Idaho Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of Idaho.
Overview
Idaho offers rugged mountains, deep forests, high desert, and world-class fisheries — with strong big-game hunting and vast public access.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Elk (archery, rifle — general & controlled hunts)
- Mule Deer & Whitetail Deer (general & controlled)
- Pronghorn (controlled)
- Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat (lottery)
- Black Bear & Mountain Lion
- Turkey seasons (spring & fall)
- Upland birds (grouse, pheasant, quail, chukar)
- Waterfowl (Pacific Flyway)
- Fishing seasons (trout, steelhead, salmon, bass, pike)
Licensing
Idaho requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Hunting license (resident & non-resident)
- Fishing license (annual, 3-day, 1-day)
- Controlled hunt applications (deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, sheep, goat)
- Bear & lion tags
- Salmon & steelhead permits
- Mandatory harvest reporting (select species)
Key Species
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Whitetail Deer
- Pronghorn
- Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat
- Black Bear & Mountain Lion
- Trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook)
- Steelhead & Salmon
- Bass, Pike, Sturgeon
Public Land & Access
Idaho offers enormous public access through national forests, BLM lands, state lands, and extensive river systems.
- National Forests (Clearwater, Nez Perce, Sawtooth, Salmon-Challis, etc.)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands
- State Trust Lands
- Access Yes! walk-in access program
- Major rivers (Snake, Salmon, Clearwater)
- High-mountain lakes & wilderness areas