North Idaho Hunting

Unit 1 Hunting in North Idaho

Looking for rewarding, exciting and challenging hunting? Rich with wildlife, North Idaho unit 1 (the Panhandle) has some of the best hunting in the lower 48 offering big game hunting, upland bird hunting, waterfowl hunting. No matter your skill level and your time available you will find hunts that are sure to be engaging, challenging and full of memories.

Big game: Elk, moose, mule and white-tailed deer, mountain lion, bear, goat, wolf
Upland bird: Grouse, quail, chukar, pheasant, crow, dove, turkey, partridge
Small game: Rabbit, hare, squirrel & furbearer
Waterfowl: Goose, duck, coot, snipe

National Forests: Kaniksu National Forest and Kootenai National Forest

Bonners Ferry Cabin Rental

The Moyie River Hideaway is a riverfront 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom hunting cabin nestled in the tall cedars along the Moyie River located 30 miles north of Bonners Ferry with direct access to over 100,000 acres of public hunting, fishing and recreation. An excellent launching point for the sportsman while being a comfortable place for the family. UTV rental offered.

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North Idaho Big Game Hunting

North Idaho Elk Hunting

North Idaho is home to many herds of majestic elk. Despite wolf predation and a population increase in the county in recent year there remain many elk herds that call this area home. Some can be found in the valley in the fall grazing on alfalfa fields while some of the oldest and smartest animals call the remote wilderness areas which remains accessible only for the truly dedicated. In 2022 a very exciting increase in sportsman access was announced removed the Myrtle Creek Game Preserve from the restricted areas increasing hunting access by over 30,000 acres. Elk remain one of the most prized meats by local families providing the majority of wild game harvested each year. With some serious effort and commitment an elk is an exhilarating reward for a well executed hunt. An A and B tag system offers opportunities for different hunting schedules as well as harvest options.

Moose Hunting

Moose are a crown jewel of North Idaho which is no more evident than the ‘once in a lifetime’ draw tag system required to hunt them. Frequenting the marshy high mountain lakes, river valleys and deep canyons the Moose is always exciting to see and even more exciting to hunt. North Idaho Moose Hunting opportunities are extremely rare and required a draw tag so planning for these hunts starts very early in the year and once the tag is drawn it’s a big commitment so you don’t miss out. If you’ve already got your draw tag and you’re looking for a place to say the Moyie River Hideaway cabin offers excellent Moose hunting with frequent moose sightings in the area.

deer hunting in north idaho unit 1 — Image credit: Lorna Holt Photography

White Tail Deer Hunting

White tail deer remain one of the most prolific big game in North Idaho from the local raspberry patch or apple tree to the dark hollows high up in the wilderness. A healthy population means lots of opportunities to harvest, but also makes it a challenge to find the smartest animals for a thrilling hunt. A generous season with archery starting in last August and rifle season running from mid-October to New Years eve means timing is as critical and ensures a successful hunt is all but guaranteed.

Mule Deer Hunting

Less common and even elusive in North Idaho is the might mule deer. Yes they are here! Even many of the long time local residents haven’t been graced with a mule deer sighting. Favoring remote areas AWAY from people the mule deer are much larger and far less prolific than the white tail deer. Preferring darker, secluded bedding areas they’re rarely seen, but once you see them they’re hard to forget. Often twice the size of their white tail deer they a mature North Idaho Mule deer is a striking and majestic animal. Frosty mornings and soft ground from fall rains and freeze/thaw give a clue at the size of the animal when their tracks rival an elk. A very rewarding Mule deer hunt requires effort but you’ll have found an animal few here have seen and even less have put in the effort to harvest.

Black Bear Hunting

With two great opportunities the North Idaho Black bear hunting seasons provide generous access and an excellent challenge for hunters of all ages and skill levels. Spring bear has it’s own excitement as it’s a time when the grizzly is also emerging from hibernation. The ground is still frozen in many places and the weather is fickle. A great time to be in the woods! Fall bear starts early with seasons opening usually in the end of August and provides a long season toward the end of October with plenty of time to get in some great scouting and make a successful hunt! Beware that this is grizzly bear country and often these animals can be encountered together. Be prepared!

North Idaho Upland Game Bird Hunting

Grouse Hunting

Among Upland Game bird hunting in North Idaho are 3 species of Forest Grouse and 2 species of prairie grouse. Like a wild chicken they are excellent eating and often can be found in flocks large enough to harvest your limit. Grouse hunting is fun for all ages and experience levels, Grouse can be found roadside foraging and dodging in and out of the bushes. The grouse shown here were just a few miles from the Moyie River Hideaway North Idaho Hunting cabin while hunting the elusive elk. The lesson often is don’t have a single tag. You never know what you might harvest to make the days work worthwhile!

Quail Hunting

Fast, nimble and elusive, Quail Hunting in North Idaho is a fast paced hunting adventure. If you’re fast enough and paying attention the edges of creeks, roadsides and fields they can provide excellent opportunities to harvest beautiful birds!

Pheasant Hunting

A real trophy to hunt and amazing bird, Pheasant Hunting in North Idaho is best pursued as part of the Boundary-Smith game preserve which is part of the Idaho Fish and Game stocking program. Lush fields of tall native grass, and wide open vistas make for a great pheasant habitat and challenging hunts. With a large weekly stocking program you’re sure to have your opportunity at a successful harvest.

Turkey Hunting

The thrill of finding a big Tom and having a successful hunt is one many generations here in North Idaho love. Wild Turkey hunting in North Idaho offers a great opportunity for hunters of all ages and skill levels. With robust public hunting land easily accessible and excellent turkey habitat you’ll be on the turkey in no time and enjoying the memories made bagging a bird and a bunch of great stories.

North Idaho Waterfowl Hunting

Goose Hunting

Idaho sits right between the Pacific Flyway and the Central Flyway. For this reason the migratory bird hunting opportunities are bountiful with several species of Goose and a broad hunting season. Starting in fall as the birds begin moving south after summering in the northern territories the hunting season opens up. North Idaho Goose hunting offers exciting opportunities for all ages and skill levels with the Boundary-Smith game preserve easily accessible and plentiful blinds and vantages.

Duck Hunting

Mallards, Coots, Pintail, Canvasbacks, Mergansers and Wilsons Snipes are among the migratory ducks that can be hunted from October to mid-January in North Idaho Duck hunting. With generous bag limits, spacious and generous waterways to attract ducks there is a something for every hunter, skill level and age to enjoy. The Boundary-Smith game preserve offers ponds, creeks and waterways with blinds, vantages and opportunities what will delight every hunter. Duck hunting, like Goose hunting, is an exciting time of year with a lot of activity as all the hunting in North Idaho is well under way.