Nicknamed “the Gem State” since its days as a territory, Idaho is known in hunting circles for its diverse terrain, swaths of public land, and hunting opportunities. Big game hunters can expect to target elk, deer, pronghorn, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

What’s New in Idaho for 2026

As of now, the big change for Idaho is the new draw process for non-resident deer and elk tags, which replaces the first-come, first-served over-the-counter rush. This year, non-residents have from December 5-15 to throw their hat in the ring for deer and elk. From there, it’s a random lottery.

Stay tuned for additional updates as Idaho’s application season progresses.

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Idaho Application Season Dates

Idaho has three draw application periods: 

1. For elk and deer general 2026 tags, Idaho will now have a draw for non-residents only. Applicants must buy a hunting license to participate in the draw, with the application period running from December 5, 2025, to December 15, 2025. Results will be announced in January, and there are no application fees for this year.
2. The second application period is for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, and the application period ends April 30, 2026, with draw results available late May.
3. The last draw period is for controlled elk, deer, and antelope tags. The application period runs from May 1 to June 5, with results available in early July. Idaho has no point system for hunters; all controlled tags are issued in a random drawing, and therefore all applications have an equal chance.

2026 IDAHO DRAW DEADLINES

Non-Resident General Elk & Deer Draw

Dec 15

Spring Bear

Feb 15

Moose, Sheep, & Goat

Apr 30

Super Hunt Tags First Draw

MAY 31

Deer, Elk, & Antelope

JUN 5

Resident Capped Elk Tags Available

JUL 8

Resident Sawtooth Elk Tags Available

JUL 10

Deadline to pick up Controlled Tags Drawn

AUG 1

Super Hunt Tags Second Draw

AUG 10

Deer, Elk, & Antelope Leftover Draw

AUG 15

Idaho Application Season Cost Overview

Hunting license and species costs for tags usually include:

• Application fee (exception: there’s no application fee for the 2026 non-resident elk and deer draw).
• Hunting license fee (need a qualifying license before you can apply).
• Species fee (only paid once the tag is drawn).

Idaho Application Season Species

Idaho Draw Process 101

Point System

• Idaho does not have a point system. All tags are issued via random drawing, and all applicants have an equal chance.

Tag Allocation

• Up to 10% of the total tag quota for controlled hunt permits can be issued to non-residents per species.
• If a controlled hunt has 10 or fewer permits, only one tag may be given to non-residents.
• You may only apply for one of the following: moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat.
• If you apply for moose, sheep, or goat, you cannot apply for limited-entry controlled hunts for deer, elk, or antelope unless there are unlimited permits available for the hunt.

Resources

• View Idaho Hunting Regulations.
• Apply for Your Idaho Hunting Tags.
• Read Idaho Hunting News and Updates.

Idaho Application Tips

1. If you are a non-resident interested in moose, you should be applying in Idaho—though drawing a tag is never easy, Idaho does have the best moose draw odds in the Lower 48.
2. The 10% total species cap has a meaningful impact for non-residents applying for moose, sheep, and mountain goat hunts. That’s why you see hunts for these species that have non-resident applicants, but no tags drawn. If there are 100 total sheep permits available, that means a maximum of 10 tags can be given to non-residents across all sheep hunt codes. So don’t assume that because a particular hunt didn’t give a non-resident tag last year that you shouldn’t apply for that hunt this year.
3. If you plan to hunt big game in Idaho, consider picking up a wolf permit for $31.75. Unlimited tags are available and can be purchased at participating retailers.
4. If you want to hire an outfitter if you draw a tag, make sure an outfitter is available for the hunt/unit you apply for. Idaho’s system is unique, and many areas do not have an outfitter-licensed guide at this time.