Idaho is usually overlooked when it comes to trophy-size mule deer, but it has produced some of the biggest bucks in the West. Tags for hunting in most units are sold over the counter. Hunters have to apply for tags to hunt some areas or for specific hunting periods, which are called controlled hunts. Unsuccessful applicants do not receive preference points or bonus points. The odds of drawing a controlled tag are much better than the odds of drawing limited-entry tags for hunting in quality units in most other Western states. General season tags are valid in many different units across the state and often can be used to tag whitetails. Some controlled tags sometimes are valid in a single unit or even a part of a unit, while others are good for hunting in several units. In some areas tags are not limited in number, but are available only if a hunter applies in the annual drawing. Hunters with such tags are restricted to just one season and one area with one exception: The state allows hunters to buy a second deer tag for hunting in general season units if nonresidents don’t buy all the tags allocated to them. Hunters seldom see as many deer as hunters in Colorado or Utah, but that’s related to why the Gem State produces some great bucks every year. Most tags that allow hunting during the rut are limited or available through the annual drawing.
License Costs
Resident deer tag |
$24.75 |
Nonresident deer tag |
$351.75 |
Resident junior deer tag |
$12.50 |
Nonresident junior mentored deer tag |
$176.75 |
Resident controlled hunt application fee |
$6.25 |
Nonresident controlled hunt application fee |
$18 |
Resident deer tag | $24.75 |
Nonresident deer tag | $351.75 |
Resident junior deer tag | $12.50 |
Nonresident junior mentored deer tag | $176.75 |
Resident controlled hunt application fee | $6.25 |
Nonresident controlled hunt application fee | $18 |
News, notes and alerts
Applications are submitted online
A good percentage of bucks are mature and have four point racks
Apply for controlled permits
The minimum age to hunt was lowered from 12 years to 10 years of age
Some hunts are for youth hunters only
Hunters, especially youth hunters, may shoot bucks or does in many areas
In some flat areas, only short-range weapons may be used
Mule deer hunters in most areas may take a whitetail if a big buck presents itself
Highlights
A maximum of 10% of controlled hunt tags go to nonresidents
In actuality nonresidents get far less than 10% of controlled tags
In some areas a small number of controlled tags are reserved for outfitters’ clients
Bucks exceeding 190” B&C live in much of central and southern Idaho
Idaho has some of the best trophy mule deer genetics in the west
Some bucks grow to record-book size in general season units
Mule deer numbers are low in northern Idaho
Many units are primarily public land
Some private land is open to hunting though game department arrangements
Most general rifle seasons are in October, when big bucks are mostly nocturnal
By switching units, general tag holders can hunt many weeks a year
Typical: Top 5 B&C entries by county
** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.
Nontypical: Top 5 B&C entries by county
** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.
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