Hunting in Idaho: Regulations for Hunting With Dogs

Many dogs are bred with hunting specifically in mind, and these canines can provide invaluable help and partnership when hunting big game in Idaho. However, before taking your dog out hunting with you, there are certain regulations that must be followed.

Not all big game in Idaho can be legally hunted with a dog. In fact, most animals cannot be hunted in the state with the aid of a dog. The exceptions are black bear and mountain lion.

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Here are some facts about hunting in the state with dogs, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game:

"Dogs may be used to pursue black bears or mountain lions in either an open take season where use of dogs is allowed or during a dog training season open for black bear or mountain lion. Pursuit is allowed regardless of whether a black bear or mountain lion already has been harvested. During a dog training season, black bears or mountain lions may be pursued and treed, but may not be captured, killed, or possessed."

"Any dog found running at large and actively tracking, pursuing, harassing, attacking, or killing any big game animal, except black bear and mountain lion, may be destroyed without criminal or civil liability by the director of Fish and Game, any peace officer, or other persons authorized to enforce Idaho wildlife laws."

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Should you need to use a blood-trailing hound to track a wounded animal, this is allowed as long as the dog is on leash and the pursuit takes place within 72 hours of the injury.

Additionally, if you are hunting bear or mountain lion with a valid permit, but are using a dog that does not belong to you or if your dog is a "pursuit dog," you will need to obtain a hound hunter permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Finally, if you are coming from out of state to hunt in Idaho and bringing your hound with you, you will need a valid health certificate for the animal.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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