2025 Idaho Hunting Season Dates
A bit smaller in size compared to other Western states, Idaho, or “Little Ida” as it’s affectionately called, still has a tremendous variety of terrain and wilderness and hunting opportunities to offer. But before you go packing up those hunting tents and head into the Gem State’s backcountry, you’ll need a plan.
Hunters head to Idaho for big game and trophy hunts. Big game like moose, mountain goats, deer, bighorn sheep, bear and even gray wolf and mountain lion. And as a top-ranked state for duck and goose harvests, thanks to being close to the Pacific Flyway, bird hunters have plenty of spoils, too. However, you’ll find that this small western state rewards hunters who prepare and make the most of the hunting seasons.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of Idaho’s 2025 hunting season dates, plus extra information to be aware of.
2025 Hunting Season Dates for Idaho
Like hunting in California, Idaho’s hunting season gets complicated. Between the species, weapon types, the take method, location, and hunting units, you want to ensure you’re hunting ethically and legally. Always check the most recently updated information from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) to help you plan and understand the types of licenses and tags required.
However, the general Idaho deer hunting season dates go as follows:
Big Game Hunts
DEER & ELK HUNTING SEASONS
Idaho deer and elk seasons are based on the state’s regional hunting areas. They might also be determined by weapon, mule vs. white-tail deer, and antler vs. antlerless. Then there are controlled hunts too, which you’ll want to check for more details at IDGF. The end of deer and elk hunting seasons also varies, but can extend until December 31.
General Weapon | Starts Sept. 15 (also varies by mule vs. white-tail species)
Archery | Starts Aug. 30
Muzzleloader | Starts Aug. 30
ANTELOPE SEASON (Controlled Hunts)
Antelope hunts are done through controlled hunts. But, in general, here’s what you can expect:
Male & Female | Sept. 25 - Oct. 24, 2025
Doe & Fawn | Oct. 25 - Nov. 30, 2025
Archery | Aug. 15 - Sept. 15, 2025
Muzzleloader | Aug. 15 - Oct. 24, 2025
BLACK BEAR
Bear season hunting in Idaho typically occurs during spring and fall. The 2025 Spring season has passed, so we’ve listed the 2026 dates instead to give you the general idea.
Spring | Apr. 1 - July 31, 2026
Fall | Aug. 30 - Nov. 30, 2025
MOUNTAIN LION
In Idaho, hunters can pursue mountain lions for most months of the year, with an open season that begins on July 1. However, it doesn’t hurt to check the dates for specific hunting areas, along with ensuring that hunting dogs are allowed.
GRAY WOLF
The seasonal dates of wolf hunting in Idaho vary greatly, depending on several things: Hunting units like public land and private land hunts, along with some additional rules and regulations about baiting and trapping. With too many details to list here, we recommend you check IDFG’s big game guide.
MOOSE
Controlled Hunts | Starts vary; Sept. 15
Archery / Antlered Moose | Aug. 30 - Nov. 23, 2025
BIGHORN SHEEP & MOUNTAIN GOATS
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are controlled hunts only, requiring you to draw a tag. But you can expect the general dates:
Bighorn Sheep | Aug. 30 - Oct. 13, 2025
Mountain Goats | Aug. 30 - Nov. 12, 2025
Upland Game
Idaho does have certain restrictions for upland game. Some hunting seasons can shift and vary for residents vs. non-residents. And some restrictions ask you to hunt only the male of the species.
TURKEY
Idaho turkey hunting season takes place during spring and fall, offering various dates for bearded turkey and controlled dates too.
Spring Hunting Dates
Spring Youth | Apr. 8 – Apr. 14, 2025 (some hunt units run till May 25)
Male or Bearded | Apr. 15 – May 25, 2025 (archery Apr. 15 – 30)
Controlled:
Youth Only, Male or Bearded | Apr. 8 – May 25, 2025
Male or Bearded | Apr. 15 – May 25; Apr. 15 – 30; May 1 – 25, 2025 (depending on the hunt area)
Fall Hunting Dates (dependent on hunt area)
Either-sex | Aug. 30, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026
Controlled Hunts:
Youth Only (Either-sex) | Aug. 30 – Oct. 9; Sept. 15 - 30
Either-sex | Oct. 10 – Dec. 31; Sept. 15 - Dec. 31; Sept. 15 - Oct. 9; Sept. 15 - Nov. 30
GROUSE
Area 1 | Aug. 30 – Jan. 31, 2025
Area 2 | Aug. 30 – Dec. 31. 2025
PHEASANT
Area 1 | Oct. 11 – Dec. 31 (residents); Oct. 16 – Dec. 31 (non-res.)
Area 2 | Oct. 18 – Nov. 30 (residents); Oct. 23 – Nov. 30 (non-res.)
Area 3 | Oct. 18 – Dec. 31 (resident); Oct. 23 – Dec. 31 (non-res.)
QUAIL
Area 1 | Sept. 20 – Jan. 31, 2026
Area 2 | Closed
HARE
Aug. 30, 2025 - Mar. 31, 2026
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Season
Migratory bird hunting season (which includes duck, snipe, coot, goose, and more) is divided into 3 to 4 different areas. Some exceptions include swan and dove. In general, migratory bird hunting season starts in the fall and continues through the winter.
DUCK, SNIPE, COOT
Area 1 | Oct. 19, 2025 - Jan. 31, 2026
Area 2 | Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 16, 2026
Area 3 | Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 16, 2026
CANADA GOOSE
Area 1 | Oct. 19, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Area 2 | Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 16, 2026
Area 3 | Nov. 3, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026
Area 4 | Sep. 1 – 15, 2025; Oct. 4, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
SWAN
Controlled hunt | Oct. 4 - Dec. 1, 2025
DOVE
Firearm | Sept. 1 - Oct. 30, 2025
Hunting in Idaho
Idaho offers thrilling hunting grounds and challenging terrains. But whether you’re chasing elk through the rugged backcountry of Lochsa and Selway or stalking bear and turkey in the panhandle region, it’s important to plan your hunt accordingly.
We’ve created this list to guide you, but it is not extensive and does not provide every single detail on the 2025 Idaho hunting season. We encourage you to do your research to learn more about how to go about planning this year’s hunting trip and to understand the terrain and surroundings where you’ll set up basecamp too.