2026 Idaho Nonresident Deer & Elk

[rmyoung1]

Anyone handicapping these new NR general hunt drawings? What’s gonna happen with the popular elk B tags in zones like Boise River or Sawtooth? How hard are those tags gonna be to draw? Any guesses? And what about popular deer units like 21A or 36B or 59?

 

[brymoore]

Sawtooth hard, Boise easier based on tag number and demand.

Venmo me $5 for doing the math.

 

[rmyoung1]

Sawtooth hard, Boise easier based on tag number and demand.

Venmo me $5 for doing the math.

I need a 10 percentage point range and a margin of error before I hand over cash, sir

 

[brymoore]

I need a 10 percentage point range and a margin of error before I hand over cash, sir

Covered!

 

[brymoore]

Besides joking @rmyoung1 , look at the tag numbers and demand. Some of the capped units are going to be very hard while other units will be easier.

 

[witski65]

So lets start an over/under on your guess for how many people will apply this year.
My guess is 18,299 applicants

 

[seeth07]

So lets start an over/under on your guess for how many people will apply this year.
My guess is 18,299 applicants

Ill take the under

 

[Irrelevant]

Under

 

[Irrelevant]

I actually think it'll be really good odds for some really good tags. But only this first year, then it'll recalibrate

 

[Addicting]

I actually think it'll be really good odds for some really good tags. But only this first year, then it'll recalibrate

Is a general tag really a good tag? With the amount of residents that can just buy it OTC who knows what the trailheads are going to be like any given day.

 

[brymoore]

Is a general tag really a good tag? With the amount of residents that can just buy it OTC who knows what the trailheads are going to be like any given day.

OTC elk tags is better than no elk tag! Every Idaho OTC elk tag unit holds bulls from spikes to 350”+ bulls.

The amount of Idaho resident hunters isn’t growing per license sales. When I have issues at trailheads it’s usually NR license plates. Seriously. I have an OCD habit of looking at license plates. I want to know my competitors.

 

[rmyoung1]

Is a general tag really a good tag? With the amount of residents that can just buy it OTC who knows what the trailheads are going to be like any given day.

Well, I think it’ll vary depending on the zone (elk) and unit (deer). That’s sorta why I pose the question here. Some of these gen tags aren’t gonna be hard to pick up. But some of the popular ones might be real tough. Eager to see how this shakes out.

 

[rmyoung1]

Besides joking @rmyoung1 , look at the tag numbers and demand. Some of the capped units are going to be very hard while other units will be easier.

Serious question: Other than the anecdotal statements that go something like, “My darn elk zone sold out before I had a chance and I had number X…” how do we really judge the demand piece of the equation? Any thoughts?

 

[brymoore]

Serious question: Other than the anecdotal statements that go something like, “My darn elk zone sold out before I had a chance and I had number X…” how do we really judge the demand piece of the equation? Any thoughts?

Capped units will go fast due to limited tag numbers and the perception they are better units. The elk numbers are actually below what IDFG desires which is why tag numbers are capped. Only bonus is limited hunters chasing fewer elk.

I’d look at the elk tag numbers, success rate and harvest numbers. One of the most popular elk units in the state has a very low success rate but one of the largest harvest numbers in the state. Definitely lots of elk, and hunters, in the unit. I’ve killed a lot of elk in the unit but I live in and know the unit.

My thoughts on the draw is the good units will max out on tags first draw. Lesser units or units with more tags will max out in the second or third draw. Everything will shift next few years.

 

[seeth07]

Is a general tag really a good tag? With the amount of residents that can just buy it OTC who knows what the trailheads are going to be like any given day.

The Wyoming general tag is considered pretty good right? But its not like all areas where that tag is good are actually good hunts or there is limited public land.

Same is true with these idaho general tags. Some are quite good while others are very difficult elk hunts for residents and non residents alike.

 

[SAJ-99]

 

[Irrelevant]

Is a general tag really a good tag? With the amount of residents that can just buy it OTC who knows what the trailheads are going to be like any given day.

Yes. Some are incredibly good.

 

[El Jason]

Is a general tag really a good tag?

If you want to go elk hunting it is.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

Yes. Some are incredibly good.

What he said is all lies! Idaho is a rotten elk hunting experience!

Every Idaho OTC elk tag unit holds bulls from spikes to 350”+ bulls

Also a bold face lie!!