Idaho

Idaho is the land of hunting opportunities with over-the-counter general tags for elk, deer, and bear. In addition tothe over the counter tags for elk and deer, there are controlled hunts available for all species. Tags for controlled hunts are offered through a drawing where no applicants have any preference or bonus points. In addition to elk, mule deer, whitetail, and antelope, Idaho also offers Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, California bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and Shiras moose. Applicants are limited to applying for only one species of sheep, moose, or mountain goat. Since Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is the most desired species, this leaves better drawing odds for the others.

Hunters can only harvest one sheep and one bull moose from Idaho in their lifetime. Wolves are found in Idaho and have negatively impacted moose and elk numbers in the central mountains of the state, but Idaho does allow over-the-counter wolf hunting so elk and moose numbers are stable compared to other Western states with wolves. The trophy quality of moose in Idaho is excellent. Idaho also offers both Rocky Mountain bighorn and California bighorn sheep. Some of the most sought after elk units are available over the counter for bowhunting. Wilderness backcountry hunting is available in the mountains of Idaho and provides an amazing experience.

License Costs

Species Costs

Important Dates

Big Game Draw (Deer, Elk, Antelope)

Big Game Draw (Sheep, Moose, and Mtn Goat)

Spring Draw (Black Bear)

Draw Result Dates

Draw System

Tag lottery (Controlled Hunt Drawing)

Idaho allows for two choices on the application. Every applicant's first choice is considered before any second choice is considered. All sheep, moose, mountain goat hunt choices, and the highly desired hunt choices for deer, elk and antelope are filled before any second choices are considered.

An applicant must select only one species when applying for sheep, mountain goat, or moose. If one of these species is applied for, then the applicant cannot apply in the later drawing for deer, elk, or antelope. If no application is submitted for sheep, moose, or goat, then they may apply for any or all of the species for deer, elk, and antelope.

For deer, elk, and antelope you do not need to front the tag fees when you are applying for a controlled hunt. You will only send in the controlled hunt application fee per species, plus the hunting license fee. Applicants for controlled hunts for moose, mountain goat, or bighorn sheep must front the entire tag fee and controlled hunt application fee, plus a hunting license when applying.

Preference or bonus points: Idaho currently has no point system in place for the big game-controlled hunt drawings.

Nonresident Allocation

Party applications

Withdrawing applications

Withdrawing or correcting an application is allowed. Any person desiring to change an application after it has been submitted may cancel it at a regional Fish and Game office or headquarters. You must pay all fees again when re-applying.

Waiting period

Second controlled hunt drawing

In early August, Idaho will hold a second drawing for any remaining big game-controlled permits. Once draw results from this drawing period are posted any remaining permits will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Leftover and returned licenses

Throughout the year, beginning in April, the state will hold monthly sales for all returned OTC licenses. These are sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover). Credit cards will be charged the entire species license fee applied for at the time you submit your application for moose, sheep, and mountain goat. If you are drawn for a controlled deer, elk, or antelope permit, you have until August 1 to purchase it. If you are unsuccessful in the draw, you will receive a refund less the application fees.

Hunting license

A current hunting license must be purchased prior to applying for or purchasing licenses for big game in Idaho.

Getting a Tag

Over-the-counter tags

Archery stamps

Idaho requires all hunters wishing to hunt during an archery-only season to purchase a valid Archery Stamp. This stamp is required for those hunting archery-only permits, or archery-only periods attached to general licenses.

Bear Identification Course

As of Jan. 1, 2025, anyone hunting black bears in Idaho must show proof that they have passed a bear identification test to help them differentiate between grizzly bears and black bears. After successfully completing a bear identification test, a hunter will be assigned a certificate number that hunters must provide when in the field.

Landowner tags

Youth tags

Idaho hunting passport

The Idaho hunting passport allows any first-time hunter, resident or nonresident, age 8 and older to try hunting for one year with an adult mentor without first having to complete an Idaho hunter education course.

Returning tags/transferring tags

Hunting Rules

Minimum age to hunt

10 years old

Hunters education

Required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975

Bowhunters education

Required of anyone wishing to hunt during an archery-only season. Hunters can be exempt from this rule if they can show proof of a previously held hunting license or certification or a bowhunter certification from Idaho or another state.

Hunters orange

Idaho does not require hunter's orange

Weapon restrictions

Archery: Bows must have a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds and can not have any device that holds the bow at full draw. Arrows must be at least 24 inches long and weigh 300 grains at a minimum. Only broadheads wider than ⅞” are legal. No electronic devices may be attached to a bow with the exception of lighted nocks.

Muzzleloader: Muzzleloaders must be a minimum of .50 caliber. Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited. Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited. Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited. Loaded with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile with the exception of allowance of accuracy tips and pressure bases. Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap, or musketcap. 209 primers are prohibited. Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire (open breach).

Rifle: Only centerfire rifles are legal

Hunting opportunities for military members

Residency

Any active duty full-time military member and their spouses/dependents under the age of 18 are eligible to purchase resident licenses/permits after living in Idaho continuously for a period of 30 days. Military members wishing to use this program will need to submit an affidavit and, once accepted, will have to purchase their desired licenses/tags within a 30 day period before the form expires.

Furlough license fees

Any military members claiming Idaho residency who are on a military furlough can purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $17.50 (the standard fee is $33.50).

Active duty raincheck

Any military members currently serving in an active military conflict are eligible for a raincheck or refund on any tags, licenses, or permits that they will be unable to use.

Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program

The Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag program allows qualified nonprofit organizations to apply for special big game hunt tags on behalf of a disabled veteran. This program is not limited to organizations based in the state of Idaho. Each year the Idaho Department of Fish and Game makes five tags available for disabled veterans for any deer, elk, antelope, mountain lion, or moose hunt. Participating in this program nullifies any prerequisite licensing requirements. Participation is also based on a first-come, first-served and once-in-a-lifetime basis.

Resident disabled American veteran (DAV) reduced fees

Idaho residents who are disabled veterans may be eligible for special pricing on hunting licenses and tags.

Nonresident DAV reduced fees

Nonresidents who are disabled veterans may be eligible for special pricing on hunting licenses and permits.

Disabled veteran requirements

In order to qualify for DAV reduced pricing, veterans must supply a copy of their official VA disability percentage letter, which must certify a service-related disability rating of 40% or greater.