Idaho Deer Hunting Season

Idaho is a state that is well known for its deer hunting season in the fall. Below is a description of deer hunting in Idaho.

Species of Deer to Hunt

Idaho has both whitetail deer and mule deer to hunt. Northern Idaho is known best for its whitetail deer. They tend to live in river bottoms, agricultural fields, and around coniferous trees. Southern Idaho is best known for its trophy mule deer. They can be found abundantly in the mountains and in national forest areas.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Idaho

In Idaho, several different methods are used to hunt deer. Early season there is a special archery season, where you can use one of several bow and arrow techniques to kill a deer. Typically, spot and stalk techniques are used for hunting mule deer while stand hunting is used for whitetails. Idaho also has muzzle loader seasons, in which a muzzle loading rifle is the only weapon allowed. Later in the season, the general tags open up. This allows for rifle hunting, and is the most popular. Spot and stalk is very common while rifle hunting, as is using calls or decoys.

Permits and Seasons

Both a valid license and tag are required to hunt deer in Idaho. You must have a valid Idaho hunting license first. This may require taking a hunters education class, depending on your age. This license costs $12.75 for residents, and $154.75 for non-residents. Then you have to buy the deer tag. General tags cost $19.75 for residents, and $301.75 for non-residents. There are also fees to apply for a controlled hunt, if you desire to hunt in a specific area that requires you to draw to be eligible to buy a tag.

Seasons vary by hunt type and area. Most archery seasons run from the end of August to the end of September. Most general any weapon seasons are for two to three weeks during October. There are some archery only seasons in November and December as well.

Other Laws and Regulations

In Idaho, it is only legal to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Also, after you harvest a deer, you must submit a mandatory hunter report online.

Where you can Hunt

Idaho has designated more than 60% of the state as public land that may be hunted on. This includes prime hunting spots all over the state. You are also allowed to hunt on private property as long as you have the permission of the owner of the land.

Idaho is an excellent state for deer hunting. If you’d like to see more about the state’s deer hunting, check out fishandgame.idaho.gov, where you can see the latest in deer hunting season dates and laws.