Big Game Species
Idaho has some of the widest variety and best big game hunting in the west, and general seasons for most species. Idaho has some of the best elk hunting in the world. Deer are found throughout Idaho, with whitetails found primarily north of the Salmon River, and are generally hunted later in the fall than mule deer. Mule deer are more numerous, and found mostly in the southern two/thirds of the state. Antelope are in southern Idaho, black bears in forested areas and mountain lions statewide.
Idaho provides a lot of opportunities for combination hunts, either with two big game species, or with big game and upland game or waterfowl. Most years you can add fall steelhead fishing to the mix. If you're a hunter, Idaho has what you want!
Trophy Species
Moose, mountain goats and bighorn sheep are Idaho's trophy species. There are two subspecies of bighorns, Rocky Mountain and California. Hunters are allowed to harvest one of each in a lifetime, if they are lucky enough to draw the permits. Moose and goat are also once in a lifetime, but there are exceptions for moose permits left over from a drawing or won in the lottery drawing that supports the hunting and fishing access program.
Waterfowl Species
Waterfowl hunting in northern and eastern Idaho is at its peak during October and November. South central and southwestern Idaho hunting generally is best during late November, December and early January. Nontoxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl throughout Idaho. There are very strong populations of Canada geese in almost all of the state that provide early hunting, migrating geese come later and keep waterfowlers busy.
Upland Game Species
There is upland game all over Idaho, from the chukar and gray partridge of the arid sagebrush uplands in the south, to the three species of forest grouse found in the woods all the way to the northern border. Pheasants, doves and quail can be found in the agricultural areas in the south of the state, and in the Clearwater Region. The big news in bird seasons is for wild turkey. They are in all areas of the state now, in abundance. There are general seasons in spring and fall, and controlled hunts in spring.
Idaho's beavers, bobcats, river otters and other furbearers provide us with recreational opportunities, viewing enjoyment, and an economic return from fur pelts. Furbearers provide not only recreational, harvest, and aesthetic values, but also social, cultural, scientific, and genetic ones. The Department manages furbearers and their harvest in order to benefit wildlife populations and to ensure a long-term return from the animals to humans.
The Department regulates the harvest of nine furbearer species: badger, beaver, bobcat, red fox, marten, mink, muskrat, river otter, and raccoon. The following furbearers may also be hunted: badger, bobcat, raccoon, and red fox. The coyote, striped skunk, spotted skunk, long-tailed weasel, and ermine, also considered furbearers, are classified as predatory wildlife and are open to hunting or trapping.
There is no open season for lynx, wolverine, or fisher.
Trapping: Best Management Practices (BMP's)
Based on scientific research and professional experience regarding currently available traps and trapping technology, trapping BMPs identify both techniques and traps that address the welfare of trapped animals and allow for the efficient, selective, safe, and practical capture of furbearers. Please see the links below:
How to Avoid Incidental Take of Lynx While Trapping or Hunting Bobcats and Other Furbearers
The take and possession of lynx are prohibited, therefore every effort should be taken to minimize the potential for a lynx to be incidentally trapped, and to increase the likelihood that an incidentally trapped lynx can be released uninjured. This publication was produced to help achieve the goal of reducing injury and mortality to the Threatened Canada lynx population in the contiguous U.S. that may occur as a result of hunting and trapping bobcats and other furbearers. It was produced as a joint effort between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.