This year’s season is anticipated to provide plenty of opportunities for seasoned and inexperienced hunters due to the two-bearded turkey bag limit. Idaho’s varied topography provides a range of hunting conditions that will test and reward those who venture to the field, from the rough terrain of the mountains to the rolling plains of the prairie.
Idaho Turkey Season
The season lasts from late April until mid-May, beginning with a youth-only portion. During spring, enthusiasts can capture one bearded or male turkey. During a certain window in February and March, applicants for spring-regulated game, including youth-only, may submit their applications. Permits and tags for the next year go on sale in December. The cost depends on the kind of license and the age.
| Area Descriptions | Dates | Legal Bird |
| Panhandle Region: Archery-only spring | April 1 – April 14 (Youth only: April 1–7) | Wild Turkey |
| Unit 54: Private land only in all of Unit 54 | Sept 1 – Dec 31 | Either Sex |
| Unit 54: Private land only in all of Unit 54 | Jan 1 – Feb 28 | Either Sex |
| Southeast Region: General fall | Sept 15 – Aug 30 | Wild Turkey |
| Salmon Region: General spring | April 8 – May 25 (Youth only: April 8–14) | Bearded Only |
Bag limits
| Season | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Bag Limit | 2 turkeys | Number of valid tags |
| Tag Type | General + Extra | General or Extra |
| Allowed Gender | Male | Either |
| Maximum Number of Tags | 2 (1 general, 1 extra) | 6 (total number of tags) |
Idaho Turkey Tags
A license and the accompanying tag are required in Idaho. Tags come in two varieties: general and regulated tags. Both the spring and fall period are eligible for general tags. A general tag may be used in the fall if it is not used in the spring. Only the particular controlled hunt for which the hunter was drawn or any open general game within the same calendar year are permitted to use controlled hunt tags.
Residents who buy a second or more general tag within a calendar year after purchasing their first full-price general or controlled hunt tag are eligible for a discounted general tag. A calendar year allows for the purchase of three general season tags. During the general fall and authorized depredation games, special unit tags are also accessible for usage in certain units. A special unit tag may be bought three times a year, except those for depredation hunts. Vendor issuance fees are included in the costs for these tags.
| Type of Tag | General Season | Special Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Residents who purchase second or subsequent tags in a calendar year following their first full-price general or controlled hunt tag purchase | Available for use in fall general seasons and designated depredation hunts in units 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, and 9 |
| Fee (including vendor issuance fee) | $12.25 | $5 |
| Maximum Quantity per Calendar Year | Up to three | Up to three (excluding special unit tags purchased for a depredation hunt) |
Reporting and Tagging
Following the capture of a wild turkey, the hunter must verify the tag immediately by slicing off two triangles corresponding to the month and day of the capture. Before travelling or storing the bird, the tag must be entirely removed and firmly fastened to the animal. The tag must stay on the bird until the bird is processed or eaten. This helps wildlife authorities keep track of the number and confirms that the bird was lawfully harvested. Penalties and fines may apply if a harvested turkey needs to be properly identified and validated.
Regulations
- It requires licenses and tags to prevent legal complications. A hunter needs a controlled hunt tag and license to pursue wild turkeys. They may use their controlled hunt tag for any open regular hunt in the same year.
- With landowner authorization may participate in LPH depredation hunts. You must get an LPH form from the landowner and fill out and sign their parts to participate. Hunters must provide the landowner with one copy of the paperwork and bring the other two signed copies to a Fish and Game office to buy their controlled tag for the LPH. Controlled hunt tags may be used in any open regular-season in the same year. The number limits LPH tags to certain locations and seasons. Each LPH tag allows one turkey. After April 1 and July 15, spring and autumn LPH tags may be bought.
- With a Nongame License, Hunting Passport, or Three-Day Nonresident Small Game License cannot apply for restricted hunts. This implies that nongame and small game with limited-time licenses cannot apply for regulated hunts. Other with valid hunting permits may apply for controlled hunts, although each may have additional limitations.
- Spring and fall restricted hunts have February 1–March 1 and May 1–June 5 application periods. Spring results are released on March 20, and the remaining tags are sold on March 25 at 10:00 am MDT. By July 10, fall hunt results are known, and the remaining tags will be auctioned on July 15 at 10:00 am MDT. Fish and Game license vendors, the website, and 1-800-554-8685 accept electronic applications. One application per individual or group is accepted with a $6.25 ($18 for nonresidents) nonrefundable application fee. Credit card payments include a processing charge.
- Group-controlled hunt applications are permissible; however, more than one will disqualify all applications. Unsuccessful applicants will not receive a license or controlled hunt application costs. If the second option is empty, a single or group application will be included in the second-choice lottery. For controlled hunt drawing results, applicants must visit the Fish and Game website or get a postcard. Unsold nonresident tags are first-come, first-served. A controlled tag holder may designate one tag per year to a child or grandchild under 18.
- Avoid hunting wild turkey outside of legal shooting hours, using lead shot larger than BB or steel shot larger than T, hunting with dogs except during fall, using a trap, snare, net, crossbow, or firearm (except for shotguns with shells no longer than 3 1/2 inches or muzzleloading shotguns). Baiting, watercraft hunting, and employing electronic calls are also forbidden. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission wants to authorize crossbows for upland game bird hunting, including turkey. The beard or leg must remain on the corpse throughout shipment to ensure species identification.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the season dates for turkey hunting in Idaho?
April 8 through April 14 and April 8 through May 25 are the Youth Only Spring dates. From April 15 through May 25, the spring landowner permission period is open. The youth-only Spring Controlled Hunts Season runs from April 8 to May 25. The Spring Controlled Hunt Season runs from April 15 to May 25, with certain units having more specified dates from April 15 to April 30, May 1 to May 25, or April 15 to May 25.
What age limits apply to youth-only hunts in Idaho?
To participate in a general season youth hunt, a hunter must be between 10 and 17. Holders of Hunting Passports who are 8 or 9 years old may buy turkey tags to participate in the general season, general youth-only, depredation, and landowner permission hunts.
How much does a hunting license cost in Idaho?
Residents must pay $38.75 for a Combination – Adult Hunting and Fishing, while a Combination – Adult Hunting and Fishing – 3 Year is $97.00. Junior Hunting and Fishing Combinations (8-13 Years) and Junior Hunting and Fishing Combinations (14-17 Years) have price tags of $19.00 and $5.00, respectively.
What is the bag limit for turkey hunting in Idaho outside of the WMA system?
Only gobblers and bearded turkeys may be taken by hunters. One bird is the daily bag limit on lands outside the WMA system.
