Idaho’s mule deer hunting has seen better days, but it looks like they have turned the corner and the populations are improving in most of the state. 2024 saw some really good bucks harvested throughout the state. With last winter being very mild and the very high fawn survival rates, things are looking good. Hopefully we can keep that trend going, and with a few more easy winters, Idaho will once again be producing the quality of deer they did before the winter of 2022/2023.
Mule deer harvest was 23,898 in 2024, which is up 23% from the previous year and almost equal to the 2022 harvest. It was also the eighth consecutive year in a row that harvest levels were below the 10-year average. Harvest success on the general hunts was 28% and on the controlled hunts was 53% in 2024. In 2016, there were 37,000 mule deer harvested, and in 2024, there were only 23,898 harvested. This is a great representation of where the population is. With the mild winter and the high fawn survival, the mule deer outlook is looking positive. Hopefully we can see a population as robust as we did in 2016 in the upcoming years.
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 21, 28, 36B, 40, 44, 45, and 52 turn out a few great bucks every year. The whitetail 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.
The whitetail harvest was actually up again in 2024. There were 20,908 whitetails harvested in 2024. That is 1,088 deer over the 2023 total harvest. Harvest success on the general hunts was 40% and on the controlled hunts was 46% in 2024. Of the 20,908 whitetails harvested, 16,970 were bucks, and the highest whitetail densities are found in the Panhandle region. Most of the general licenses in the Panhandle are Panhandle close December 1st, allowing hunters the opportunity to hunt during the peak of the rut. As you move south in Idaho, the whitetail densities become much lower, although the quality of bucks is still good. The whitetail hunting on the southern end is better than the mule deer hunting in general out this time.
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 hunt tables have less than 10% drawing odds. With Idaho not having a point system, you have as good of odds as anyone. Remember, if you were able to purchase an over-the-counter deer tag for the 2024 season, we recommend you apply for a controlled hunt as it is a great chance to upgrade your hunt. You may even exchange your general tag for a controlled hunt if you are lucky enough to be drawn.
There are some great bucks in Idaho, but hunters must have realistic expectations. Idaho has mostly average bucks, but every hunter has a chance for a great buck in any unit in the state. Take a look at the deer tables, and if you have any questions, give us a call.
For all of the specific dates and units, consult the Idaho regulations brochure.
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The Idaho Deer application deadline is June 5, 2025. Successful applicants must purchase their tags by August 1, 2025.
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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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Huntin Fool Member Stories, Idaho Deer Hunting
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