Rules Governing Taking of Big Game in Idaho

[Matthew57]

Idaho peeps should take a look at some of the stuff in the proposed rule changes. To me it looks like they crossed out separate draw dates for D/E/A and OILs. Also, they crossed out the part about fronting tag fees for OILs.

Docket No. 13-0108-2401: Zero-based Regulation Rulemaking: Rules Governing Taking of Big Game Animals

idfg.idaho.gov

 

[brymoore]

Definitely not clear on everything. Love reading legal verbiage…

Here’s what I got from reading it several times. Most of the verbiage is to add new information and clean up verbiage to make operating easier for IDFG. Adds were muzzleloader sabots, open sighted rifles and new NR general draw.

Everyone needs a license to apply for a drawing (Section 256).

Specific draw dates are eliminated but the new verbiage states the dates will be published in brochure (258-1). I don’t read this as combining all the draw dates. It gives IDFG freedom to tweak draw dates without legislation approval.

Tag fees. This is unclear but I don’t think it waives the trophy specs tag fees. Section 258-3D says fees must be paid but below eliminates the subcategory of application and tag fees. The question is what does Fee mean? Further in the body, it goes into length describing claiming tags, leftover tags and second draws for DEA but never trophy species. If no trophy tag fee is collected, a second trophy tag drawing would be required. Although I now remember IDFG used to sell leftover trophy tags that didn’t have enough applicants in the glory days. It must exist somewhere. I don’t think anything has changed for the trophy tags except cleaning up verbiage.

I did notice another kick to NRs. 255-1a changes NR controlled hunt numbers from 1 for less than 10 tags to 1 in less than 19 tags cutting the allocation. 20 and over remains up to 10%.

 

[Bluffgruff]

I commented on 13.1.08, section 258.03.d and asked them to keep requiring the tag fee up front. I also added that I would like them to add a stipulation that anyone entering the nonresident general tag draw be allowed to only apply for those species in the controlled hunt drawing as well, and not switch to moose, sheep or goat. No double dipping guys!

 

[Matthew57]

Definitely not clear on everything. Love reading legal verbiage…

Here’s what I got from reading it several times. Most of the verbiage is to add new information and clean up verbiage to make operating easier for IDFG. Adds were muzzleloader sabots, open sighted rifles and new NR general draw.

Everyone needs a license to apply for a drawing (Section 256).

Specific draw dates are eliminated but the new verbiage states the dates will be published in brochure (258-1). I don’t read this as combining all the draw dates. It gives IDFG freedom to tweak draw dates without legislation approval.

Tag fees. This is unclear but I don’t think it waives the trophy specs tag fees. Section 258-3D says fees must be paid but below eliminates the subcategory of application and tag fees. The question is what does Fee mean? Further in the body, it goes into length describing claiming tags, leftover tags and second draws for DEA but never trophy species. If no trophy tag fee is collected, a second trophy tag drawing would be required. Although I now remember IDFG used to sell leftover trophy tags that didn’t have enough applicants in the glory days. It must exist somewhere. I don’t think anything has changed for the trophy tags except cleaning up verbiage.

I did notice another kick to NRs. 255-1a changes NR controlled hunt numbers from 1 for less than 10 tags to 1 in less than 19 tags cutting the allocation. 20 and over remains up to 10%.

Good catch, I didn't notice that last part.

 

[JAG]

Dipping my toes into ID for the first time as an NR. This article helped. I also watched BigFin's vlogs on ID as they came out in subsequent years.

I apply to, and am familiar with a few other states. While it looks like ID's elk draws (December, February, then June) dovetails their timing with other states, it looks like they invented their own system from a void.

From IDFG FAQ's page:

Q. When will the 2026 Nonresident and DAV Draw applications be open?​

• First Application Period for the Nonresident and DAV draw: December 5 – 15, 2025
• First Application Period Results Announcement: Early January, 2026
• First Application Period Deadline to Claim Awarded Tags (except DAV): January 20, 2026
• Second Application Period, Nonresident draw only: February 5 – 15, 2026
• Second Application Period Results Announcement: Early March, 2026
• Second Application Period and all DAV tags Deadline to Claim Awarded Tags: March 20, 2026

...

Up to 5 choices per application.​

​

Questions:
1) Will Idaho's past "First-Come, First-Served" online process contain the same hunts as the prior, December 2025 application period?

a) If so, then does this period only provide tags by Zone?​

b) Are tags available by specific 'GMU' during these two application periods?​

2) Will the Controlled Hunts process remain the same?

a) Are Controlled Hunts only 'per-unit'?​

b) Do Controlled Hunts exist by Zone?​

3) Do the '5 choices' mean:

a) 5 chances in the first round (like AK), or is it​

b) all first choices first, then the second choice for which nothing is left?​

 

[TheTone]

I’ll help with my understanding;

1) I think you will see things be the same; elk tags by zone and deer by unit

2) current controlled will be the same as it is now.
Most controlled are by unit but some take in pieces of units or multiple units; you have to read the specific controlled hunt description

3) no idea on how they will look at the choices