Idaho is an alluring hunting destination that entices hunters from all over the United States with its diverse game and stunning landscape. Boasting numerous public lands, hunters are in for an unforgettable hunting experience in the rugged wilderness of Idaho. The Idaho hunting season runs from August to February, though the specific dates vary depending on the species and hunting method. Regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of Idaho's wildlife populations, and hunters must be licensed to hunt. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, Idaho's hunting season offers a challenging and rewarding adventure in the great outdoors. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Idaho hunting seasons.
Deer Seasons
Deer hunting is a popular hunting activity in Idaho, and it is open from September 1 through January 14 of the following year. The hunting methods allowed include firearms, bows, and crossbows. Muzzleloader seasons commence on the third Saturday in October for antlered deer and on the first Sunday for non-antlered deer.
Hunters are allowed to use dogs for deer hunting, but the dogs must be licensed and have current rabies vaccination certificates while in season. Before looking for deer, hunters must check in at a check station; otherwise, they could face fines of up to $500.
Antelope Season
Antelope seasons vary by zones and draw limits. The number of antelope tags issued depends on the number of antelope tags available in each zone. Antelope tags are allocated based on the current season's quota and are divided among all zones within that season's zone structure.
Antelope tags are divided into age classes for each zone. When selecting a unit, it is crucial to check the number of tags available in the target zone, not the preferred zone. If there aren't enough antelope in the preferred zone, hunters may opt to hunt elsewhere for better odds.
Elk Season
Elk season is from the 1st Monday in September through the last Sunday in December. Hunters may only hunt elk if they have a valid Idaho elk tag and have harvested a buck of at least 144 inches or an antlerless deer of at least 80 inches during the previous season. Hunters may also use a bow and arrow to take an antlerless deer during the regular archery season if they have not taken one with a firearm.
Duck & Dove Season
The duck and dove season run from September 15 through October 31, while the dove season runs from October 1 through November 30. There are no bag limits for either species during these seasons, but hunters are limited to two birds per day during the regular archery season if they have not taken more than two with a firearm during that time frame.
Grouse Season
Grouse hunting in Idaho is from September 1 through February 28, and the bag limit is five birds. The season is split into two segments, and up to 50 percent of the daily bag limit can be in any segment, with a maximum of two per day. There are no limits on how many times hunters may shoot during a season, but they must have at least one bird in their possession at the end of each day.
Sandhill Crane Seasons
The sandhill crane season is from October 1 through March 31 each year, and it is divided into two segments: a nesting segment, which runs from October 1 through August 31, and a hunting segment, which runs from September 1 through March 31.
Hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license to hunt sandhill cranes during the nesting period (October 1 through December 31). Anglers are allowed to fish for sandhill cranes during the hunting season when they are on public land owned or managed by the state of Idaho.
