Idaho Hunting Season 2025: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide

Plan your 2025 Idaho hunting with our complete guide to big and small game seasons, including whitetail deer, elk, moose, turkey, ducks, wild boar, and coyote. Learn about hunting licenses, bow and rifle hunting rules, bag limits and Idaho state-specific regulations. Idaho stands as one of the premier states for both big game and small game hunting in the U.S., thanks to its vast wilderness, diverse terrain, and well-managed wildlife populations. Whether you’re an archery enthusiast, a rifle hunter, or someone looking to explore the backcountry for elk, deer, or bear, Idaho offers countless opportunities. Here's your in-depth guide to the 2025 hunting seasons, regulations, and licensing requirements across the Gem State. What is There to Hunt in Idaho? Idaho is home to a wide variety of animals available for hunting. These include big game species like elk, moose, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bear, and mountain lion, as well as small game such as rabbits, ducks, turkey, coyote, and grouse. There are also opportunities for hunting wild boar in limited regions. The state is a year-round haven for outdoorsmen thanks to its game diversity and structured hunting seasons. What Animals Can You Hunt Year-Round in Idaho? Certain species in Idaho are classified as unprotected and can be hunted all year with no bag limits. These include coyote, jackrabbits, European starlings, flying squirrels, and other invasive or non-game species. However, even for these animals, some weapon and land access regulations may apply. Idaho Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025 Deer Seasons (Whitetail & Mule Deer) Archery: August 30 – September 30 (varies by unit) General Rifle: October 10 – November 24 (unit dependent) Muzzleloader: Late November – mid-December (selected units only) Controlled Hunts: October–December (application required) Idaho offers specific units and dates for both whitetail deer and mule deer hunting. Be sure to check the 2025 regulation booklet to match your unit and method of take. Elk Seasons Archery: August 30 – September 30 General Rifle: October 15 – November 8 Muzzleloader: November 10 – December 15 (in select zones) Controlled Hunts: Dates vary by zone Controlled hunts are extremely popular for elk in Idaho. Tags are limited and often require advance application. Moose Seasons Controlled Hunts Only: September 15 – November 23 (varies by zone) Moose tags are allocated via a lottery-based controlled hunt system and are very limited in number. Only one moose may be harvested in a lifetime. Black Bear Seasons Spring Season: April 15 – June 30 Fall Season: August 30 – October 31 Bear hunting is permitted with bait and dogs in some regions, depending on unit regulations. Idaho Small Game Hunting Seasons 2025 Turkey Seasons Spring General Season: April 15 – May 25 Fall Season: August 30 – December 31 (unit-dependent) Youth Hunt: April 8 – April 14 Ducks & Waterfowl Seasons Regular Duck Season: October 5 – January 18 (North & South zones differ slightly) Youth Waterfowl Day: September 28 Goose Season: October 5 – January 25 All migratory bird hunters must have a federal duck stamp and Idaho Migratory Bird Permit. Upland Game Birds (Grouse, Partridge, Quail) Season: September 15 – January 31 Coyote Open Season: Year-round, no bag limit Coyote hunting is a great option for hunters in the off-season or those seeking predator control opportunities. Bag Limits Every hunter should be aware of the legal bag limits for each species during the season. Here are the basic limits for Idaho (always verify specific rules for each hunting unit): Whitetail & Mule Deer: 1 trophy buck per season under a general tag. Additional harvest may be possible through controlled hunts. Elk: 1 bull or cow elk (depending on the tag type), with only one tag available per season. Moose: 1 trophy moose per lifetime, only through controlled lottery hunts. Black Bear: Up to 2 bears in certain units, if allowed under specific zone regulations. Turkey: Up to 2 birds in the spring season (1 per day), with additional opportunities in the fall. Ducks & Geese: Up to 7 ducks per day, including no more than: 2 canvasbacks 2 black ducks 2 hen mallards 1 scaup — only allowed for 15 days of the season Coyote & Wild Boar: No bag limit — hunting is permitted year-round with unlimited harvest. License & Tags Information for Idaho Hunters (2025) To hunt in Idaho, both residents and non-residents must purchase a valid hunting license, and often species-specific tags. License Types: Resident Adult Hunting License: $38.75 Nonresident Adult Hunting License: $185.00 Junior, Senior, and Disabled Licenses available at discounted rates Tag Fees (Big Game): Elk Tag: Resident $36.75 | Nonresident $651.75 Deer Tag: Resident $23.00 | Nonresident $351.75 Bear Tag: Resident $13.75 | Nonresident $231.75 Moose Tag (Controlled): Resident $216.50 | Nonresident $2,626.50 Hunting with Bow, Rifle, or Muzzleloader in Idaho Hunters in Idaho can choose from several legal weapon types including compound bows, recurve bows, rifles, muzzleloaders, and shotguns depending on the species and season. Always verify your unit-specific restrictions regarding weapon types and legal calibers. Regulations & Resources Hunters are responsible for understanding and following all Idaho Fish and Game regulations, which cover topics such as: Legal shooting hours Hunting zones and boundaries Blaze orange requirements Weapon restrictions Private land access rules It’s highly recommended to review the official 2025 Idaho Big Game Regulations booklet before your hunt. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website. This guide was created based on information from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG): https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game