Applications for spring black bear controlled hunts open Jan. 15

Hunters looking to apply for 2025 spring controlled hunts for black bear can apply from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15. Information on the spring 2025 controlled black bear hunt can be found in the 2024 Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet.

Hunters must have a 2025 hunting license in order to apply for controlled hunts.

Mandatory Bear ID Test

In addition to having a valid 2025 hunting license, as of Jan. 1, 2025, anyone hunting black bears in Idaho must show proof that they have passed a bear identification test to help them differentiate between grizzly bears and black bears.

After successfully completing a bear identification test, a hunter will be assigned a certificate number that hunters must provide when in the field. Fish and Game recommends hunters save a digital copy of the completed certificate and store the certificate number on their GoOutdoorsIdaho.com customer license account.

Here's How to Apply

• Online: Hunters can apply at gooutdoorsidaho.com, or on the Fish and Game mobile app. There is a service charge of 3% of the transaction in addition to the nonrefundable controlled hunt application fee.
• Licensed Vendors: At any Fish and Game regional office or license vendor.
• Telephone: Applications can be placed over the phone by calling 1 (800) 554-8685.

Controlled hunts are hunts with a limited number of tags allocated by a random drawing, unlike a general season hunt, which allows hunters to purchase tags over the counter. Controlled hunts are often desirable because of location and timing, and success rates are usually higher than general season hunts.

Junior hunters must be between the ages of 10 and 17 to participate in any bear controlled hunt, but a 9-year-old may buy a junior license to apply, provided the hunter is 10 years old at the time of the hunt for which they are applying.

Controlled hunt applications for spring 2025 black bear close on Feb. 15. Successful spring black bear applicants will be notified in early March. Any leftover tags for spring bear controlled hunts go on sale April 1.