Idaho Hunting

[Pilgrim2094]

My wife and I are considering making the move to Idaho. Currently, I live in a state where I can legally kill 7 deer per fall and have opportunities for other game animals you’d expect in the Midwest/South - turkey, small game, etc. Our family eats 90% wild game and that’s something I want to continue no matter where I live. What kind of opportunity could one expect in Idaho on a regular and consistent basis? What hunting opportunities can one look forward to year in and year out? Any responses are appreciated!

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Referring to deer specifically.

Per person: one deer per year and you can put in for extra deer tag which is a controlled tag. Potentially 2 deer per year per person. Depends on mule deer or WTD. Mule deer average harvest stats ~ 25% +/- depending upon unit and can vary year-to-year based on Winter kill etc. So, it's definitely not a guarantee.

 

[BackcountryIdaho]

Even if you killed a deer and an elk, you're likely going to be around 300 lbs. of meat in the freezer.

 

[farmermail]

Idaho will take a few years of trial/error to consistently harvest game. If you befriend folks who are consistently successful, will certainly shorten the learning curve. Overall, great opportunity for residents with all the OTC tags, controlled hunts, etc. Is it like many states east of the Mississippi where getting a deer or two a year is pretty much a given? Probably not.

 

[steelheadmike]

Unless you know somebody in northern Idaho with a farm covered in whitetail, I think trying to eat wild game 90% of the time is gonna tough (in any western state, tbh). Elk are on the menu, too, so to speak, but I'd be hesitant to plan on getting an elk or two every year.

 

[David Gough]

Spring bear and archery pronghorn every year. Fall bear if you are unsuccessful in the spring.

Plenty of small game and waterfowl depending on where you're moving to.

Obviously mule deer, whitetails, and elk would be included in your sportsman's package.

You'll also want to look in surrounding states. Opportunity is there for those who look for it.

 

[7mm-08]

I heard that Montana and Wyoming have MUCH better hunting prospects than Idaho...

 

[87TT]

There is some awesome grass fed beef to be had around here. It's not free but cheaper than hunting wild game.

 

[Broomd]

There is some awesome grass fed beef to be had around here. It's not free but cheaper than hunting wild game.

Yep, we get our elk about 50% of the years. two whitetail (wife and I) about every year. We also trade some deer and elk every year with Alaskan friends for red salmon.
But we sure enjoy the home-raised beef! It sells fast too!

 

[IdahoSwede]

My wife and I are considering making the move to Idaho. Currently, I live in a state where I can legally kill 7 deer per fall and have opportunities for other game animals you’d expect in the Midwest/South - turkey, small game, etc. Our family eats 90% wild game and that’s something I want to continue no matter where I live. What kind of opportunity could one expect in Idaho on a regular and consistent basis? What hunting opportunities can one look forward to year in and year out? Any responses are appreciated!

I grew up in Wisconsin where whitetail are plentiful. If meat is what you are after you WILL work harder to fill the freezer. However in my opinion the experiences are much cooler along the way.

 

[johnsd16]

Totally depends on where. In N Idaho the whitetail density and turkeys definitely provide more opportunity than areas with fewer whitetail and turkey. Surrounding states have good cow elk opportunities to supplement Idaho resident opportunity if meat is the priority.

 

[Pilgrim2094]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I suppose there are pros and cons to everything! I would still plan on coming back east every year for family visits where I could most likely kill a whitetail or two while back home. I long for the mountain lifestyle and happily accept the challenges that come with it. Again, I appreciate the responses.

 

[bigv]

Where do you waterfowl hunt in ID? What part of state? Field, water etc. Just curious. Highly doubt I'd ever hunt there just a waterfowl junky in SD.

 

[SWOHTR]

If you're considering the move based on hunting opportunities to feed your family, I'd reconsider. You'll be able to easily fill your one deer tag, yeah that's no problem. It's the rest of the "trial and error" for the other big game that'll give you fits.

 

[doc holiday13]

Even if you killed a deer and an elk, you're likely going to be around 300 lbs. of meat in the freezer.

Thats likely waay more than what 5 deer will yield. Even if you only get 200# off 1 elk thats roughly the same as 5 deer

 

[NMJM]

One more thing to consider is you will most likely have to drive much further and be away from home longer to get that elk than you do to hunt where you live now.

 

[derrick454@]

Place is overrated and will be over
Populated soon enough ….if you could substain being far from town then do it. If not. Hmmm. Tons of good small towns and a few not so good
Boise area ,definitely think twice before that. It’s not bad but give it 10 years. It’s Too expensive there and definitely way to expensive in northern Idaho. SE has a little better prices for homes I think. But maybe your not concerned on price points. Most people are when they move.


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[derrick454@]

I’m not sure where your at now but over population has a whole set of problems. Aside from hunting/fishing.
I’ll keep the California stuff out if it because the ones I have met are SUPER Conservative and probably better than some of local haters.
BUT Look at any bigger town/city on the West Coast ! Idaho isn’t that far away and wont be protected from the west coast trash and their policy’s for ever.
Just my opinion and I hope I’m wrong.

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[Fork N Horn]

I heard that Montana and Wyoming have MUCH better hunting prospects than Idaho...

Montana hunting is one of the best.

 

[Pilgrim2094]

Place is overrated and will be over
Populated soon enough ….if you could substain being far from town then do it. If not. Hmmm. Tons of good small towns and a few not so good
Boise area ,definitely think twice before that. It’s not bad but give it 10 years. It’s Too expensive there and definitely way to expensive in northern Idaho. SE has a little better prices for homes I think. But maybe your not concerned on price points. Most people are when they move.


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For us, we just love the mountains and opportunity for outdoor recreation of all kinds. Where I am currently, we just don't have the same opportunity in comparison. I am also dealing with overpopulation and up tick in crime where we are now. Just not where we want to be in the long haul.