Shiras Moose
Alces alces shirasi
Shiras moose occur in northern and eastern Idaho. Moose hunting is managed through controlled hunts, with application rules separate from deer and elk. Research the particular hunt area and its access before applying; a statewide species overview cannot predict your chance of drawing or finding an animal.
Units to Research
1, 2, 4, 4A, 6, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10 +8 more
Tag Types
Controlled Hunt Tag
Season Overview
Idaho moose hunts are controlled hunts. The first application period is April 1–30, not the deer-and-elk application win...
Habitat & Range
Willow bottoms, alder thickets, and subalpine browse are useful habitat features to research in a moose hunt area. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams can help identify scouting locations, but verify current animal sign and lawful access at the chosen site.
Season Details
Idaho moose hunts are controlled hunts. The first application period is April 1–30, not the deer-and-elk application window; any unissued tags have a separate second drawing. Consult the current moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat brochure for eligibility, hunt numbers, and dates. Drawing odds depend on the individual hunt and applicant pool.
View Official IDFG RegulationsKey Dates & Costs
Exact season windows and tag costs vary by zone and tag type. Verify current dates and resident/non-resident fees directly with IDFG before purchasing.
Hunting Tips
- 1Focus on willow bottoms and beaver ponds
- 2Use cow calls and antler raking during the September rut
- 3Glass early and late—moose are crepuscular like deer
- 4Hunt near water sources; moose are often found in or near lakes and streams
- 5Move slowly and quietly—moose have excellent hearing
Recommended Gear
- Heavy-caliber rifle (.300 Win Mag, .338, or similar)
- Moose call (grunt tube or diaphragm)
- Waders for accessing willow bottoms
- Meat hauling system—moose quarters can weigh 100+ lbs each
Build Your Shiras Moose Hunt Plan
- Match the hunt to your tag. Open the current species rules and check the hunt area, dates, animal restrictions and permitted method. A unit appearing in this guide does not mean every tag is valid there.
- Research a unit before picking a route. Use the unit directory to compare published season records, available boundaries and source links. Check the year and coverage of any harvest or draw figures.
- Verify how you will enter and leave. Review land-access planning, current agency travel maps and closures. Public ownership alone does not establish a legal approach route or motorized access.
- Plan the pack-out and reporting. Decide how you will cool and transport meat, communicate and return if conditions change. Check species-specific harvest reporting and inspection requirements before departure; prepare an equipment list for your actual terrain and weather.
Official Sources for This Guide
The links below support the rules discussed here. Review the current agency publication and any emergency changes for the hunt you choose.