Idaho draw deadlines and rules

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.

Application and draw dates

2027 controlled hunt application periods

Opens: Idaho Department of Fish and Game hasn't published this yet. Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Closes: Idaho Department of Fish and Game hasn't published this yet. Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Results: Idaho Department of Fish and Game hasn't published this yet. Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

2026 controlled hunts, 1st application period (deer, elk, pronghorn, etc.)

Opens: May 1, 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Closes: June 5, 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Results: Early July 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

2026 controlled hunt tag purchase deadline

Deadline: Aug. 1, 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

2026 controlled hunts, 2nd application period

Opens: Aug. 5, 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Closes: Aug. 15, 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Results: Aug. 25, 2026 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

2026 leftover controlled hunt tags on sale

Opens: Aug. 25, 2026, 10 a.m. MT Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Draw rules

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.
Nonresident hunt choices: Up to 5 hunt choices per application (DAV deer draw: 2 choices) Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 5. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident group size: Groups of up to 4 hunters may apply together; every member needs a valid Idaho hunting license on file Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 3, 5. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident license required: A 2027 Idaho hunting license valid for big game is required to apply; 2027 licenses go on sale Dec. 1, 2026 Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 3. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident statewide quota deer: 15,500 deer tags Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident statewide quota elk: 12,815 elk tags Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Outfitter set aside deer: 1,906 deer tags Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Outfitter set aside elk: 3,044 elk tags Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident unit share: Nonresident general-season tags are limited to 10% or 15% of the unit/zone, as listed by zone Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 4. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Controlled hunt Nonresident limit: In controlled hunts with 19 or fewer tags, nonresidents may draw no more than 1 tag; otherwise no more than 10% go to nonresidents Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 108-110. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Controlled hunt waiting period: Drawing an antlered deer or elk controlled hunt in the 1st period means a 1-year wait before applying for those hunts again Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 108-110. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Controlled hunt groups: Groups of 2-4 hunters may apply together for controlled hunts Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 108-110. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Tag exchange: Tag exchanges allowed through July 31 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 108-110. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Resident tag sales: Resident general deer and uncapped elk tags go on sale in early July; resident capped elk tags on sale July 8 (Sawtooth Zone July 10) Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident refund: Nonresident deer/elk tag fee refunds: 75% if postmarked before May 1; 50% May 1-June 30; 25% July 1-31; none Aug. 1-Dec. 31 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 117. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

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

Idaho draw deadlines and rules

Application and draw dates

2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 1st application period

Buy drawn 2027 NR general tags (1st period) or forfeit

2027 nonresident general deer & elk tag draw, 2nd application period

Buy drawn 2027 NR general tags (2nd period) or forfeit

2027 Idaho licenses go on sale