Idaho Hunting Information

Hunting licenses are required of all hunters. A person must be a resident of Idaho for six months before obtaining a resident license. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, must show proof of passing an approved hunter education course. First-time Idaho bowhunters are required to either have passed an approved archery education course or have previously held a state-approved archery permit before they can have their license validated for archery-only hunts. Approved courses satisfactorily completed in other states are honored in Idaho.

A youth 10 or 11 years old who is a resident of the state of Idaho may purchase a “Youth Small Game” hunting license to hunt upland game birds (including turkeys), migratory game birds, cottontail rabbits, and unprotected and predatory birds and animals (listed in the Upland Game Seasons and Rules brochure) of this state while accompanied in the field by an adult licensed to hunt in the state of Idaho.

A person must be at least 12 years old to buy a “Junior” hunting license, except that a person may buy a “Junior” license at age 11 in order to apply for a controlled hunt, provided they have fulfilled the hunter education requirement and do not attempt to use the license prior to turning 12.

License validation is required for archery-only and muzzleloader-only hunts. These are not required for use of a bow or muzzleloader during a general any-weapon season. There also are restrictions on the types of firearms or archery equipment that can be used to hunt. Consult applicable hunting rules for specific details.

About 70 percent of the state is in public ownership, most of which is open to hunting and fishing. There are several wilderness and roadless areas in the state in which hiking, floating or riding on horseback are the only approved methods of travel. Motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are not allowed in most of these areas. For more information on where to hunt contact the nearest Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) office.

Licenses and Tags: Where to Buy Them

All licenses, permits, general season tags and applications for controlled hunt drawings may be purchased at Idaho Department of Fish and Game offices, on the Internet at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov, over the telephone via credit card (1-800-554-8685 or 1-800-824-3729), or at any of the 400+ license vendors statewide. Licenses and tags for the following year go on sale each December 1.

Seasons and Rules Brochures Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) prints free brochures explaining hunting and fishing seasons and rules. These are available from license vendors, Idaho Department of Fish and Game offices or they can be downloaded from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. They also can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-635-7820 or 1-800-824-3729.