick off a few weeks before the general big game archery seasons, serving as a fantastic opportunity to get back into the swing of things for the fall. Additionally, some season dates coincide with the antelope rut, adding an extra level of excitement to the hunt.

Archery hunts with unlimited quotas can only be listed as your first choice only.

Muzzleloader

Idaho provides only a limited number of chances for muzzleloader antelope hunts, yet they offer some rewarding opportunities. While many seasons begin towards the end of the rut, some allow hunters to pursue bucks during the peak of the rut, enhancing the hunting experience.

Rifle

Without a doubt, the rifle season offers the highest likelihood of success in bagging a mature buck. However, it's worth noting that draw odds are typically more competitive for these hunts compared to archery or muzzleloader seasons. Normally falling between the end of general archery and the start of general rifle for most species, these hunts provide a prime opportunity to utilize a bonus tag without interfering with other hunts.

Managing expectations

In Idaho, there's no formal bonus or preference point system, meaning applicants won't receive rewards based on their application history for any specific unit. This levels the playing field for everyone, offering an equal chance for anyone's name to be drawn for the tag of a lifetime during any application. It's crucial to establish your goals and aspirations for Idaho early in your strategy to increase your chances of drawing your most desired tag. With the abundance of controlled tags available, most hunters can likely find a hunt with decent odds to suit their needs. Archery hunters might find units with unlimited quotas appealing for a guaranteed hunt every fall, while rifle hunters may need to prepare for a lengthy wait for their desired tag.