Idaho provides non-resident hunters a lot of elk hunting opportunities across the state, and the elk herd is healthy and increasing in most areas. The total 2025 elk harvest was 21,505, which is almost a 3% increase in harvest over 2024. In 2025, 23% of all the elk hunters who purchased a tag were successful in taking an elk. The harvest success rate for 2025 general elk hunts was 18%, and the success rate for controlled hunts was 40%. Of the 21,505 elk harvested, 13,263 were bulls.
For specific hunt dates, consult the Idaho Big Game Regulations.
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For archery hunters, Idaho provides some great opportunities and long season dates. For the best limited-entry archery hunts in the state with 350”+ potential, look at units 40 and 54. Two other really fun archery hunts are units 44 and 39. Both of these have some great bulls with lower tag numbers. Unit 39 does have a muzzleloader hunt going on at the same time with 50 tags. Units 18, 45, and 46 offer a fun hunt with low hunting pressure due to limited tag numbers.
Idaho’s best elk tag is the unit 54 muzzleloader hunt that opens on September 25. The bulls will be rutting, and hunters will have plenty of big bulls to chase. Typically, there are some 380”+ bulls taken on this hunt. Another muzzleloader rut hunt is unit 39. This hunt takes place the entire month of September and always produces a few 330”+ bulls. Units 46-1 and 50 have an October 1 opener, and hunters will enjoy some bugling bulls and less hunting pressure during. Some better draw odds can be found in the November muzzleloader hunts in units 30A, 49, and 55-2. These units are good hunts for someone who wants to hunt hard for wintering bulls.
Idaho only manages a handful of units for trophy bulls, and if you are looking for a 350”+ bull, you should stick with our top picks: units 40, 42, and 54. Other early season rifle hunts that can produce a few great bulls are units 1-2, 30, 41, 44, 45, 55, and 66A. Some late rifle hunts that still produce better bulls are 40, 41, and 46.
If you are looking for an opportunity at a 300”+ bull and want better odds of drawing a tag, there are plenty of hunts listed in the tables to choose from. All of the rifle hunts that open on October 1 will have bulls still chasing cows. If you are not an archery hunter, Idaho’s early rifle hunts will allow a rifle hunter to experience elk rutting activity. There is no better feeling than chasing bugling bulls with a rifle in your hand.
With so many different units and seasons, Idaho really has an elk hunt for everyone. The majority of Idaho’s elk hunting is managed to maximize opportunity for hunters. This is great, as there is a ton of opportunity when it comes to elk hunting. Idaho has a lot of different terrain, from the tree-covered panhandle on the Canadian line all the way to the southern deserts along the Nevada and Utah borders, and elk are spread throughout the state. This offers every type of hunt an elk hunter could want. Any hunter can find an elk hunt that would suit their own personal style of hunting in Idaho. If you need help narrowing down your options, you can always give us a call to discuss elk hunting in the Gem State.
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The Idaho Elk application deadline is June 5, 2026. Successful applicants must purchase their tags by August 1, 2026.
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!
| Up-Front Fees | |
|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License and Access Fee | $195 |
| Junior Mentored Hunting License and Access Fee | $95.75 |
| Application Fee per Species | $18 |
| Post Draw Fees (if successful) | |
|---|---|
| Elk Tag | $651.75 |
| Junior Mentored Elk Tag (10-17 years old) | $299.75 |
| Archery Permit | $81.75 |
| Muzzleloader Permit | $81.75 |
*An additional online processing fee of approximately 3% is not included in the prices above.
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