Idaho isn’t only potato farming land; it offers some of the best hunting grounds in the continental United States. The Gem State has beautiful landscapes perfect for the Idaho archery season, featuring large lakes, steep mountains and canyons, and fast-flowing rivers.
Idaho has some of the most spectacular unspoiled natural regions in the US. The No Return Wilderness Area and Frank Church-River is the largest protected wilderness area in the continental United States.
Idaho (ID) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Idaho has excellent hunting opportunities for deer, black bears, elk, pronghorn, wolves, mountain lions, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Upland bird hunting is amazing, with grey partridge, chukar, California quail, and five varieties of grouse, turkeys, and pheasants.
When does Archery Season Start in ID?
Idaho Deer Seasons
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General Season August 30-December 24*
*Season dates vary by take method and region.
Idaho Elk Seasons
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General Season August 1-December 31*
*Elk season dates vary by take method and region.
Idaho Pronghorn Seasons
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Controlled Hunt Seasons September 25-December 31**
Idaho Black Bear Seasons
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General Season August 30-October 31 / April 1-June 30*
*Season dates vary by region.
Please note: no hunters may take more than one black bear per season. Snaring, trapping, or capturing black bears is illegal.
Idaho Mountain Lion Seasons
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General Season August 30-June 30*
*Dates vary by region. Idaho wildlife management units control hunting and populations. Idaho’s big game hunts are controlled, managed hunts, preventing overpopulation. Hunters need specialty permits to participate in these events.
Idaho Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season August 30-Jan. 31*
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Spring Youth Hunt April 8-May 25*
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Spring General Season April 15-May 25*
*Season dates vary by region.
Idaho Small Game Seasons
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Cottontail Rabbit and Snowshoe Hare August 30-March 31
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California and Bobwhite Quail September 17-January 31
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Chukar and Gray Partridge September 17-January 31
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Pheasants, Males Only October 8-December 31*
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Red Squirrel August 30-March 31
*Pheasant season dates vary by region for pheasant hunting.
What are the legal hunting hours in Idaho?
Hunters must ensure they carry their valid hunting licenses, passport, tags, or permits on their person when hunting. The big game is hunted only from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in ID
Hunters may require a Hunter Education Certificate to legally purchase a hunting permit or license. Hunters can buy their permits and licenses online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website or approved vendors.
Idaho Resident
An Idaho resident is an individual residing in the state for a minimum of six months. All residents must buy and carry a hunting license. Additional permits and tags may be required.
Non-Residents
Non-residents must purchase a non-resident hunting license.
Youth Hunting License
Idaho residents and non-residents aged 10 to 17 may buy a junior hunting license. These individuals must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
Senior Hunting License
Idaho residents 65 or older are eligible for a reduced-fee senior License.
Disability License
Disabled Idaho residents are eligible for the Disabled Persons Combination Hunting and Fishing License.
Military and Veteran License
Active-duty military personnel permanently stationed in the state may buy a resident hunting license. Military personnel must be stationed in Idaho for a minimum of 30 days to qualify. Active-duty military personnel maintaining Idaho as their state of residence may buy the reduced-fee Military Furlough Combination Hunting/Fishing License while on leave.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp for hunting migratory waterfowl. Hunters must have proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase through December 31 of that year. Idaho residents can purchase lifetime hunting licenses.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
