Idaho Hunting Laws
Idaho has no minimum caliber for centerfire big game rifles or handguns — any centerfire cartridge is legal — but rimfire firearms and muzzleloading handguns are unlawful for deer, elk, and most other big game. Hunter orange is recommended, not required, for big game.
Every rule below cites the official regulation. Last verified August 30, 2026.
At a glance
Check a cartridge in Idaho
Pick a state, species, and weapon — add a cartridge for a full check.
Sourced rules
Every row cites the controlling regulation and the date we verified it.
Air Gun
7 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Pre-charged pneumatic airguns must fire at least .35 caliber projectiles for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion.
"With any airgun using pre-charged pneumatic power to propel a projectile (excluding shot and arrows) with unignited compressed air or gas and projectiles less than thirty-five (0.35) caliber for deer, pronghorn antelo..." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.02.h | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Pre-charged pneumatic airguns must fire at least .35 caliber projectiles for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion.
"With any airgun using pre-charged pneumatic power to propel a projectile (excluding shot and arrows) with unignited compressed air or gas and projectiles less than thirty-five (0.35) caliber for deer, pronghorn antelo..." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.02.h | Aug 2026 |
| Mountain Lion |
Pre-charged pneumatic airguns must fire at least .35 caliber projectiles for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion.
"With any airgun using pre-charged pneumatic power to propel a projectile (excluding shot and arrows) with unignited compressed air or gas and projectiles less than thirty-five (0.35) caliber for deer, pronghorn antelo..." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.02.h | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Pre-charged pneumatic airguns must fire at least .45 caliber projectiles for elk, moose, or black bear. | IDAPA 13.01.08.410.02.h | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Pre-charged pneumatic airguns must fire at least .45 caliber projectiles for elk, moose, or black bear. | IDAPA 13.01.08.410.02.h | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Pre-charged pneumatic airguns must fire at least .45 caliber projectiles for elk, moose, or black bear. | IDAPA 13.01.08.410.02.h | Aug 2026 |
| Wild Turkey |
Airguns used for turkey must fire at least .30 caliber projectiles (pre-charged pneumatic, unignited compressed air/gas).
"With any airgun using pre-charged pneumatic power to propel a projectile (including shot and arrows) with unignited compressed air or gas and projectiles less than thirty (.30) caliber." |
IDAPA 13.01.09.300.02.d | Aug 2026 |
All weapons
2 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game |
Hunter orange (36 sq in above the waist) is required only where an Upland Game Bird Permit is required (Department-stocked pheasant sites). Idaho does not require hunter orange for big game hunting — it is recommended only.
"When hunting on locations where an Upland Game Bird Permit is required, without wearing at least thirty-six (36) square inches of visible hunter orange above the waist." |
IDAPA 13.01.09.300.01.e | Aug 2026 |
| All species | Idaho's big game weapon rules do not list suppressors as an unlawful method of take, and industry compilations report suppressors as legal for hunting, but no primary source with an affirmative statement was located. | No prohibition found in IDAPA 13.01.08 Sections 404-413 (Special Weapon Seasons / Unlawful Methods of Take) | Aug 2026 needs review |
Handgun
10 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
During Short-Range Weapon Only seasons, legal handguns are limited to straight-wall centerfire cartridges.
"Any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.407.01.e | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
During Short-Range Weapon Only seasons, legal handguns are limited to straight-wall centerfire cartridges.
"Any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.407.01.e | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
During Short-Range Weapon Only seasons, legal handguns are limited to straight-wall centerfire cartridges.
"Any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.407.01.e | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
During Short-Range Weapon Only seasons, legal handguns are limited to straight-wall centerfire cartridges.
"Any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.407.01.e | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
During Short-Range Weapon Only seasons, legal handguns are limited to straight-wall centerfire cartridges.
"Any handgun using straight wall centerfire cartridges." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.407.01.e | Aug 2026 |
Muzzleloader
21 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Muzzleloading rifles/muskets must be at least .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion.
"With a muzzleloading rifle or musket which is less than forty-five (.45) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or which is less than fifty (.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat..." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.03.a | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Muzzleloading rifles/muskets must be at least .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion.
"With a muzzleloading rifle or musket which is less than forty-five (.45) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or which is less than fifty (.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat..." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.03.a | Aug 2026 |
| Mountain Lion |
Muzzleloading rifles/muskets must be at least .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, or mountain lion.
"With a muzzleloading rifle or musket which is less than forty-five (.45) caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, or gray wolf, or which is less than fifty (.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat..." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.03.a | Aug 2026 |
| Elk | Muzzleloading rifles/muskets must be at least .50 caliber for elk, moose, or black bear. | IDAPA 13.01.08.410.03.a | Aug 2026 |
| Moose | Muzzleloading rifles/muskets must be at least .50 caliber for elk, moose, or black bear. | IDAPA 13.01.08.410.03.a | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear | Muzzleloading rifles/muskets must be at least .50 caliber for elk, moose, or black bear. | IDAPA 13.01.08.410.03.a | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, the muzzleloader must use flint, musket cap, or percussion cap ignition — inline actions using 209 shotshell primers are not legal.
"Is equipped only with flint, musket cap, or percussion cap. 209 primers are prohibited." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.f | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, the muzzleloader must use flint, musket cap, or percussion cap ignition — inline actions using 209 shotshell primers are not legal.
"Is equipped only with flint, musket cap, or percussion cap. 209 primers are prohibited." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.f | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, the muzzleloader must use flint, musket cap, or percussion cap ignition — inline actions using 209 shotshell primers are not legal.
"Is equipped only with flint, musket cap, or percussion cap. 209 primers are prohibited." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.f | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, the muzzleloader must use flint, musket cap, or percussion cap ignition — inline actions using 209 shotshell primers are not legal.
"Is equipped only with flint, musket cap, or percussion cap. 209 primers are prohibited." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.f | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, the muzzleloader must use flint, musket cap, or percussion cap ignition — inline actions using 209 shotshell primers are not legal.
"Is equipped only with flint, musket cap, or percussion cap. 209 primers are prohibited." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.f | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only open or peep sights are legal — no magnified scopes.
"Is equipped only with open or peep sights." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only open or peep sights are legal — no magnified scopes.
"Is equipped only with open or peep sights." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only open or peep sights are legal — no magnified scopes.
"Is equipped only with open or peep sights." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only open or peep sights are legal — no magnified scopes.
"Is equipped only with open or peep sights." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only open or peep sights are legal — no magnified scopes.
"Is equipped only with open or peep sights." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only a patched round ball or a conical metal/metal-alloy projectile may be loaded (accuracy tips are allowed).
"Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile, except accuracy tips are allowed." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.h | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only a patched round ball or a conical metal/metal-alloy projectile may be loaded (accuracy tips are allowed).
"Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile, except accuracy tips are allowed." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.h | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only a patched round ball or a conical metal/metal-alloy projectile may be loaded (accuracy tips are allowed).
"Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile, except accuracy tips are allowed." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.h | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only a patched round ball or a conical metal/metal-alloy projectile may be loaded (accuracy tips are allowed).
"Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile, except accuracy tips are allowed." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.h | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
During Muzzleloader Only seasons, only a patched round ball or a conical metal/metal-alloy projectile may be loaded (accuracy tips are allowed).
"Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile, except accuracy tips are allowed." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.406.01.h | Aug 2026 |
Rifle
5 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun cartridge is legal for big game. Rimfire rifles/handguns and muzzleloading handguns (pistols) are unlawful, except when hunting mountain lion or a trapped gray wolf.
"With any rimfire rifle, rimfire handgun or any muzzleloading handgun, except for mountain lion and trapped gray wolf." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.c | Aug 2026 |
Shotgun
6 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Shotguns used for big game must use slugs or shot no smaller than double-aught (#00) buckshot.
"With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.b | Aug 2026 |
| Elk |
Shotguns used for big game must use slugs or shot no smaller than double-aught (#00) buckshot.
"With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.b | Aug 2026 |
| Moose |
Shotguns used for big game must use slugs or shot no smaller than double-aught (#00) buckshot.
"With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.b | Aug 2026 |
| Pronghorn |
Shotguns used for big game must use slugs or shot no smaller than double-aught (#00) buckshot.
"With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.b | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Shotguns used for big game must use slugs or shot no smaller than double-aught (#00) buckshot.
"With any shotgun using any shot smaller than double-aught (#00) buck." |
IDAPA 13.01.08.410.01.b | Aug 2026 |
| Wild Turkey |
Turkey shot may not exceed BB size (lead) or T size (steel). Idaho does not require nontoxic shot for turkey.
"With lead shot exceeding BB size. ... With steel shot exceeding T size." |
IDAPA 13.01.09.300.02.a-b | Aug 2026 |
Federal rules that apply in every state
These federal requirements apply in Idaho on top of state law.
Federal law: only USFWS-approved nontoxic shot may be used — or even possessed — while hunting waterfowl, coots, and aggregate-bag species.
50 CFR § 20.21(j)(1)–(3)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds are limited to 3 shells total (magazine + chamber) with a one-piece plug; limited light-goose and September Canada goose season exceptions exist.
50 CFR § 20.21(b)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds may be no larger than 10 gauge.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
Federal law prohibits taking migratory birds with a rifle, pistol, or fully automatic firearm.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
On Waterfowl Production Areas and designated National Wildlife Refuge lands, possessing shot other than approved nontoxic shot is prohibited; individual refuges may impose stricter rules.
50 CFR § 32.2(k)
Sources
Idaho Hunter Orange Policy
Idaho Department of Fish and Game · retrieved August 30, 2026
IDAPA 13.01.08 — Rules Governing the Taking of Big Game Animals
Idaho Department of Fish and Game / Idaho Administrative Code · retrieved August 30, 2026
IDAPA 13.01.09 — Rules Governing Taking of Game Birds and Upland Game Animals
Idaho Department of Fish and Game / Idaho Administrative Code · retrieved August 30, 2026
Sources & methodology
Rules on this page are verified against state statutes, administrative code, official agency regulation digests, and federal regulations — never forums, retailer blogs, or hunter-ed course summaries. Rules we could not yet pin to a primary source are labeled needs review and never produce a green "legal" answer. Cartridge energy figures used by the checker are typical factory-load values; where a rule sets an energy or bullet-weight floor, verify your specific load's manufacturer rating.
Legal disclaimer — please read
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Hunting regulations change every season, vary by zone, season, land type, and county ordinance, and are interpreted by the state's enforcement officers — not by this page.
- Confirm every rule in the current official Idaho hunting regulations before your hunt.
- Check season dates, license and tag requirements, zone boundaries, and local ordinances — this page covers equipment rules only.
- When in doubt, contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly.
The controlling document is the regulation, not this page. We disclaim all liability for reliance on it.