Idaho Hunting Laws

But before heading out on your first hunt, make sure you're familiar with the Idaho hunting laws and regulations.

Idaho Hunting Laws: What Hunters Must Know

It's a must to stay up-to-date on Idaho hunting laws and regulations before heading out on your first hunt. Studying your state's hunting laws might be a bit time-consuming, and we know you're impatient to get out there and start shooting. But breaking the law and having to pay a fine can put a serious damper on a hunting season.

Keep reading to learn about Idaho hunting laws, including dates, which animals you’re allowed to hunt, which weapon you're allowed to use, how to get a hunting license, and much more.

1. Deer Hunting in Idaho

General Deer Season:   October 10 – December 1

For more specific details on dates per unit, deer characteristics, and more, please.

For controlled deer hunt seasons, start hunting.

Weapon Restrictions

Rifle or Shotgun

In any hunt, including any weapon season, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals.

• With any fully automatic firearm.
• With any shotgun using a shot smaller than #00 buck.
• Any firearm, in combination with a scope, sling, and/or any attachments, weighs more than 16 pounds.
• Any electronic device attached to, or incorporated on the firearm or scope; except scopes containing battery-powered or tritium-lighted reticles, is allowed.

For other weapon restrictions such as short-range weapons, muzzleloaders, archery, and more, start reading on page 98 for General Wildlife Laws.

2. Duck Hunting in Idaho

AREA 1:

• Statewide Duck: October 1, 2016 – January 13, 2017.
• Scaup Season: October 22, 2016 – January 13, 2017.

For the dates for Area 2 and on the daily bag as well as possession limit details.

Methods of Take

A shotgun capable of carrying no more than 3 shells.

Learn more about what is against the law in taking migratory game birds, Hunt it out on page 21 for Season Rules for Migratory Game Birds.

3. Gray Wolf Hunting in Idaho

Hunting: August 30 – March 31

Trapping: November 15 – March 31

For more details on specific hunting season dates per GMU, precautionary measures, and more.

Methods of Take

It is unlawful to pursue or kill with:

• Any bow having a peak draw weight of less than 40 pounds up or at a draw of 28 inches.
• Any crossbow has a peak draw weight of less than 150 pounds.

Trapping:

• Snare Cables: 1×19, 7/64”
• Diverters: 11 gauge wire or heavier

For more details on weapon restrictions, big game rules, and regulations, start hunting on page 98 for General Wildlife Laws.

License, Tags, and Permits

Archery Permit:

• All bowhunters must have a valid hunting license with them at all times during archery season.
• They must complete and show evidence of an approved bowhunter education course.

• They must show proof of having been licensed for an archery-only hunt in Idaho or another state.

For other season rules and big game fees, read it.

Enjoy this hunting video by Backcountry Brotherhood on hunting wolves in Idaho!

As long as you are knowledgeable about the hunting laws in the state of Idaho and abide by them to the letter, you and your hunting buddies will surely enjoy every minute of hunting. You can also teach them some exciting camping recipes or a particular beef jerky recipe.

Hunt safe and hunt proudly!

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