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Idaho Moves to Nonresident Draw for Elk and Deer
Until 2025, nonresidents seeking to hunt deer and elk could purchase over-the-counter (OTC) tags in Idaho. This made Idaho one of the few western states that do not require a draw for nonresidents. It was a first-come, first-served system that occurred each December. Unfortunately, this method slowed down Idaho’s fish and game website, causing long waits and disappointment when zones sold out. The system became overwhelmed, which led to frustration.
However, for the 2026 season, the Idaho legislature voted to implement a random draw system to level the playing field. There will no longer be a need to wait hours in a digital line, hoping the website doesn’t crash during purchasing. It inevitably will, leading to a torrent of choice words and a swearing off of technology, culminating in the ruination of the world (okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but we’ve all been there). Now, prospective hunters will apply for a tag in early December and receive their results in early January. This new process eases the tension and streamlines the experience. While some people may be disappointed by a draw, especially after hearing horror stories of hunters waiting years for selection, a problematic and crashing website is even worse (which makes things just as random).
Here is a list of other rules from the Idaho Fish and Game website:
- A 2026 hunting license is required for a nonresident hunter to apply for a tag
- There is no application fee
- Up to five tag choices can be made per application per species
- Up to four hunters can be on one application (each must have a hunting license)
- Successful applicants must buy their tags by the deadline date, or the tag will be forfeited
- Tags not drawn, or not bought by the deadline date, will be available in a second application period in January
- Participating in the drawing for nonresident general tags will not affect a hunter’s ability to participate in controlled hunt drawings.
Zooming Out
What does this mean for hunters? First, Idaho remains one of the earliest draws, giving you plenty of time to plan a hunt. Second, as of now, there isn’t a bonus or preference point system in place. The playing field stays level, with each hunter having the same odds each year (relative to the number of applicants). Finally, some exemptions remain, such as an Idaho lifetime license and junior mentored tags in deer and uncapped elk zones (which remain OTC). It will be interesting to see how hunters react to the news and how well the new draw system will work. This is something to keep an eye on when planning your next western hunt.
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Sources: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/fish-and-game-commission-approves-drawing-2026-nonresident-deerelk-tags
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