Archery License

Idaho Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Idaho — stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Idaho offers outstanding archery seasons for deer, elk, and bear. Crossbows are not permitted during archery-only seasons. Idaho's archery elk season in late August through mid-October covers the entire early rut.

Min. Draw Weight: 40 lbs

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$13.75

License fee

Nonresident Fee

$201.75

NR license fee

Min. Draw Weight

40 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Not in archery season

Separate season may apply

License & Stamp Details

Idaho Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	No — included with hunting license
Resident License Fee	$13.75
Nonresident License Fee	$201.75
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Allowed

Equipment Rules

Idaho Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Idaho. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

40 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Idaho.

Arrow Length

No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 40 lb draw weight for big game. Broadheads required with minimum cutting edge. No electronic bows. No crossbows in archery season.

Crossbow Regulations

Idaho Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are not permitted during the traditional archery season in Idaho. Crossbows are NOT permitted during archery-only deer and elk seasons. Disabled hunters with a permit may use crossbows during archery season. A separate crossbow or late-season permit may be available — check with Idaho Department of Fish and Game for current rules.

Season Dates

Idaho Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit — always confirm with Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Archery Deer Season

Aug 30

Through Oct 17

Archery Elk Season

Aug 30

Through Oct 17

Important Notes

Idaho-Specific Archery Rules

Idaho offers OTC archery tags in many units for both deer and elk. Some units are limited entry. The Selway and Frank Church wilderness areas offer remote bowhunting for elk.

Source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game (idfg.idaho.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Idaho