Available Idaho Mule Deer Hunts --- Search HF Aventures
Idaho’s mule deer hunting has seen better days. It was slowly coming back from the winter of 2016/2017 and then the winter of 2022/2023 showed up and hammered the deer population. This winter has been really tough on the deer, especially in the southeastern section of Idaho. As of April 7th, Idaho is still feeding deer at 23 locations. Reports are coming in of plenty of winterkill deer, but the biologists are waiting for the snow to melt to see how bad the winter really was. After the biologists are able to figure out how many deer made it through, they will adjust their tag numbers. We recommend hunters wait until close to the deadline to see if any additional information will be available on the deer herds and tag numbers.
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Idaho has the genetics to produce big mule deer, but the state is managed more for hunter opportunity than it is top end potential. If you are looking for an opportunity to take a 180" or better buck, you will want to focus on the controlled hunts in the central and western areas of the state. Units 36B, 44, 45, and 52 turn out a few great bucks every year, and the populations in those areas are doing well. While those units are typically the best hunts in the state, almost every unit that has a late rifle hunt in November will produce 180"+ class bucks, but you will have to put some time in to turn one up. In most of these areas with hunts outside the rut, hunters must have realistic expectations and plan on hunting average bucks, but there is always a chance for a great buck in any unit in Idaho.
The whitetail harvest was the lowest it has been in the last 11 years and was 11% lower than in 2021. It is 25% down from the 2020 harvest numbers. Idaho’s highest whitetail densities are found in the Panhandle region. Most of the general seasons in the northern Panhandle close December 1st, allowing hunters the opportunity to hunt during the peak of the rut, which can make for a fun hunt. As you move south in Idaho, the whitetail densities become much lower, although the quality of bucks is still good. The whitetail deer success rate for the general hunts in 2022 was 40%. Honestly, the whitetail hunting on general units is looking better than the mule deer hunting on general units. The mule deer success rate for the general hunts in 2022 was only 26%.
There are some great bucks in Idaho, but you are going to have to work even harder as there are not many mature bucks available. Idaho is still a good state to hunt deer, and with so much diverse country, you can always find a place that fits your hunting style. Most of the hunts we listed in our tables have less than 10% draw odds, but with Idaho not having a point system, you have as good of odds as anyone else. Remember, if you were able to purchase an over-the-counter deer tag for the 2023 season, you may exchange your tag for a controlled hunt if you are lucky enough to be drawn. Take a look at the deer tables, and if you have any questions, give us a call. Good luck in the draw!
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For all of the specific dates and units, consult the Idaho regulations brochure.
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting mule deer in Idaho, including 3D Maps, Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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The Idaho Deer application deadline is June 5, 2023. Successful applicants must purchase their tags by August 1, 2023.
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Our magazine, which is available in print and online,has everything in one location - application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research, join today!
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Up-Front Fees |
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| Annual Hunting License and Access Fee | $195 |
| Junior Mentored Hunting License and Access Fee | $95.75 |
| Application Fee per Species | $18 |
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| Deer Tag | $351.75 |
| Junior Mentored Deer Tag (10-17 years old) | $176.75 |
| Archery Permit | $81.75 |
| Muzzleloader Permit | $81.75 |
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