Hunting Seasons and Dates

When Can I Hunt in Idaho?

Planning your hunt in Idaho starts with navigating one of the most detailed season structures in the country. The state uses a complex system based on hunting units, weapon types, and whether the hunt is for antlered or antlerless game — all of which vary by species.

To ensure a smooth and legal hunt, it's essential to carefully review Idaho’s hunting regulations so you can secure the appropriate license and tags for your preferred location, season, and method of take.

The information in this guide reflects the latest available from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG). We’ll continue updating it as new season details are released.

While this guide is a valuable starting point for planning, always double-check official IDFG resources for the most accurate and up-to-date season dates and regulations.

Idaho Deer Season

Season 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.

• Archery: Begins August 30 through various ending dates
• General Any Weapon: Begins September 15 through various ending dates
• Muzzleloader: Begins August 30 through various ending dates
• White-tailed Deer General Any Weapon: Begins September 15 through various ending dates
• White-tailed Deer General Archery Only: Begins August 30 through various ending dates
• White-tailed Deer Short-Range Weapon: Begins October 10 through various ending dates
• Controlled Hunts: See the IDFG season guide for the latest information

Elk

Much 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.

Antelope

All antelope (pronghorn) hunts are through controlled hunts.

• Either Sex: September 25 – October 24, 2025
• Doe or Fawn: October 25 – November 30, 2025
• Archery Only: Various dates from August 15 to September 15, 2025
• Muzzleloader: Various dates from August 15 to October 24, 2025
• Short-Range Weapon: September 25 to October 24, 2025
• Youth Only: Various dates from August 8 to December 31

Idaho Bear Season

Hunting areas and other specifics determine spring and fall black bear season dates. Refer to the IDFG big game season guide for the latest details.

• Spring: Dates vary from April 1 through July 31, 2026
• Fall: Dates vary from August 30 through November 30, 2025

Mountain Lion

Hunters 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 Wolf

Season 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

• Controlled Hunts: Dates vary starting September 15. Check the IDFG season guide for details.
• Antlered (Archery Only): August 30 – November 23

Bighorn Sheep

You'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 Goat

Mountain goat hunts are also controlled hunts. The season dates are August 30 – November 12.

Turkey

Spring:

• Youth Only: April 8 – April 14 or April 8 – May 25, 2025 (depending on the hunt unit)
• Male or Bearded: April 15 – May 25, 2025 (April 15 – 30 archery only)
• Controlled:
  • Youth Only (Male or Bearded): April 8 – May 25, 2025
  • Male or Bearded: April 15 – May 25, April 15 – 30, or May 1 – 25, 2025 (depending on the hunt area)

Fall:

• General Seasons Either-sex:
  • GMU 1, 2 (except Farragut State Park and WMA), 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7 & 9: August 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • GMU 2 (Farragut State Park and WMA only): November 1 – December 1, 2025
  • GMU 8, 8A, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 18: August 30 - December 31, 2025
  • GMU 10, 12, 16A, 17, 19, & 20: August 30 – October 9, 2025
  • GMU Units 21, 21A, 29, 30, and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage: August 30 – December 31, 2025
  • Outside the National Forest System boundary in Units 22, 31, 32 (except that portion in Payette County), & 32A: August 30 – October 9, 2025
  • GMU 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, & 78: August 30 – November 30, 2025
• Controlled Hunts:
  • Youth Only (Either-sex):
    • Hunt 9011: August 30 – October 9, 2025
    • Hunt 9012: September 15 – 30, 2025
  • Either Sex:
    • Hunt 9013: October 10 – December 31, 2025
    • Hunt 9014: September 15 – December 31, 2025
    • Hunt 9015: September 15 – October 9, 2025
    • Hunt 9016: September 15 – November 30, 2025

Upland Game

Forest Grouse

• Area 1: August 30, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Area 2: August 30 – December 31, 2025

California and Bobwhite Quail

• Area 1: September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Area 2: Closed

Chukar and Gray Partridge: September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Sage-Grouse: September 20 – October 31, 2025

Sharp-Tailed Grouse:

• Area 1: October 1 – 31, 2025
• Area 2: Closed

Pheasants (no Hens)

• Area 1: October 11 – December 31, 2025 (residents) and October 17 – December 31, 2025 (nonresidents)
• Area 2: October 18 – November 30, 2025 (residents) and October 24 – November 30, 2025 (nonresidents)
• Area 3: October 18 – December 31, 2025 (resident) and October 23 – December 31, 2025 (nonresident)
• Youth: October 4 – 10, 2025

Cottontail and Snowshoe Hare: August 30, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Red Squirrel: August 30, 2025 – March 31, 2026

For more details on upland game and trapping season dates and rules, check the IDFG upland game guide.

Migratory Birds

Duck, Snipe, and Coot

• Area 1: October 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Scaup November 7, 2025 – January 31, 2026)
• Area 2: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026 (Scaup October 4 – December 28, 2025)
• Area 3: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026 (Scaup October 23, 2025 – January 16, 2026)

Canada Goose

• Area 1: October 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Area 2: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
• Area 3: November 3, 2025 – February 15, 2026
• Area 4: September 1 – 15, 2025 and October 4, 2025 – January 1, 2026

White-Fronted Goose

• Area 1: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
• Area 2: October 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Area 3: November 3, 2025 – February 15, 2026

Light Goose

• Area 1: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
• Area 2: October 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Area 3: October 19 – December 24, 2025, and February 1 – March 10, 2026
• Area 4: October 4 – December 24, 2025, and February 16 – March 10, 2026

Swan

• Controlled Season: October 4 – December 1, 2025

Dove (Mourning and White-Winged)

• Regular Firearm: September 1 – October 30, 2025

Crow: October 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026

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.

Coyote

No closed season