Idaho Statewide Rule

Idaho Bans Feeding Deer and Elk in CWD Zones

Significant RestrictionsApplies statewide across Idaho (2026)

Key Facts

Rule: IDAPA 13.01.18.200
Prohibited feed: Hay, grain, straw, feed pellets
Covered areas: CWD zones, DSA counties, east I-15
Penalty: Misdemeanor (Idaho Code 36-1401)
Enforcer: Idaho Fish and Game

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Idaho Fish and Game rule IDAPA 13.01.18.200 makes it unlawful to purposely or knowingly provide supplemental feed to wild deer, elk, and other cervids inside any Chronic Wasting Disease management zone, any brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area county, or Clark, Madison, and Jefferson counties east of Interstate 15.

It is unlawful to purposely or knowingly provide supplemental feed to wild cervids within any CWD Management Zone, within any county partially or entirely within any DSA, or within Clark, Madison, or Jefferson county east of Interstate 15, or in violation of any Commission, Department, or ISDA order, except supplemental feeding conducted or authorized by the Department.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Supplemental feed means harvested hay, grain, straw, or feed pellets. The ban covers CWD Management Zones designated by the Commission, any county partially or entirely within a brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area, and Clark, Madison, or Jefferson county east of I-15. Incidental grazing on rangeland forage, standing crops, or crop residue is exempt, and incidental feeding while feeding livestock is allowed if the operator cooperates with the Department to avoid attracting cervids. Feeding the Department conducts or authorizes stays legal. Violating a Fish and Game Commission rule is a misdemeanor under Idaho Code 36-1401.

Violations & Penalties

Purposely or knowingly feeding wild cervids inside a covered zone violates IDAPA 13.01.18.200 and is a misdemeanor under Idaho Code 36-1401, enforced by Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed deer in my Idaho backyard?

Only outside covered areas. Inside any CWD management zone, brucellosis DSA county, or Clark, Madison, or Jefferson county east of I-15, purposely feeding wild deer or elk is unlawful.

Does feeding livestock count as a violation?

No. Incidental feeding of wild cervids during normal livestock feeding is exempt, provided you cooperate with the Department to facilitate management activities that avoid attracting wild cervids.

Sources

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