Idaho elk hunting

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.

Over the counter or draw

Resident: Resident general elk tags are sold over the counter (capped zones have limited numbers; capped tags on sale July 8, Sawtooth July 10) Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident: No. Starting in 2026, nonresident general 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.
Note: A second elk tag is available starting in early August at the nonresident price (not valid in the Elk City Zone) Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 36. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Seasons

General elk seasons by zone

Starts: Varies by zone; see zone tables Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 36 onward. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Ends: Varies by zone; see zone tables Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 36 onward. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

2027 seasons

Starts: 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.
Ends: 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.

License and tag prices

Resident: $36.75 $30.75 with Price Lock Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 120-121. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Nonresident: $651.75 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 122. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Other license or tag: Resident youth/senior/DAV elk tag $18.75 ($16.50 with Price Lock) Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 120-121. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Other license or tag: Nonresident Junior Mentored elk tag $299.75 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 122. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Other license or tag: Nonresident DAV elk tag $39.75 Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 122. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

How to apply and limits

Zones: 28 elk zones, each with an A tag and a B tag. A tags offer more muzzleloader and archery opportunity; B tags offer more rifle opportunity Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 36. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
How to apply: Nonresidents: buy a 2027 Idaho hunting license (on sale Dec. 1, 2026), then apply in the NR general deer/elk draw Dec. 5-15, 2026 ($18 per application) Source: IDFG 2027 Nonresident General Deer and Elk Tag Draw supplemental proclamation, p. 3-5. License year 2027. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Limit: One elk per tag Source: IDFG Big Game 2026 Seasons and Rules (July 2026 - June 2027), p. 36. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Unit or area tool: Idaho Department of Fish and Game hasn't published this yet. Source: IDFG website. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Deadlines

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.

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