Skip to content
Best Prices, Fast Shipping & Expert Advice!
Best Prices, Fast Shipping & Expert Advice!
Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season > Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season

Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season

Updated 1/5/2020 - In any hunt, including general any-weapon seasons and short-range hunts, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals with any muzzleloading rifle or musket that is less than .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf; or is less than .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear.

Muzzleloader-Only Season:

Any person hunting in a muzzleloader-only season, including controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be: Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle.

Muzzleloaders may only be equipped with open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited. Hunters with a visual disability may apply for a permit to use non-magnifying scopes.

Muzzleloaders may only be loaded with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited.

Muzzleloaders may be equipped with a single or double barrel.

Muzzleloaders must be loaded with a projectile that is within 0.010 inches of the bore diameter including a patched round ball or a conical non-jacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy. Sabots are prohibited.

Muzzleloaders must be equipped with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire. 209 Primers are prohibited.

 

IDAHO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS

 

MUZZLELOADER DEER

 

General Muzzleloader Only Seasons - Muzzleloader Permit Required

Unit(s) Antlered Antlerless Notes
4, 7, 9 Nov 10 - Dec 1 Nov 10 - Dec 1 Antlerless Hunts - White-Tailed Deer Only
39 None Sep 8 - Sep 30  

 

General White-Tailed Deer Muzzleloader Only Seasons - Muzzleloader Permit Required

Unit(s) Antlered Antlerless Notes
4, 7, 9 Nov 10 - Dec 1 Nov 10 - Dec 1  
8A None Dec 2 - Dec 14  
10A None Nov 21 - Dec 1 Second RES-NONRES white-tailed deer tag may not be used in Unit 10A
16 Nov 21 - Dec 9 Nov 21 - Dec 9  

 

Controlled Muzzleloader Only - Muzzleloader Permit Required 

Hunt No. Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
1087 8A 25 Oct 10 - Dec 14 Either sex, White-tailed deer only
1088 10A 25 Oct 10 - Dec 14 Either sex, White-tailed deer only
1089 21A 5 Nov 1 - Nov 30 Antlered only
1090 22 15 Oct 1 - Oct 9 Antlered only
1091 29-1a (See pg 29) 63 Nov 25 - Dec 9 Antlered only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1092 30A 5 Nov 1 - Nov 30 Antlered only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1093 33-1a (See pg 29) 149 Nov 10 - Nov 30 Antlered only
1094 43 125 Oct 1 - Oct 9 Either sex
1095 45 40 Oct 1 - Oct 14 Antlered only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1096 51-1a (See pg 29) 50 Nov 1 - Nov 30 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1097 52 25 Nov 1 - Nov 14 Antlered only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1098 52A (See pg 29) 75 Nov 10 - Nov 24 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1099 57 25 Nov 1 - Nov 14 Antlered only
1100 61 Unlimited Nov 11 - Dec 9 Either sex
1101 64-1a (See pg 30) 50 Oct 25 - Nov 30 Either sex
1102 68 20 Nov 16 - Nov 30 Either sex
1103 73A 20 Nov 16 - Nov 30 Either sex
1104 74 20 Nov 16 - Nov 30 Either sex

 

Controlled Outfitter Allocation Deer - Antlered Deer Only

Hunt No. Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
1157 21A 1 Nov 1 - Nov 30 Muzzleloader Only
1162 29-1a (See pg 29) 2 Nov 25 - Dec 9 Muzzleloader only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1163 33-1a (See pg 29) 1 Nov 10 - Nov 30 Muzzleloader Only
1175 52 1 Nov 1 - Nov 14 Muzzleloader only Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
1181 57 1 Nov 1 - Nov 14 Muzzleloader Only

 

MUZZLELOADER ELK

 

General Elk Season Muzzleloader Hunts

 

Panhandle Zone (Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 9) 

Muzzleloader only hunts are open in all Panhandle Zone Units with Tag A from November 20th - December 1st and from December 2nd - December 8th. Some unit restrictions apply, please see the table below.

Muzzleloader only hunts are open in all Panhandle Zone Units with Tag B from December 2nd - December 8th. Some unit restrictions apply, please see the table below.

Tag Units with Restrictions Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A 4, 7 & 9 Nov 20 - Dec 1 Any Antlered No Muzzleloader Only
A 1, 2, 3, 4A & 5 Dec 2 - Dec 8 No Yes Muzzleloader Only - antlerless only Within 1 mile of private land. See Note B below
B 1, 2, 3, 4A & 5 Dec 2 - Dec 8 No Yes Muzzleloader Only — antlerless only Within 1 mile of private land. See Note B below

Note B: That portion of Unit 4A within the following boundary: starting at the mouth of the Clark Fork River, follow Johnson Creek FS Road 278, then south on FS Road 1066, then east on FS Road 332 to the Montana border, and follow Montana border north back to the Clark Fork River, then to the point of beginning

  

Palouse Zone (Units 8, 8A, 11A)

Tag Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A Dec 2 - Dec 5 Spike Only Yes Muzzleloader Only
A Dec 6 - Dec 14 Spike Only No Muzzleloader Only

 

Dworshak Zone (Unit 10A)

Tag Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A Dec 2 - Dec 5 Spike Only Yes Muzzleloader Only
A Dec 6 - Dec 14 Spike Only No Muzzleloader Only

 

Elk City Zone (Units 14, 15, 16)

Muzzleloader only hunts are open in all Elk City Zone Units with Tag A from November 21st - November 24th and from November 25th - December 9th. Some unit restrictions apply, please see the table below.

Tag Units With Restrictions Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A 14 & 16 Nov 21 - Nov 24 Spike Only Yes Muzzleloader Only
A 14 & 16 Nov 25 - Dec 9 Spike Only No Muzzleloader Only

 

Lemhi Zone (Units 29, 37, 37A, 51)

Tag Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A Nov 25 - Dec 9 No Yes Muzzleloader Only

 

Beaverhead Zone (Units 30, 30A, 58, 59, 59A)

Tag Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A Oct 15 - Oct 31 No Yes Muzzleloader Only

 

Island Park Zone (Units 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A)

Muzzleloader only hunts are open in all Island Park Units with Tag A from November 11th - December 9th. Some unit restrictions apply, please see the table below. 

Tag Units with Restrictions Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A 61 Nov 11 - Dec 9 Spike Only Yes Muzzleloader Only

 

Bannock Zone (Units 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, 74)

Tag Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A Dec 1 - Dec 31 No Yes Muzzleloader Only

 

Bear River Zone (Units 75, 77, 78) 

Tag Season Dates Antlered Antlerless Notes
A Dec 1 - Dec 31 No Yes Muzzleloader Only

 

Controlled Elk Season Muzzleloader Hunts 

 

Controlled Elk Muzzleloader Only - Muzzleloader Permit Required

Hunt No. Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
2131 22 150 Dec 1 - Dec 31 Antlerless Only
2132 24 50 Dec 1 - Dec 31 Antlerless Only
2133 30A 50 Nov 1 - Nov 30 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
2134 32A-2b (See pg 62) 150 Dec 1 - Dec 31 Antlerless only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
2135 33-1a (See pg 62) 25 Nov 10 - Nov 30 Antlerless Only
2136 33-2a (See pg 62) 50 Nov 10 - Nov 30 Antlered Only
2137 36A-1b (See pg 62) 25 Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
 2138 36A-2a (See pg 62) 125  Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
 2139 39 25 Sep 1 - Sep 30  Antlered only, Caution, See note 1, Page 55
2140 39 500  Sep 8 - Sep 30 Antlerless only, Caution, See note 1, Page 55
 2141  46-1a (See pg 62) 15  Oct 1 - Oct 14 Antlered only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies in Unit 47, See Pages 104 - 106
2142 48 50 Dec 1 - Dec 15 Antlerless only
2143 49 100 Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
2144 50-1b (See pg 63) 100 Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either Sex
2145 54 20 Sep 25 - Oct 14 Antlered only
2146 55-2a (See pg 63) 10 Nov 1 - Nov 14 Antlered only
2147 61 200 Nov 11 - Dec 9 Either Sex
2148 64-1a (See pg 63) 50 Oct 1 - Oct 9 Either Sex
2149 66-1a (See pg 63) 50 Oct 1 - Oct 9 Either sex, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106

 

Controlled Elk Extra Antlerless

Hunt No. Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
2167 76-1Xb (See pg 63) 50 Dec 1 - Dec 31 Muzzleloader only, Private land only
2257 76-1Xb (See pg 63) 50 Jan 1 - Jan 31 Muzzleloader only, Private land only
2287 76-1Xb (See pg 63) 50 Jan 1 - Jan 31 Muzzleloader only, Private land only

 

Controlled Elk Outfitter Allocation

Hunt No. Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
2202 36A-1b (See pg 62) 1 Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either Sex, Muzzleloader only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
2204 36A-2a (See pg 62) 4 Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either Sex, Muzzleloader only, Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
2219 50-1b (See pg 63) 3 Dec 8 - Dec 22 Either Sex, Muzzleloader only
2221 54 1 Sep 25 - Oct 14 Antlered only, Muzzleloader only
2225 61 2 Nov 11 - Dec 9 Either sex, Muzzleloader only

 

MUZZLELOADER PRONGHORN

 

Controlled Pronghorn Youth Only

Hunt No. Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
4052 63-2b (See pg 67) 25 Aug 8 - Oct 24 Either sex, Muzzleloader only

 

Controlled Pronghorn Either Sex Muzzleloader Only - Muzzleloader Permit Required

Hunt No.  Controlled Hunt Area Tags Season Dates Notes
4040 30A 40 Sep 25 - Oct 24 Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
4041 41-2b (See pg 67) 40 Sep 25 - Oct 24 Portion of Unit only
4042 47 50 Sep 25 - Oct 24 Motorized Hunting Rule Applies, See Pages 104 - 106
4043 63-2b (See pg 67) 50 Aug 15 - Sep 18  
4044 63-2b (See pg 67) 50 Sep 19 - Oct 24  

 

IDAHO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
 

  • It is illegal to hunt with pelletized powders or propellants during muzzleloader-only seasons.
  • Muzzleloading firearms with revolving actions are prohibited during muzzleloader-only seasons.
  • Muzzleloader rifles and muskets must be a minimum of .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf.
  • Muzzleloader rifles and muskets be a minimum of .50 caliber for, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear.
  • Muzzleloading rifles and muskets must be equipped with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap ignition system that is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire.
  • It is illegal to use a 209 primer during muzzleloader only seasons.
  • Muzzleloaders must be equipped with open or peep sights only during muzzleloader only seasons, fiber optic sights are legal as long as they do not produce their own light.
  • Scopes and electronics of any kind are prohibited during muzzleloader only seasons.
  • Persons who are visually disabled may apply for a permit to use a non-magnifying scope.
     

This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Idaho Fish and Game

 
HAVE IDAHO MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?

Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.

Previous article Nevada Muzzleloader Hunting Season