Idaho

Rockhounding Regulations

General Rules

  • • BLM lands: 25 pounds per day plus one piece, 250 pounds per year limit
  • • Hand tools only for casual collecting
  • • Materials must be for personal use
  • • Reasonable amounts allowed on National Forest lands

Permits & Licenses

  • • No permits for casual collecting on BLM lands
  • • USFS lands may require permits in some areas
  • • Commercial collecting requires permits

Restrictions

  • • State Parks prohibit removing rocks or minerals
  • • Prohibited in National Parks
  • • Wilderness areas limited to surface collection
  • • Active mining claims require permission

Contacts

  • • BLM Idaho: (208) 373-4000
  • • Idaho State Parks: (208) 334-4199
  • • Idaho Geological Survey: (208) 885-7991