2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Aug 30, 2026 Oct 15, 2026 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Sep 15, 2026 Nov 15, 2026 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Aug 30, 2026 Oct 15, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Oct 25 – Nov 7
Peak Rut Nov 8 – Nov 22
Post-Rut Nov 18 – Dec 2
Second Rut Dec 3 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in Idaho 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Nov 8, 2026
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
96/100
2
Nov 12, 2026
Peak Rut
96/100
3
Nov 15, 2026
Pre/Peak Rut
96/100

Idaho Deer Hunting FAQ