Idaho has some of the best elk hunting in the world. Hunters in 1998 had a 20 percent success rate, including general and controlled hunts. Deer are found throughout Idaho. With the adoption of the zone tags for elk beginning in 1998, there is more overlap of elk and deer seasons, and more opportunity to hunt both on the same trip. Whitetails are found primarily north of the Salmon River, and are generally hunted later in the fall than mule deer.
Mule deer are more numerous, and found mostly in the southern two-thirds of the state.
Thirty percent of mule deer bucks taken in Idaho in 1998 were 4-point or larger. Idaho also has a general archery season for antelope, and drawings for rifle hunts for antelope. Black bear, mountain lion, upland game and waterfowl hunting is also popular. Idaho is famous for its fishing. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, bullhead and channel catfish are also available in Idaho.