Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
ID
Deer Hunting in Idaho: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Idaho starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $24.75 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $351.75 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Aug 30 – Sep 30 Archery
Draw Required? Resident OTC; nonresident general draw Residents can buy general tags over the counter; nonresident general-season access follows Idaho's deer draw calendar
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Idaho Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Idaho deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Residents can buy general tags over the counter; nonresident general-season access follows Idaho's deer draw calendar
Archery; also check General.
For Idaho deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Res OTC; NR general season now by draw (new 2026, replaces first-come-first-served). Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. CWD has been detected in Idaho, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Idaho
Idaho deer access now depends heavily on residency and hunt type. Residents still have general deer access that can be bought over the counter, while nonresident general-season deer access moved into a draw structure beginning with the 2026 cycle. Idaho also uses controlled hunts for some limited deer opportunities, but this page should not be read as a classic preference-point system. CWD rules are unit-specific and can include sampling or carcass-movement restrictions in listed management areas, so hunters should confirm the current IDFG zone guidance before transporting deer.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule Deer
SEASONS
Idaho Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Idaho offers 2 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Idaho Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$24.75
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$351.75
Access depends on hunt type or residency.
Res OTC; NR general season now by draw (new 2026, replaces first-come-first-served)
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Idaho deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Idaho license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Idaho with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Idaho
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Unit 1 (portion), Unit 14, Unit 18
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: Unit 1 (portion), Unit 14, Unit 18
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1-2 depending on zone
White-tailed and mule deer; second tag from NR quota possible
Allowed Weapons
Rifle, muzzleloader, bow
Access Planning
Access: Resident OTC; nonresident general draw
Deadline: Residents can buy general tags over the counter; nonresident general-season access follows Idaho's deer draw calendar
Points system: No
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Idaho Department of Fish & Game . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Idaho — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Idaho?
Idaho's CWD rules are unit-specific. Some management areas can require sampling or limit how carcasses leave the area, while other parts of the state do not. Check the current IDFG CWD unit guidance before you move a harvested deer.
What are the antler restrictions?
To be considered an antlered deer, it must possess at least one antler longer than 3 inches. Special 'two-point' hunts may have additional requirements.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Idaho?
It depends on residency and hunt type. Idaho residents still have OTC general deer access in many cases, while nonresident general-season deer access now runs through the Idaho draw. Controlled hunts are separate limited-entry opportunities.
What deer species can I hunt in Idaho?
Idaho is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, muzzleloader, bow.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Idaho?
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt deer in Idaho, but general-season deer access now follows the Idaho draw structure instead of broad OTC sales. The listed non-resident deer tag price is $351.75, and the annual hunting license is a separate required cost.