Idaho sets deer seasons unit by unit and tag by tag, but a few patterns cover most of the state. Here are the 2026 patterns, real examples from IDFG’s Hunt Planner, and how to choose.
2026 Idaho deer season patterns
| Season | Typical 2026 dates | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| General archery | August 30 – September 30 in many units | Regular or white-tailed; archery permit required |
| Any-weapon mule deer (regular tag) | Opens October 10 in many units; closes October 24 or October 31 | Regular deer tag, often antlered only |
| Backcountry any-weapon | Some units open September 15 | Regular or white-tailed |
| Whitetail any-weapon | October 10 into November in many units; some run into December | White-tailed deer tag, often either sex |
| Controlled hunts | Set by hunt, including late-season rut hunts | Controlled hunt tag |
Examples from 2026
| Unit and tag | Weapon | 2026 dates | Legal deer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Units 6, 36A, 36B (regular) | Archery | August 30 – September 30 | Either sex in 36A and 36B; antlered in Unit 6 |
| Units 30 and 36B (regular) | Any weapon | October 10–24 | Antlered |
| Unit 39 (regular) | Any weapon | October 10–31 | Antlered |
| Unit 26 (regular) | Any weapon | September 15 – October 31 | Antlered |
| Unit 26 (white-tailed) | Any weapon | September 15 – November 18 | Either sex |
| Units 39, 46, 67 (white-tailed) | Any weapon | October 10–31 | Either sex |
| Unit 60 (white-tailed) | Any weapon | November 10 – December 9 | Either sex |
These come from IDFG’s 2026 Hunt Planner. Each unit can have several seasons for each tag, so check the full table for your unit.
What each season is like
Archery (August 30 – September 30)
Mule deer bucks are often in velvet or just out of it at the start, and still in summer patterns. In high country they’re above timberline or in basins, which makes for classic spot-and-stalk bowhunting. Whitetails are on predictable feeding patterns. Expect heat early, and plan meat care accordingly.
Backcountry September seasons
A few backcountry units open any-weapon deer seasons in mid-September. These hunts are often combined with elk on horseback or drop-camp trips into the wilderness.
October any-weapon mule deer
Opening day, October 10 in many units, brings the most hunters. Mule deer are still in fall ranges, often high. As October goes on, cold weather starts to push deer lower. These seasons are short, often two to three weeks, so scout ahead and make the most of every day.
November and December whitetails
Whitetail seasons in many units stay open into November, and some into December. The rut peaks in November, when bucks are on their feet during daylight. Snow helps with tracking. These long seasons are a big reason north Idaho whitetail hunting is so popular.
How to pick your season
- Bowhunter after a mule deer? Late August to September in a mountain unit.
- Rifle mule deer? The October 10 opener in a unit with good public land.
- Want the whitetail rut? A white-tailed tag in a unit that runs into late November or December.
- Want deer and elk together? A unit where deer and elk seasons overlap in October.
- Want a trophy mule deer in the rut? Look at controlled hunts.
Key license dates
- Nonresident general tag drawing (2027 season): December 5–15, 2026; buy by January 20, 2027
- Second round: February 5–15, 2027
- Controlled hunt applications: May 1 – June 5 (2026 dates)
Read our guide to applying for Idaho deer tags
Book the right season
Find Idaho deer outfitters by season
Outfitters list the units, seasons, and weapons they guide.
Related: How Idaho draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Idaho Deer Hunting Guide · Regular vs. white-tailed tags · Cost of an Idaho deer hunt
Season dates are from Idaho Fish and Game’s 2026 Hunt Planner. Dates vary by unit, tag, and hunt, so confirm yours in the current IDFG Big Game Seasons and Rules.