BIG GAME

Elk

An incredible mixture of elk hunting opportunity is available to the hunter, thanks to Idaho’s diverse habitats and a population of about 107,000 elk. The Idaho elk hunter can pursue bulls that vanish like ghosts in the sagebrush deserts, chase herds in the lung-busting climbs of the central Idaho mountains, or stalk the thick-timbered ridges of northern Idaho.

The current Idaho strategy is to offer over-the-counter tags that provide yearly opportunity for family and friends to hunt together, in combination with mature bull opportunity in controlled hunt areas.

Elk hunting is managed in 28 elk zones with a 2-tag system in most zones – A tag & B tag. In general, ‘A tags’ provide more opportunity for muzzleloader and archery hunters and B tags provide more opportunity for center fire rifle hunters. Hunters may select one zone and choose either an A tag or a B tag.

Deer

Idaho’s over-the-counter tags and controlled hunts give hunters access to some of the best deer hunting in the West. Hunters can pursue both mule deer and white-tailed deer, largely on public land. Mule deer are widespread in the central mountains and southern deserts of Idaho, while white-tailed deer dominate the northern forested areas of Idaho.

Every fall hunters eagerly look forward to the annual deer hunt. This yearly tradition is so important, hunter surveys consistently tell Fish and Game they are willing to forgo larger bucks for the opportunity to hunt every year. Creating a variety of opportunities guides wildlife managers’ decisions. Fortunately they have the resources to provide not only diverse general seasons  that allow hunters to harvest a buck each year, but also high-quality trophy controlled hunts for hunters to pursue larger mature bucks.

Pronghorn

Once you spot them in the distance, the challenge to hunting pronghorn is stalking an extremely wary animal known for its excellent vision in wide-open country.  To crawl belly down thru grass and sage brush after Idaho’s pronghorn, you first need to enter and draw a controlled hunt tag.  Idaho offers a variety of pronghorn tags for either sex, doe or fawn, archery, muzzle loader, short range weapon and youth hunts.

Pronghorn are considered to be the fastest land mammal in the Western Hemisphere, built for maximum speed to run from ancient predators that no longer exist.  Reduced to 13,000 animals at the turn of the century, many feared pronghorn would go extinct. Sportsman groups and federal agencies collaborated to restore healthy and huntable herds in the West.

To hunt pronghorn in Idaho you need to:

• buy an Idaho hunting license
• apply for a controlled hunt between May 1 to June 5
• purchase your tag before August 1

If you don’t draw, try again in a second controlled hunt application period between August 5 thru 15.

Black Bear

Idaho has a healthy population of black bears. Even though they are called black bears, the coloring of Idaho’s bears are also cinnamon, brown and some have blazes. Hunters can pursue bears with hounds or use bait stations. Nonresident deer and elk tags may also be used to harvest a black bear or mountain lion.

Mountain Lion

Hunters may pursue mountain lions ten months of the year in Idaho and can buy multiple tags in a single year. Electronic calls can be used in a limited number of hunting units. Nonresident deer and elk tags may also be used to harvest a black bear or mountain lion.

Wolf

Fish and Game manages wolves as a big game species. This provides for a general hunting season with tags available over-the-counter. Harvest limits apply in certain areas. Hunters can harvest up to five wolves per calendar year. Additionally, certified trappers may harvest up to 5 wolves during the trapping season. Hunters of bears, lions and wolves are all required to report harvests and must present the hide and skull to the Fish and Game Department within 10 days of harvest.

Moose

Hunting for moose in Idaho can take you from the heavily timbered forests of North Idaho to the meandering streams of the Snake River Plain. Fewer than a thousand animals a half a century ago, Idaho’s moose are now estimated at 10,000 to 12,000. While some moose populations are declining in parts of the state, they are also expanding their range in several other areas. A good way to find out what’s happening locally is to call the regional Fish and Game office.

To hunt for moose in Idaho, you must apply for a controlled hunt tag. Moose are the only ‘once in a lifetime’ trophy species in which you can harvest both a bull and a cow in your lifetime.  Plus, if there are any unclaimed (leftover) controlled hunt moose tags, you can apply for an additional hunting opportunity in the late draw.

To hunt moose in Idaho you need to:

• buy an Idaho hunting license
• apply for a controlled hunt between April 1-30

Your refund or tag will be mailed to you by June 10, however it is your responsibility to verify if you were successful in the drawing.

Mountain Goat

High in the lofty peaks of Idaho’s mountains resides one of the state’s most unnoticed big game trophy species, the Rocky Mountain Goat.  It takes a fit hunter to scramble after these elusive animals that can thrive at elevations of 8,000 -10,000 feet.

Mountain goats can be found in North Idaho, the White Cloud Mountains of central Idaho and the far southeast corner of the state. Recently two new tags were added to Unit 10, which overlaps the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.

To hunt mountain goats in Idaho you need to:

• buy an Idaho hunting license
• apply for a controlled hunt between April 1-30

Your refund or tag will be mailed to you by June 10, however it is your responsibility to verify if you were successful in the drawing.

Bighorn Sheep

Hunters dream of drawing one of Idaho’s coveted bighorn sheep tags. Once one of the most common species in the West, several thousand roam Idaho’s remote rugged mountains and steep river canyons today.

To hunt bighorn sheep in Idaho, you need to apply for one of 85 controlled hunt tags. Successful applicants can harvest one California and one Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in their lifetime.

A hunter has two other options to pursue bighorn sheep, whether or not you have previously harvested a wild sheep in Idaho. One bighorn tag is offered through a lotteryadministered through the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation and another can be purchased at an auction held annually at the national Wild Sheep Foundation convention. Hunters who hold these tags can hunt in any open unit under the seasons established for the hunt area, with the exception of Unit 11. Proceeds of these special tags are dedicated to bighorn sheep management and disease investigations.

To hunt bighorn sheep in Idaho you need to:

• buy an Idaho hunting license
• apply for a controlled hunt between April 1-30.

Your refund or tag will be mailed to you by June 10, however it is your responsibility to verify if you were successful in the drawing.

MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

Duck

Remember to:

• Purchase a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp and the Federal Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program validation before hunting waterfowl. Sign your name across the face of the Federal Migratory Bird Stamp.
• Use only non-toxic shot, in a shotgun only capable of holding 3 shells.
• Comply with lawful shooting hours and pay close attention to daily and possession limits by species and sex of species.

Goose

Goose hunting seasons are divided into 3 parts for the species groups listed below. Bag and possession limits vary.

• Canada Geese
• White-fronted Geese
• Light Geese – Ross, Blue or Snow

Doves

• Mourning Doves, Eurasian-collared Doves
• Eurasian-collared doves are larger than mourning doves. They have a black collar on the top part of the neck, pale gray coloration, and dark primary feathers. These doves are an introduced species that have recently expanded their range into Idaho. Should you harvest Eurasian-collared doves while Mourning dove hunting, it is recommended they are left unplucked during transport so they can be distinguished from Mourning doves. Eurasian-collared doves will not count as part of your aggregate bag of Mourning doves as long as they are identifiable.

  Eurasian-collared doves may be taken in any amounts and at any time by holders of the appropriate valid Idaho hunting or combination hunting license, provided such taking is not in violation of state, county, or city laws, ordinances or regulations.

Sandhill Cranes

An adult sandhill crane stands nearly 4 feet tall. Grayish plumage is accented by a featherless red head patch. Juveniles have tannish brown heads with no red. Please note the age of the crane you harvested, this data is important for crane harvest management.

Sandhill crane hunting occurs in eastern Idaho to help reduce crop damage. Hunt areas will be described in the brochure below.

UPLAND BIRDS

Quail

California quail occur from south-central Idaho, west to the Oregon border and north to the Palouse Prairie. Good populations live along rivers and streams with brushy cover below 3,500 feet in elevation.

Chukar and Gray Partridge

Idaho also offers some of the best chukar and gray partridge hunting in the West, not to mention robust populations of California quail. Chukars and gray partridge (huns) thrive on large tracts of public ground, and are available to everyone willing to make the effort to hunt them.

Chukars are typically found in rocky, arid areas covered with cheat grass and sage brush. Gray partridge (huns) are often found in close proximity to chukars and adjacent to cultivated land across the stat.

Grouse

Hunters can pursue three species of forest grouse – dusky, ruffed, and spruce and two species of prairie grouse – Columbian sharp-tailed and sage-grouse – all native to Idaho. Forest grouse hunting opportunities exist across the state, while Columbian sharp-tailed and sage-grouse hunting is limited to certain areas only.

The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse season runs the month of October in eastern Idaho. The best hunting is typically in or near fields enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Land enrolled in the Access Yes! program in Cassia, Power, and Oneida counties provide ample access to hunting areas.

While sage-grouse are widely distributed in areas with large blocks of sagebrush, the hunting season is generally very short and opportunities are limited to areas of southern Idaho.

Pheasant

Historically, Idaho was a destination pheasant hunting location, but populations have declined because of changes in farming practices and the resultant loss of habitat.

Some of the best pheasant hunting opportunities can be found off the beaten path and on private lands where much of the best habitat occurs. The highest pheasant harvest typically occurs in the Southwest, Magic Valley, and Southeast regions. Hunters willing to wear through some boot leather as well as knock on doors can find good success.

Wild Turkey

Wild turkey populations have taken off in Idaho since Idaho Fish and Game first introduced them in the 1960s. Today an estimated 30,000 wild turkeys – Merriam’s, Rio Grande and Eastern – roam the state’s public and private lands. These birds are often concentrated in the relatively low elevation forests and along narrow riparian areas. Add over-the-counter opportunities and multiple tags to these conditions, and you have some of the best turkey hunting in the nation.

Daily Bag Limits for the Clearwater Region

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) – Limit is 6, both species combined.

Brook trout – limit is 25

Bull trout – limit is 0, catch-and-release. No bull trout harvest is allowed.

Kokanee – limit is 25

Salmon – Seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho Fish and Game Comission. Fisshign for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water.

Steelhead (ocean-going) – Defined as rainbow trout longer than 20” in length in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes), and the Clearwater River drainage (excluding that portion above Dworshark Dam, and lakes). Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water.

Sturgeon – limit is 0, catch-and-release. Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon langing. Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required.

Tiger Muskie – limit is 2, none under 40”

Trout (includes cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and troud hybrids) – In the rivers and streams, trout limit is 2, all species combined. In lakes, reservoirs, ditches and canals, trout limit is 6, all species combined. Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are listed separately.

Whitefish – limit is 25

Protected Nongame Fish (includes Pacific lamprey and sand roller) – may not be harvested or possessed.

All other Fish Species (included bullfrogs and crayfish) – no bag, size, or possession limit.

Daily Bag Limits for the Southwest Region

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) – limit is 6, both species combined. None under 12”

Brook Trout – limit is 25.  Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout.

Bull Trout – limit is 0, catch-and-release. No bull trout harvest is allowed.

Kokanee – limit is 6

Salmon – seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and rules are issued in a separate brochure. Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water.

Steelhead (ocean-going) – Defined as rainbow trout longer than 20” in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes). Between Hells Canyon Dam and Oxbow Dam and the Boise River from its mouth upstream to Barber Dam during steelhead seasons, steelheads are rainbow trout over 20” in length with the adipose fin clipped (as evidenced by a healed scar). Fishing for ot targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water.

Sturgeon – limit is 0, catch-and-release. Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be release upon landing. Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required.

Tiger Muskie – limis is 2, none under 40”.

Trout (includes brown trout, lake trout, golden trout, Arctic grayling, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, trout hybrids, land-locked Chinook and coho salmon) – Trout limit is 6, all species combined. Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are listed separately.

Whitefish – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish.

Protected Nongame Fish (includes Pacific lamprey & sand roller) – May not be harvested or possessed.

All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish) – No bag, size or possession limit.

Daily Bag Limits for the Magic Valley Region

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) – limit is 6, both species combined. None under 12”.

Brook Trout – limit is 25.  Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout.

Bull Trout – limit is 0, catch-and-release. No bull trout harvest is allowed.

Kokanee – limit is 6.

Sturgeon – limit is 0, catch-and-release. Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upond landing. Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required.

Tiger Muskie – limit is 2, none under 40”.

Trout (includes brown trout, lake trout, golden trout, Arctic grayling, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, trout hybrids, land-locked Chinook and coho salmon) – limit is 6, all species combined. In rivers and streams, only 2 of the 6 trout my be cutthroat trout. Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are listed separately.

Walleye – limit is 6

Whitefish – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted nder Special rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish.

Protected Nongame Fish (includes leatherside chub, Shoshone sculpin, bluehead sucker and Wood River sculpin. – May not be harvested or possessed.

All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish) – No bag, size or possession limit.

Daily Bag Limits for the Southeast Region

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) – limit is 6, both species combined, none under 14”.

Brook Trout – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout.

Cisco (Bear Lake only) – limit is 30.

Kokanee – limit is 6

Sturgeon – limit is 0, catch-and-release. Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be release upon landing. Barbless hook and sliding sinkers are required.

Tiger Muskie – limit is 2, none under 40”.

Trout (includes brown trout, lake trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and trout hybrids) – limit is 6, all species combined. In rivers and streams, only 2 of the 6 trout may be cutthroat trout. Does not include brook trout which are listed separately.

Whitefish – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish.

Protected Nongame Fish (includes leatherside chub, bluehead sucker and Bear Lake sculpin) – May not be harvested or possessed.

All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish) – No bag, size or possession limit.

Daily Bag Limits for the Upper Snake Region

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) – limit is 6; both species combined.

Brook Trout – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout.

Bull Trout – limit is 0, catch-and0release. No bull trout harvest is allowed.

Kokanee – limit is 15.

Sturgeon – limit is 0, catch-and-release. Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing. Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required.

Tiger Muskie – limit is 2, none under 40”.

Trout (includes brown trout, golden trout, lake trout, splake, Arctic grayling, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and trout hybrids) – limit is 6; all species combined. Does not include butt trout and brook trout which are listed separately.

Whitefish – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish.

Protected Nongame Fish (including leatherside chub and bluehead sucker) – may not be harvested or possessed.

All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish) – No bag, size or possession limit.

Daily Bag Limits for the Salmon Region

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) – limit is 6; both species combined.

Brook Trout – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during and open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout.

Bull Trout – limit is 0, catch-and-release. No bulltrout harvest is allowed.

Kokanee – limit is 25.

Salmon (ocean-going) – Seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water.

Steelhead (ocean-going) – defined as rainbow trout longer than 20” in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding the Lemnhi and Pahsimeroi rivers, lakes and ponds). Fishing or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water.

Sturgeon – limit is 0; catch-and-release. Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing. Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required.

Tiger Muckie – limit is 2, none under 40”.

Trout (includes lake trout, golden trout, Arctic grayling, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, trout hybrids and Sunapee) – limit is 6, all species combined.  Chinook salmon placed in ponds are considered in the trout bag limit. Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are listed separately.

Whitefish – limit is 25. Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish.

Protected Nongame Fish (including Pacific lamprey) – may not be harvested or possessed.

All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish) – No bag, size or possession limit.