Idaho 2025 Hunting Outlook – Draw Info, Zones & Season Dates

Are you gearing up for a thrilling outdoor adventure in the Gem State? Idaho’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife populations make it a premier destination for hunting enthusiasts of all experience levels. From the dense forests of the Panhandle to the expansive sagebrush plains of the south, Idaho offers remarkable opportunities to pursue a variety of game species throughout the year.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 hunting season in Idaho – from opening dates and license requirements to wildlife management zones and species-specific regulations. Whether you’re a seasoned local sportsperson or planning your first expedition to Idaho, we’ve compiled the essential information to help you prepare for a successful and enjoyable hunt.

Idaho Hunting Quick Reference: Key Species & Dates

Species	Open Dates	Method	Notes
Deer (General) 🦌	Oct 10 – Dec 1	Any weapon	Unit-specific variations
Elk (General) 🦌	Oct 10 – Nov 14	Zone-based	A/B tag system
Black Bear 🐻	Aug 30 – Oct 31 & Apr 15 – Jun 30	Any weapon	Fall/spring periods
Waterfowl 🦆	Oct 4 – Jan 31	Shotgun	Area-specific dates
Upland Birds 🐦	Sept 20 – Jan 31	Shotgun	Species varies
Turkey (Fall) 🦃	Aug 30 – Jan 31	Any weapon	Unit-dependent

All dates subject to unit/zone restrictions – see detailed sections below

Big Game Adventures: Archery & Rifle Seasons

🦌 Deer Opportunities

Idaho’s deer populations offer excellent prospects across multiple units:

White-tailed Deer:

Primary Period: October 10 – December 1, 2025
Prime Units: 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5, 6 (antlered/antlerless)
Tag Options: General and controlled opportunities available
Special Notes: CWD testing required in Units 14, 18, 23, 24, 32A, and portions of Unit 1

Mule Deer:

General Periods: August 30 – December 31 (varies by unit)
Archery Focus: Early archery periods in select units
Muzzleloader: Special primitive weapon periods
Youth Opportunities: Dedicated youth-only periods available

🦌 Elk Expeditions

The elk program uses an innovative zone system with A/B tags:

Zone System Highlights:

Panhandle Zone: A-tag (muzzleloader Oct 10-31), B-tag (any weapon Oct 10 – Nov 14)
Multiple Zones: 28 distinct elk zones statewide
Controlled Opportunities: Extensive controlled draws with specific dates
Second Tags: Residents may purchase additional tags in select zones

🐻 Black Bear Pursuits

Fall Period: August 30 – October 31, 2025
Spring Window: April 15 – June 30, 2026
Baiting Permitted: With proper permits and restrictions
New Requirement: Online bear identification test mandatory before pursuit
Check Requirement: Mandatory within 10 days, including tooth collection

Pronghorn Expeditions

All pronghorn opportunities are controlled draws:

Archery Period: August 15 – September 15
General Period: September 25 – October 24
Application Period: May 1 – June 5

Mountain Lion Adventures

Year-round Opportunity: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Dog Restrictions: Seasonal closures vary by unit
Electronic Calls: Permitted in most areas
Second Tags: Available in select units (10A, 45)

Gray Wolf Management

Extended Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Private Land: Expanded methods year-round
Public Land: Standard methods April 1 – November 14
Expanded Methods: November 15 – March 31 (select units)
No Bag Limit: Limited only by valid tags possessed

Turkey Seasons: Spring, Fall & Youth

Spring Turkey Opportunities

Youth-Only Period: April 8-14, 2025
General Period: April 15 – May 25, 2025
Prime Units: Most units participate (see unit list)
Controlled Draws: Additional opportunities available

Fall Turkey Adventures

Multiple unit groups with varying dates:

Extended Units (1,2,3,4,4A,5,6,7,9): August 30 – January 31
Standard Units (8,8A,10A,11,11A,13,14,15,16,18): August 30 – December 31
Limited Units (10,12,16A,17,19,20): August 30 – October 9

Youth Turkey Opportunities

Special youth-only periods precede general dates in most units, providing excellent mentorship opportunities.

Furbearer Seasons

Regional approach with species-specific dates:

Panhandle Region:

Badger & Fox: Year-round (July 1 – June 30)
Beaver, Mink, Muskrat: November 1 – March 31
Bobcat: December 14 – February 16
Marten: November 1 – January 31

Other Regions:

Clearwater/Magic Valley: Similar patterns with October 15 beaver opener
Southeast/Upper Snake: Extended beaver periods (October 15 – April 15)
River Otter: Quota system with regional limits (total: 165 statewide)

Upland Birds

Forest Grouse Species

Area 1 (Northern counties): August 30, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Area 2 (Remainder): August 30 – December 31, 2025
Bag Limit: 4 daily, 12 possession (aggregate for dusky, ruffed, spruce)

Quail Opportunities

California/Bobwhite (Area 1): September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Bag Limit: 10 daily, 30 possession
Area 2: Closed to quail pursuit

Chukar & Gray Partridge

Statewide Period: September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Bag Limits: 8 each species daily, 24 each possession

Pheasant Adventures

Three distinct areas with resident/nonresident timing:

Area 1: Residents Oct 11-Dec 31, Nonresidents Oct 16-Dec 31
Area 2: Residents Oct 18-Nov 30, Nonresidents Oct 23-Nov 30
Area 3: Residents Oct 18-Dec 31, Nonresidents Oct 23-Dec 31
Youth Statewide: October 4-10, 2025
Bag Limit: 3 roosters daily, 9 possession

Upland Animals

Small Game Opportunities

Cottontail & Snowshoe Hare: August 30, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Red Squirrel: August 30, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Bag Limits: 8 daily, 24 possession each
Pygmy Rabbit: Closed season (protected)

Other Small Game Species

Species	Dates	Bag Limit	Special Notes
Sage-grouse	Sept 20 – Oct 31, 2025*	Varies	Tag required (available Aug 1)
Sharp-tailed Grouse	Oct 1-31, 2025	2/day, 6 poss	Area 1 only, permit required

*Sage-grouse dates set annually in July

Migratory Birds

Waterfowl Zones & Dates

Duck Opportunities:

Area 1: October 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Area 2: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Area 3: October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Bag Limit: 7 ducks (species sublimits apply)
Special Weekend: Youth/Veterans/Military Sept 27-28, 2025

Scaup Seasons:

Separate dates within duck periods (varies by area)

Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Geese

Canada Goose Zones

Four distinct areas with varying dates:

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: Sept 1-15 & Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026
Bag Limit: 5 daily, 15 possession

White-fronted Goose

Three Areas: Dates vary from October 4 through February 15
Bag Limit: 10 daily, 30 possession
Southwest Closures: February 1-March 10 in select WMAs

Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross’s)

Regular Periods: October through January (area-specific)
Spring Conservation: February-March periods in Areas 3 & 4
Bag Limit: 20 daily, 60 possession
Special Methods: Electronic calls, unplugged guns during spring

Other Waterfowl

Swan Opportunities

Controlled Hunt Only: Panhandle counties
Period: October 4 – December 1, 2025
Bag/Possession: 1 each
Application: May 1-June 5 & August 5-25

Additional Species

Wilson’s Snipe: Same dates as ducks, 8 daily bag
American Coot: Same dates as ducks, 25 daily bag

More Game Species

Dove Opportunities

Mourning/White-winged: September 1 – October 30, 2025
Bag Limit: 15 daily, 45 possession
Eurasian-collared: Unlimited, year-round
Falconry Extension: January 23 – March 10, 2026

American Crow

Period: October 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026
No Limits: Unlimited take
Requirements: Valid license only (no HIP/stamps)

Sandhill Crane

Six hunt areas in eastern regions:

Bear Lake Area: September 1-30 (370 tags)
Teton Area: September 1-15 (61 tags)
Other Areas: Various September dates
Tag Sales: August 1, first-come basis
Bag Limit: 2 per season

Premium Controlled Species

Moose, Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goat:

Application Period: April 1-30 annually
Moose: 90+ controlled opportunities, mostly Aug 30 – Nov 23
Bighorn Sheep: 103 total tags, Aug 30 – Oct 13
Mountain Goat: 40 tags, Aug 30 – Nov 12
Lifetime Limits: Strict once-in-lifetime rules apply
Special Requirements: Mandatory courses, check-ins, horn marking

Idaho Hunting Zone Map 🗺️

Idaho divides its hunting areas into Game Management Units (GMUs) and Elk Zones to facilitate wildlife management and regulate hunting pressure. The state has 99 GMUs within seven administrative regions.

For detailed boundary descriptions and interactive mapping tools, visit the Idaho Fish and Game Hunt Planner. This essential resource allows hunters to explore unit boundaries, check season dates, and access harvest statistics.

Key regions include:

Panhandle Region (Units 1-7, 9)
Clearwater Region (Units 8, 8A, 10-19)
Southwest Region (Units 22-32, 38-42)
Magic Valley Region (Units 43-57)
Southeast Region (Units 66-78)
Upper Snake Region (Units 58-64, 65, 67)
Salmon Region (Units 20-21, 33-37)

License Details and Requirements 🎟️

All hunters in Idaho must possess the appropriate license and tags before hunting. Additional permits may be required for specific hunting methods or areas.

Resident License Fees

Adult Hunting License: $14.75
Junior (10-17) Hunting License: $8.25
Senior (65+) Hunting License: $12.75
Combination Hunting/Fishing License: $38.75
Archery Permit: $18.25
Muzzleloader Permit: $18.25

Non-Resident License Fees

Adult Hunting License: $195.00
Junior (10-17) Hunting License: $95.75
Combination Hunting/Fishing License: $264.00
Archery Permit: $81.75
Muzzleloader Permit: $81.75

Tag Fees (Resident/Non-Resident)

Deer: $19.75 / $351.75
Elk: $30.75 / $651.75
Bear: $11.50 / $186.00
Turkey: $19.75 / $80.00
Wolf: $11.50 / $186.00

Youth Hunting Opportunities

Idaho encourages youth participation in hunting through special opportunities and mentored hunting programs:

Youth-only hunting days for various species
Junior mentored hunting program for ages 10-17
Reduced license and tag fees for youth hunters

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: How do I apply for controlled hunts in Idaho? A: Applications for most big game controlled hunts are accepted in May and early June. Turkey controlled hunt applications are accepted February 1 – March 1. Apply online at Idaho Fish and Game’s website or at license vendors.

Q: Can I hunt on public lands in Idaho? A: Yes, Idaho has abundant public land open to hunting, including National Forests, BLM lands, and state-owned Wildlife Management Areas. Always verify access rules for specific areas before hunting.

Q: Is night hunting allowed in Idaho? A: Night hunting is prohibited for most game species. Limited exceptions exist for certain predators and unprotected species, but specific restrictions apply.

Q: How do tag quotas work for non-residents? A: Idaho limits non-resident hunters to no more than 10% of the total tags in any controlled hunt and caps non-resident general season deer and elk tags. These tags typically go on sale December 1 and often sell out quickly for popular zones.

Q: What is the “Motorized Hunting Rule” in Idaho? A: This rule restricts the use of motorized vehicles for hunting big game in many units. Specifics vary by area, but generally prohibit hunting big game within same-day motorized access off designated roads.

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Final Thoughts

Idaho continues to be a premier destination for hunters seeking quality experiences across diverse landscapes. With proper planning and preparation, your Idaho hunt can be a rewarding adventure. Remember to always check the latest regulations before your trip, as seasons and requirements may change.

Before heading afield, verify your chosen unit’s specific dates and regulations, obtain the proper licenses and tags, and practice ethical hunting techniques. Wildlife conservation depends on responsible sportsmen and women who understand and follow the rules while respecting both the game they pursue and the land they hunt on.

Good luck, be safe, and enjoy your Idaho hunting adventure!

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