Moose provide one of the brightest spots in game management in Idaho. A long-term program to reintroduce them into historic range is paying off as herds expand steadily, mostly in eastern and central Idaho but some in the north. Hunting remains restricted to Idaho residents. Little more than a decade ago, fewer than 300 permits were issued in a season. Now nearly 800 permittees take to the field each fall.
Black bear hunting in Idaho still allows for use of bait, hounds and spring as well as fall seasons.
Bear numbers remain stable at a level that pleases bear hunters but seems to some to be too high. Bears inhabit all but the most urbanized and intensively farmed areas but are most common in the central mountains and north Idaho. Mountain lions may be pursued or hunted with hounds. Populations are maintained with strict control over the taking of female cats. Like bears, they are found in most of Idaho wherever development is not too intense.