Idaho – Draw and Application Info

Reviewed September 28, 2026

Idaho now has two application paths that nonresident deer and elk hunters need to distinguish: the nonresident general-season tag drawing and the controlled-hunt drawing. Pick the right path before you compare hunts or submit an application.

Nonresident general deer and elk: a draw from 2026

Nonresident general-season deer and elk tags moved to an application and drawing system for the 2026 season. Idaho does not use preference or bonus points. The state currently lists December 5–15, 2026 as the first application period for 2027 nonresident and DAV tags, with results expected in early January 2027. Confirm the schedule and tag-claim deadlines on the official nonresident tag page before applying.

A general tag is still tied to the applicable species, area or elk zone and its permitted seasons. Drawing a tag does not mean you can hunt every unit, every weapon season or every animal described in the statewide rules.

Controlled-hunt application windows

For 2026, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat applications ran April 1–30. The main deer, elk, pronghorn and fall bear controlled-hunt window ran May 1–June 5. These windows are closed. Check the next published schedule, second drawings and remaining-tag opportunities in Idaho’s controlled-hunt application information.

How the draw differs from a point system

Idaho’s drawing does not reward an applicant with accumulated preference or bonus points. Research the actual application pool and hunt instead of treating repeated applications as a guaranteed path to a tag. Previous drawing odds describe a past year; changing demand and tag numbers can change the next draw.

The general nonresident drawing and spring controlled hunts are separate processes. Participating in the nonresident general deer/elk drawing does not by itself prevent an application for spring controlled hunts. Check the eligibility rules for the particular species and application before submitting. IDFG’s explanation of the 2026 change.

Application checklist

1. Check your account and license. Controlled-hunt applicants need a valid Idaho hunting license.
2. Use the correct hunt number. A controlled-hunt application uses the four-digit hunt number, not simply the unit number.
3. Confirm your group. Controlled-hunt group limits are species-specific: up to four for deer, elk and pronghorn; up to two for bear, moose, sheep and goat.
4. Budget by species. Moose, sheep and goat applications require the tag fee up front. Do not use deer/elk payment assumptions for these hunts.
5. Apply through an accepted channel. Online, telephone, license vendors and regional offices are available; mailed controlled-hunt applications are not accepted.

Use the official application page for current fees, application instructions and eligibility details.

Compare hunts before paying

For elk, compare the zone, tag type and legal season together. For deer, check whether the tag and hunt allow mule deer, white-tailed deer or both. Use the Idaho Hunt Planner to review hunt boundaries and drawing history, then verify legal access and road restrictions with the land manager.

Build a trip budget around travel, access, meat care and the time available to hunt. Select a backup route and a realistic pack-out distance before committing to a remote hunt. Return to our Idaho hunting overview for species planning.