Idaho Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Idaho Fishing

Despite the fact that hunting is not the most popular traditional practice in Idaho, the state flourishes in this area. Residents and non-resident hunters can enjoy a variety of games. The most prevalent big game species include deer, elk, mountain lions, and bears, and the state is abundant in small game.

Hunting regulations in Idaho

as is done in practically every region of the United States. Before taking wildlife or games in Idaho, hunters must follow hunting laws, criteria, and regulations. These regulations are enforced by the Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The following are some key restrictions that Idaho hunters should be aware of:

Regulation of Hunting Licenses

You must have a valid Idaho hunting license to take wildlife and games in the state. This is true for both residents and non-residents. There may be exceptions for hunting specific game without a license, but only the Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife can make that determination.

Regulations for tagging

Certain animals must be tagged after being captured. Big game species such as bears, elk, turkeys, and deer require tagging. Hunters must also be aware of any tagging and taking requirements for the species they wish to hunt. Tagging must be done correctly to avoid regulatory violations.

Requirements for Tagging

After taking any large game that requires tagging, you must authenticate the game tag before attaching it to the animal’s carcass. It is permitted to put tags on the hides of games like bear, wolf, or lion. You must attach the tag immediately after finishing the game. To tag, first remove the triangles surrounding the tag that show the month and day you are playing the game.

Idaho has specific dress requirements for hunters.

Before hunting in Idaho, you must comply with the state’s hunters’ dressing regulations for certain game. The attire accepted for pheasant and other upland game hunting is orange and at least 36 square inches in size. The clothing should also be higher than the hunter’s waistline.

This dress code applies to hunters on state fish and game properties (WMAs) as well as those on sponsored hunts in Idaho. However, regardless of what animal they are hunting, the Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife advises all hunters to adhere to the orange dress code.

Idaho Bag Limits for Hunting

Bag limits for hunting in Idaho are used to limit the number of specific games that can be hunted during a given season. Bag limitations might be daily or seasonal, depending on the game being hunted.

For daily bag limits, the hunter will be limited to only a certain number of games per day. Seasonal bag limitations restrict hunters to the number of games that can be hunted during a certain game season.

Bag limitations are not always the same from year to year or season to season. The Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife sets bag restrictions each year based on the game population. All bag limitations and restrictions imposed by the agency must be followed by hunters. Violating bag limitations may result in fines and the termination of hunting permits.

Idaho has hunting restrictions.

The following are some of the most common offenses for hunters to avoid in Idaho:

In Idaho, it is illegal to erase proof of game sex that you have taken. You must leave all sex evidence naturally attached to the game corpse, or the majority of the meat if the game is boned. There are several exceptions, such as bears, wolves, and lions, where the proof of sex must be left on their hide.
It is forbidden to tag games that require tagging or to tag them incorrectly. To tag according to Idaho regulations, remove the month and date notches completely and tag the game as soon as it is harvested.
It is illegal for hunters to refuse to halt at Wildlife Management Area checkpoints. It is mandatory for hunters and trappers to submit themselves and their hunting equipment for search at every check station they encounter on their way to and from a hunt.
It is illegal in Idaho to transfer games and animals without a proxy statement. A proxy statement is necessary for the shipment of games taken by another hunter. Hunters receive one proxy statement form for each tag purchased.
While hunting, it is illegal to discharge a firearm across a highway.
It is illegal to hunt animals during their hunting season. A hunter must be aware of the opening and closing dates of the game season for the animals they wish to take. Hunters must also be conversant with additional laws, such as the species of game that can be taken, the sex that can be taken, and the hunting boundaries. Hunters should also examine the rules every year in case they alter them.
It is illegal to hunt with an invalid license. Hunters must have the appropriate license for the game they are attempting to capture. This is typical when non-resident hunters purchase Idaho licenses that are only valid for state citizens.
It is illegal for a hunter to transfer a hunting license or tag to another hunter.
You are not permitted to take a game for another hunter who will affix his or her hunting tag. Idaho makes party hunting illegal.
It is illegal for any hunter to trespass on private territory to pursue a game. Exceptions are made for landowners and hunters who have permission from the landowner. Also, hunters must be aware that they are hunting on private property, as ignorance is not an explanation for this infraction.
When hunting big game with a motorized vehicle, it is the hunter’s responsibility to observe the rules for hunting with vehicles on either state- or federally-held territory.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Idaho

In Idaho, a hunting license is issued based on the hunter’s residency, kind of game, and age. There are numerous valid Idaho hunting licenses, permits, and tags, including the following:

Residents’ Hunting Permit

These are the hunting licenses available to Idaho residents. To be eligible for these licenses, you must have lived in the state for at least six months.

Adult Hunting and Fishing Permit

Adult Idaho citizens can obtain this license, which allows them to engage in fishing and hunting activities. Adult hunting and fishing licenses are classified into two classes based on their validity. Annual licenses cost $38.75, while three-year licenses cost $97.

Junior Hunting and Fishing Permit

This license is accessible to Idaho teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17. It enables them to engage in fishing and hunting. In terms of validity, there are two sorts of junior hunting and fishing licenses. The annual license costs $19, while the three-year license costs $49.

Senior Hunting Permit

This license is only accessible to Idaho seniors 65 and older. It enables them to engage in fishing and hunting. In terms of validity, there are two sorts of senior fishing licenses. Annual licenses cost $13.75, while three-year licenses cost $33.5.

License for Sportsman’s Package

This license includes all of the benefits of a resident hunting license, as well as tags for game such as turkeys, wolves, mountain lions, elk, and bears. Holders of this license are permitted to use muzzleloader and archery firearms. It is $144.6.

Hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans

This license is available to Idaho citizens who are disabled and have a letter from the veteran showing their percentage of disability. To apply for the license, they must be at least 40% disabled. It will set you back $5.57.

Non-resident hunting permit

This is an Idaho out-of-state hunting license for non-residents who want to hunt in Idaho.

Adult Hunting and Fishing Permit

Adult nonresidents can obtain this license, which allows them to engage in fishing and hunting activities. Adult hunting and fishing licenses are classified into two classes based on their validity. The annual license costs $264, while the three-year license costs $788.50.

Ordinary Adult Hunting License

Adult nonresidents can obtain this license, which allows them to engage in exclusive hunting activities. Adult hunting licenses are classified into two classes based on their validity. The one for three days costs $185, while the one for three years costs $551.5.

Small Game Hunting Permit

This license entitles the licensee to hunt migrating birds, upland games, cottontail rabbits, turkeys, furbearers, hares, and predators. The license, however, is ineligible for the first five days of the Idaho pheasant hunting season. For non-residents, there are two categories of small game hunting licenses dependent on their validity. One valid for five days costs $141.75, while one valid for three days costs $71.71.

Trapping Permit

Nonresidents with this license may trap game in Idaho. It is $331.75.

Junior Mentored Hunting Permit

Non-residents between the ages of 10 and 17 are eligible for this license. Non-residents with this license are not permitted to hunt alone. They will be accompanied by a licensed adult, who will be available for conversation throughout the quest. This license is available to junior non-residents who are 9 years old but will turn 10 before hunting season. The license also includes three days of fishing. In terms of validity, there are two types of this license. The one-year version costs $91.75. The three-year one costs $271.5.

Non-Resident Disabled Veteran License

Nonresidents who are disabled and have a letter from the veteran certifying their disability percentage are eligible for this license. To apply for the license, they must be at least 40% disabled. The license costs $31.5 and includes three days of fishing.

Licenses, permits, and tags for fishing in Idaho

Idaho fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Residents’ Fishing Permit

These are the fishing licenses accessible to Idaho residents.

Adult Fishing Permit

This license is offered to Idaho residents who want to fish in state waters. In Idaho, there are two sorts of resident adult fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $30.5, while the one for three years costs $73.75.

Daily Fishing Permit

For Idaho citizens who desire to fish, this license is valid for one day. It costs $13.5 for the first day, and $6 for each subsequent day.

Junior Fishing Permit

This license is valid for Idaho residents between the ages of 14 and 17 who want to go fishing. In Idaho, there are two categories of junior fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $13.75, while the one for three years costs $73.75.

License for Military Hunting and Fishing

This is a combination of fishing and hunting licenses valid for Idaho citizens who are members of the United States military. It will set you back $20.5.

Non-resident fishing permit

Non-residents who want to fish in Idaho can use this license. Among them are the following:

Adult Fishing Permit

Nonresident adults who want to fish in Idaho water bodies can obtain this license. In Idaho, there are two categories of nonresident adult fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $98.25, while the one for three years costs $291.25.

Daily Fishing Permit

For nonresidents of Idaho who desire to fish, this license is valid for one day. It costs $15 for the first day, and $7 for each subsequent day.

Junior Fishing Permit

This license is valid for nonresident teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 who want to go fishing. In Idaho, there are two categories of junior nonresident fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $21.75, while the one for three years costs $61.75.

2020/21 Idaho Hunting Season

The hunting season in Idaho varies depending on the game. It is critical for hunters in the state to be aware of the hunting season for the game they choose to pursue.

Idaho’s shooting season for various species in 2020-21 includes the following:

Idaho hunting seasons for deer

General Hunting Season (October 10th to December 1st)
Elk Hunting Seasons in Idaho
General Hunting Season (August 1st to December 31st)

The elk hunting season in Idaho varies according on the state’s varied hunting zones and tactics. You can inquire about hunting zones with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Seasons for hunting pronghorn in Idaho

Controlled Hunting Season (September 25th to December 31st)
Seasons for hunting black bears in Idaho
Seasons for general hunting (30th of August to 31st of October and 15th of April to 30th of April).

In Idaho, bear hunting has a seasonal restriction of one bear every season. Trapping, capturing, or snaring bears is likewise prohibited.

Mountain Lion Hunting Season in Idaho

General Hunting Season (August 30th to June 30th)

Turkey Season in Idaho

General Fall Hunting Season (August 30th to January 31st)
Spring Youth Hunting Season (April 8th to April 14th)
Spring General Hunting Season (April 15th to May 25th)

Small Game Hunting Seasons in Idaho

Cottontail and hare hunting seasons (August 30th to March 31st)
Seasons for hunting quail (18th of September to 31st of January)
Chukar and Partridge Hunting Seasons (September 1st to January 31st)
Hunting Seasons for Male Pheasants (9th October to 31st December)
Season of Squirrel Hunting (30th of August to 31st of March)

The start and end dates of a game hunting season will fluctuate depending on the Idaho hunting zone.

In addition, most big game in Idaho has regulated hunting to reduce overpopulation. Permits are required to hunt these animals.

Idaho Wildlife, Recreation, and Fishing

Idaho has a variety of games and fauna to offer, including the following:

Deer hunting in Idaho

Deer hunting is popular in Idaho. The whitetail deer is a species found in the Salmon River’s northern reaches. They are hunted more heavily in the fall than mule deer. Mule deer, on the other hand, are more common in the southern section of Idaho.

Turkey hunting in Idaho

Turkey hunting is popular in Idaho, especially around rivers. They are, however, more entrenched in the Weiser Payette and Snake Rivers. There are also excellent turkey hunting chances in places like the Craig Mountain WMA. Turkeys can be found on federal and state hunting properties, as well as private sand timber lands throughout the state.

Fox Hunting in Idaho

In Idaho, there are several fox species suitable for hunting. The red fox can be found in practically every part of the state. Kit foxes are uncommon but can be seen in the southern section of Idaho. Kit foxes are little, weighing about 3 to 6 pounds and measuring 18 to 21 inches in length. The gray fox is Idaho’s largest fox species.

Bear hunting in Idaho

Idaho also allows black bear hunting. They are usually tough to hunt because their habitat is bordered by extremely impenetrable terrain. They reside in regions with abundance of food supplies, such as bushes and hard masts. Bears can also be found in deciduous forests, subalpine ridgetops, and wet meadows in Idaho.

Hunting for Pronghorns in Idaho

Pronghorns are generally found in areas of the state with broad open spaces due to their nature. They like shrubby and grassland areas with vegetation no taller than 2 feet, which is where most pronghorn hunting in Idaho takes place. They live in the sagebrush in southern Idaho, especially during the winter, and acquire the majority of their food from this area.

Mountain Lion Hunting in Idaho

Because of the number of mountain lions in Idaho, hunting takes place throughout the state. They are more common in the Magic Valley area. They are more active in the winter, hunting elk and deer.

Hunting for Quail in Idaho

The California quail is the most common quail in Idaho, and it may be found in the state’s south-central region. They can be found around bodies of water such as streams and rivers.

Pheasant Hunting in Idaho

Pheasant hunting is popular in Idaho’s clearwater and Magic Valley locations. However, due to new farming methods and increased urbanization in the state, their populations have declined in recent years. However, there are still plenty of wild pheasants in Idaho.

Duck hunting in Idaho

Ducks come in a variety of varieties in Idaho, and because they are waterfowl, the best places to see them are in wetland areas away from human settlements. Duck hunting is also done on wildlife refuges in Idaho. Ducks live in bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, and they prefer shallow areas.

Public Shooting Ranges in Idaho for Hunting Practice

Hunters should practice their guns skills whenever they have the opportunity. The following are some of the public shooting ranges in Idaho:

Kuna’s Black’s Creek Public Shooting Range
Athol’s Farragut Public Shooting Range (next to Farragut State Park)
Archery Range - Boise River Wildlife Management Area
Garden Valley Public Shooting Range is located in Garden Valley, California.

Hunting Lands in Idaho for Sale and Lease

Idaho hunting lands for sale include the following:

4,000 acres in Driggs, Idaho (Teton County).
1,226 acres in Sun Valley, Idaho (Blaine County).
13.98 acres in Wilder, Idaho (Canyon County).
2,800 acres in Kamiah, Idaho (Idaho County).

Idaho hunting lands for lease include the following:

5,000 acres in Idaho Falls, 83402 (Bonneville County).