Public Hunting Land in Idaho

Idaho is a Western hunter’s dream — with over 34 million acres of public land, including national forests, BLM lands, and state-managed wildlife areas. Whether you're after elk, mule deer, black bear, or upland game, Idaho’s terrain ranges from high-mountain backcountry to easily accessible lowlands.

Types of Public Land Available in Idaho:

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands: Millions of acres available across southern and central Idaho for hunting.

• U.S. Forest Service Lands: National forests such as Clearwater, Nez Perce, and Sawtooth provide vast big-game opportunities.

• Idaho Fish & Game WMAs are managed for habitat and hunter access and offer entry to some of the best units in the state.

• State Endowment Lands: Certain parcels allow public hunting with valid licenses and adherence to posted rules.

Seasons & Access Info

Idaho offers both general season and controlled hunts (draw-only tags), depending on species and region. Since units are managed individually, it's essential to research access and tag availability.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Season Dates & Regulations

• Controlled Hunt Application Info

• License & Tag Purchases

Pro Tip: Idaho’s General Elk Zones offer flexibility with over-the-counter tags, ideal for DIY public land hunters.

Explore Units & Hunting Maps

Idaho offers interactive mapping tools to help hunters explore unit boundaries, public access points, and game migration corridors.

• Idaho Hunt Planner (Interactive Map)

• Access Yes! Program (Private Land Access)

• Big Game Unit Maps

With world-class public land access and diverse terrain, Idaho is a must-hunt destination for serious Western hunters.