Resident deer tag |
$24.75 |
Nonresident deer tag |
$351.75 |
Resident junior deer tag |
$12.50 |
Nonresident junior mentored deer tag |
$176.75 |
Resident controlled hunt application fee |
$6.25 |
Nonresident controlled hunt application fee |
$18 |
Resident deer tag | $24.75 |
Nonresident deer tag | $351.75 |
Resident junior deer tag | $12.50 |
Nonresident junior mentored deer tag | $176.75 |
Resident controlled hunt application fee | $6.25 |
Nonresident controlled hunt application fee | $18 |
Idaho’s whitetail populations have expanded significantly over the past several decades, and the state has quietly become one of the West’s most reliable producers of quality whitetail bucks. From the heavily timbered country of the Panhandle to river bottoms and agricultural edges farther south, Idaho offers a wide variety of habitats that support healthy and growing whitetail herds.
Whitetail hunting opportunities come through a combination of general-season tags and controlled hunts. In most units, general tags allow hunters to pursue either mule deer or whitetails, while some units designate general tags specifically for whitetail only. Idaho also offers whitetail-only tags, which in certain areas provide extended hunting dates into late November and December—well after many Western seasons have closed. These later hunts can offer excellent opportunity as bucks remain active during the tail end of the rut.
In the northern part of the state whitetails dominate the harvest, making up the overwhelming majority of deer taken in recent years. Farther south the mix shifts, but pockets of strong whitetail numbers persist, including lowland units near Idaho Falls where deer trace back to early releases near Heise. In many of these areas, pressure is low because local hunters tend to focus on mule deer, allowing whitetail bucks to age and develop impressive antlers. While some units hold whitetails primarily on private land, strong populations also exist on public land, including roadless and designated wilderness terrain.
Most whitetail hunting in Idaho is accessible with general tags, though certain units or prime late-season dates require hunters to apply through the controlled hunt lottery. Idaho maintains a pure random draw system with no preference or bonus points, giving all applicants equal odds each year.
Idaho consistently produces mature whitetail bucks and the state’s combination of expanding habitat, varied terrain, and modest hunting pressure makes it a standout destination for whitetail enthusiasts looking for both adventure and trophy potential.
** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.
** Units listed below may not have a current hunt for this species. Units in this table are included if any part of the unit is found within the county.
Applications are submitted online
A good percentage of bucks have eight or 10 total antler tines
The minimum age to hunt was lowered from 12 years to 10 years of age
Some hunts are for youth hunters only
Hunters, especially youth hunters, may shoot bucks or does in many areas
In some flat areas, only short-range weapons may be used
Mule deer hunters in most areas may take a whitetail if a big buck presents itself
Often overlooked as most deer hunters pursue mule deer
Bucks exceeding 150” Boone and Crockett live in many units
Some bucks grow to record-book size in general season units
Whitetails are scarce in some units but greatly outnumber muleys in most others
Some private land is open to hunting through game department arrangements
Hunters may hunt during the rut in many units with good whitetail numbers
County |
# of entries |
Units within county |
Bonner |
10 |
Nez Perce |
8 |
Kootenai |
7 |
Latah |
5 |
Clearwater |
3 |