Available Idaho Shiras Moose Hunts – Search HF Aventures
Idaho continues to hold strong in the Shiras moose population world despite population struggles. The biggest changes for the new regulation cycle beginning in 2024 include a reduction of 28 total bull tags, mostly across the Panhandle, Salmon, and Clearwater regions. These three regions make up the country from Central Idaho up to the Canadian border. Recent aerial surveys and results on calf survival and overall herd recruitment have pushed the local biologists to cut these permits and hope for something to improve. While the state department does not directly blame wolves for the population decline, it is difficult not to point the finger at these apex predators. Antlerless (cow) hunts have been cut back substantially, but it was probably long overdue. The only remaining cow hunt is in unit 54 with three total tags.
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Keep in mind that Idaho is still going to hold some of the best available Shiras moose drawing odds for non-residents, mostly due to the diverse units and the high non-refundable fee structure. The approach to selecting a unit for your application is quite different than it should be if you are a sheep or goat applicant because of the variety of units with difficult access or decreased trophy potential, thus attracting fewer applicants, residents and non-residents alike. If you have that open Shiras moose checkbox on your list of species you’d like to hunt someday, Idaho should be first on your application strategy. There is no point system, and you cannot apply for any other species in the state draws if you select to apply for moose, but what a nice sound that is to our ears when looking at the dismal odds in other states that have a mature point system!
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As you research and try to narrow down the hunt you want to apply for in Idaho, keep in mind that this is not managed for 100% success like many once-in-a-lifetime hunts are in other western states. Hunters in the northern half of the state may struggle to even find moose, let alone fill their tag on a mature bull. Long season dates and late season storms may be critical to your success in tracking down a bull in the thick, steep terrain. Southcentral and Southeastern Idaho do not have many tag number changes except for a few increases in units 70, 73, and 73A. Unit 54 remains the top hunt in the state if you are just looking for an easy hunt with a chance at a record book bull. Unit 44 is no longer available as it was split into two new units, 43 and 48. The archery-only hunt in unit 68A was also split into a north and south area.
In 2022, total non-resident applications only increased slightly to 1,142, with 54 applicants being successful in drawing bull moose tags. Remember that the nonresident cap of 10% is an “up to” cap and not a set aside quota. All applicants are equal in the draw until the 10% cap has been met. Study the table to select a hunt that you may want to tackle this year if you are lucky enough to draw a tag. Do not only select a hunt based off of draw odds because many hunts in Central Idaho have had horrible success rates for many years. Don’t forget to apply before April 30th!
Idaho Moose Season Dates
For more information on specific units and season dates, please visit the state regulations.
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Over the last 20+ years, we’ve collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin’ Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting moose in Idaho, including 3D Maps, Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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Private Land, Semi-Guided, and Guided Moose Hunts in Idaho
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Idaho Moose Application Deadline
The Idaho Moose Application Deadline is April 30, 2024.
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2024 IDAHO NON-RESIDENT FEES Adult Up-Front Fees Annual Hunting License and Access Fee $195 Non-refundable Trophy Species Application Fee $45.75 Non-refundable Online and Phone Application Processing Fee $90.03 Non-refundable Moose Permit $2,626.75 Refunded if unsuccessful Adult Application Subtotal $2,957.53 $330.78 total non-refundable Youth Up-Front Fees Annual Hunting License and Access Fee $95.75 Non-refundable Trophy Species Application Fee $45.75 Non-refundable Online and Phone Application Processing Fee $87.05 Non-refundable Moose Permit $2,626.75 Refunded if unsuccessful Youth Applicant Subtotal $2,855.30 $228.55 total non-refundable ID Moose Hunting Articles from Huntin’ Fool Magazine
- A Teenage Boy’s Shiras Moose Hunt by Trent Remington Greidanus
- Blessed by Charlie Bullock
- Guides Need to Hunt Too! by Cody Carr
- A Little Help From a Friend by Jim Kenny
- Just What the Doctor Ordered by James Kenny
