Idaho is a state known for its vast wilderness and abundant wildlife. For hunters, this means Idaho offers some of the best deer hunting in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, there are a few things you should know before heading out into the Idaho backcountry. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of deer hunting in Idaho, from what gear you need to where to find the best hunting spots.
Deer Hunting Laws in Idaho
Hunting deer in Idaho is regulated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). The IDFG sets hunting seasons, bag limits, and other rules and regulations to help ensure a fair and sustainable harvest of deer in Idaho.
Hunters must have a valid hunting license and deer tag to hunt deer in Idaho. Hunters can purchase a hunting license online, at an IDFG office, or at a license vendor. A deer tag must be purchased in addition to a hunting license if the hunter plans to harvest a deer during the season. Deer tags can also be purchased online, at an IDFG office, or at a license vendor.
It is illegal to hunt deer with bait in Idaho. Baiting is defined as placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering any grain, salt, mineral blocks, or other attractant on or over any area where deer may feed or congregate. It is also illegal to hunt with dogs in Idaho unless they are used solely as retrieval devices.
The general deer hunting season in Idaho runs from October 1st through January 31st. However, there are some exceptions to this general season. For example, the youth-only season runs from September 15th through 30th for hunters under the age of 18 years old. Additionally, there are some areas of Idaho that have been designated as muzzleloader-only or archery-only zones. These areas have specific dates set aside for each type of weapon that allows for increased opportunity
Do you need a license to hunt deer in Idaho?
In Idaho, you need a license to hunt deer. You can get a hunting license from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). A hunting license allows you to hunt for any species of game animals, including deer, in Idaho.
To get a hunting license, you must be at least 10 years old. If you are under 18 years old, you must have completed a Hunter Education Course. You can get a hunting license online, by phone, or at an IDFG office.
A hunting license costs $14.75 for residents and $146.75 for non-residents. A resident is someone who has lived in Idaho for at least 90 days prior to applying for a license.
If you want to hunt deer in Idaho, make sure you have the proper licenses and permits. Follow all regulations set forth by the IDFG to ensure a safe and successful hunt.
Deer Hunting Seasons in Idaho
In Idaho, deer hunting season typically runs from October to December. However, the dates can vary depending on the area you are hunting in and the type of deer you are hunting.
Mule deer season usually starts in mid-October and runs through the end of November. White-tailed deer season typically starts in early November and runs through December.
If you are planning on hunting deer in Idaho, it is important to check the dates for the specific area you will be hunting in. You can find this information on the Idaho Department of Fish & Game website.
Can you hunt deer at night in Idaho?
In Idaho, deer hunting is allowed on private property with the landowner’s permission and with a valid hunting license. However, it is not legal to hunt deer at night on public lands.
Bag limits for hunting deer in Idaho
In Idaho, the bag limit for deer is two bucks and four does per hunter. The season runs from October 1st through December 31st.
Legal ways to hunt deer in Idaho
In Idaho, deer hunting is regulated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). Anyone wishing to hunt deer in Idaho must first obtain a hunting license from the IDFG. There are several different types of hunting licenses available, including a resident license and a non-resident license.
Resident hunters must be at least 12 years of age and must have completed a Hunter Education Course approved by the IDFG. Non-residents must be at least 16 years of age and must either have completed a Hunter Education Course approved by the IDFG or have held a license to hunt in their home state within the past five years.
Once you have obtained a hunting license, you will need to purchase a deer tag. Deer tags are valid for one year and allow you to harvest one deer during that time period. You can purchase deer tags online or at any IDFG office.
When hunting deer in Idaho, there are several laws and regulations that you must follow in order to stay within the law. First, you may only hunt with firearms during certain times of the year. The specific dates vary depending on what unit you will be hunting in, so be sure to check the regulations before planning your hunt. Secondly, all hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest, and back combined while hunting big game animals like deer. This helps other hunters easily identify you as human so they don’t mistake you for an animal.
Can you use dogs to hunt deer in Idaho?
In Idaho, dogs are not allowed to be used to pursue deer during the hunting season. The use of dogs is only allowed for the purpose of training during certain times of the year.
Can you hunt deer from a vehicle in Idaho?
Due to the vastness of Idaho’s terrain and the large number of public hunting areas, many hunters choose to hunt deer from their vehicles. While this can be an effective way to hunt, there are some things to keep in mind if you choose to do so.
First and foremost, always check with the local wildlife department or game warden to make sure that hunting from a vehicle is allowed in the area you plan to hunt. Some areas have restrictions in place to prevent hunters from disturbing other users of the land or accidentally causing a wildfire.
When hunting from a vehicle, be sure to park in a safe location that will not block roads or trails. If possible, park off-road on level ground to avoid getting stuck. You should also take care not to damage vegetation when driving off-road.
When setting up your hunting spot, be sure to consider your shooting angles and wind direction. You will likely have a limited field of view when hunting from a vehicle, so it’s important to carefully select your shooting location. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye out for other vehicles and people in the area.
Finally, always follow all safety regulations when hunting from a vehicle. This includes wearing proper eye and ear protection and making sure your firearm is unloaded when not in use. By following these simple tips, you can safely enjoy hunting deer from your vehicle in Idaho.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our deer hunting trip in Idaho, we wanted to share some final thoughts. First and foremost, we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to go on this trip and for the wonderful memories we made. This was our first time deer hunting and it was truly a unique experience. We were able to learn so much about the sport, the animals, and the wilderness.
We were also impressed with how well-organized and professional the entire operation was. From the guides to the equipment, everything was top-notch. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in deer hunting.
We want to give a big thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, including our hosts, sponsors, and new friends. We can’t wait to come back next year!
