Idaho hunting guide

License year: 2026 and 2027. Each fact shows its own license year, source and the date we checked it. Always confirm with Idaho Department of Fish and Game before you apply.

Key facts

Nonresident general tags by draw
Beginning with the 2026 season, nonresident general deer and elk tags are issued by draw Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 119. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period — opens
Dec. 5, 2026 Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period — closes
Dec. 15, 2026 Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period — results
Early January 2027 Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Topics

What changed

2026
Nonresident general deer and elk tags moved to a draw starting with the 2026 season Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 119. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Mandatory CWD testing for deer in Units 14, 18, 23, 63A, 64, 69 and part of Unit 1 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Motorized Hunting Rule end date changed from Dec. 31 to Nov. 14 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 6. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2027
2027 NR general deer and elk draw: 1st period Dec. 5-15, 2026; 2nd period Feb. 5-15, 2027 Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Idaho hunting questions

When do nonresidents apply for 2027 Idaho elk and deer tags?

2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period — opens: Dec. 5, 2026. 2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period — closes: Dec. 15, 2026. 2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period — results: Early January 2027. 2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 2nd application period — opens: Feb. 5, 2027. 2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 2nd application period — closes: Feb. 15, 2027. 2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 2nd application period — results: Early March 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation.

Can nonresidents buy an Idaho elk tag over the counter?

Nonresident elk tag over the counter: No. Starting in 2026, nonresident general elk tags are issued by draw. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027).

How much is a nonresident elk tag in Idaho?

Nonresident elk tag price: $651.75. Hunting license (includes 3-day fishing): Price: $185.00. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027).

Do I need hunter education in Idaho?

Required if born on or after: Jan. 1, 1975. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027).

Idaho elk and mule deer draw odds by unit: past results from each state agency, with the source for every number.