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Let Our Experts Apply for You — Idaho General Elk & Deer (2026 Draw)

50% Off Our Application Service  

Only $37.50–Offer Ends December 10th
 

 

 

Idaho Just Changed the Game — Don’t Miss Out!

 
For the first time ever, Idaho is issuing general-season elk and deer tags through a random draw. No more digital chaos. No more endless lines. No more traveling to Idaho only to walk away empty-handed.

This new system gives all non-residents an equal opportunity to draw, but it also makes how you apply and which units you choose more important than ever. That's where our Application Service Team can help maximize your odds of drawing a tag and hunting a better unit!


2026 Idaho Elk & Deer Draw Overview


Draw Format:

  • • Type: Random
  • • Application Window: December 5-15, 2025
  • • Results Available: Early January

Costs to Apply:

  • • $204.97 non-refundable 2026 Idaho Hunting License and Access Fee (includes 3% processing fee + $4 online transaction fee)
  • • For an additional $37.50, our Application Service team will handle your elk and deer applications from start to finish.

If You Draw:

  • • See tag prices below
  • • You MUST purchase your tag by January 20, 2026 (Our Application Service Team will do this for you)
  • • Miss the purchase deadline and your tag is forfeited and reissued in a secondary draw (Purchase it—or lose it)


 

2026 Idaho Non-Resident Big Game Application Fees
 

UP-FRONT FEES
Adult Hunting License and Access Fee (includes all processing and transaction fees)  $204.97
Junior Mentored Hunting License and Access Fee $95.75
Application Fee $0
POST-DRAW FEES (IF SUCCESSFUL)
Elk Tag $651.75
Junior Mentored Elk Tag (Ages 10-17) $299.75
Deer Tag $351.75
Junior Mentored Deer Tag (Ages 10-17) $176.75
Archery Permit $81.75
Muzzleloader Permit $81.75
An additional online processing fee of approximately 3% is not included in the prices above.

Unlock Huntin' Fool's eMag & Unit Recommendations - 2026 Idaho

Our Advisors' breakdown the Idaho draw and provide detailed unit recommendations that have been crafted over years of personal boots-on-the ground experience.

What is Application Service?


Huntin’ Fool's Application Service is the most experienced team of application experts in the world. We handle everything for you, maximizing your draw odds, and ensuring you never miss a draw deadline. When you draw a tag, we personally call and let you know, "it’s time to hunt."
 

We Apply, You Hunt–Get Started Today!
 

 

Idaho Hunt Films

2026 Idaho Non-Resident General Elk & Deer Draw–FAQs


Application period: December 5–15

Results posted: Early January

Tag purchase deadline (if drawn): January 20

Any unpurchased tags: Go to the second drawing (Feb 5–15)

*Applicants may still apply in 2026 for sheep, moose, goat, and/or controlled hunts for deer, elk, and antelope even if applying in this general tag draw.

Group Applications

  • -Up to 4 hunters may apply together.
  • -If fewer tags remain than the group size, the entire group is rejected.

Withdraw or Amend Applications

  • -Call Idaho Fish & Game: 208-334-3700
  • -Adjustments handled case-by-case.
  • -You may select up to 5 hunt choices.
  • -All first choices are considered before any second choices.
  • -Advisor Tip: Fill all five choices with units/zones you would genuinely hunt if you want to maximize your draw odds.
  • -If applying for controlled hunts later, you may still apply for non-resident general deer/elk by Dec. 15, 2025 and exchange your general tag if you draw a controlled tag.
  • -No point system is used in Idaho.
  • -Draw odds: This is a new draw for 2026; no historical odds exist.
  • -No application fee for deer or elk.
  • -Must purchase a 2026 hunting license: $195 (non-refundable).
  • -Payments accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  • -Online transaction fee: 3% + $4.
  • -If you do not draw, the license fee is not refunded.

If born on or after Jan 1, 1975, you must show:

  • -Hunter education proof or
  • -A previous valid hunting license from any state

Hunter orange is recommended, not required.

 

To buy an archery permit, all bowhunters regardless of age must possess a valid hunting license and show proof that they have completed an approved bowhunter education course OR show evidence of having been licensed for an archery-only hunt in Idaho or another state, or complete an affidavit to that effect

  • -Must be 10+ years old to purchase a big game license.
  • -9-year-olds may buy a license only to apply for controlled hunts but cannot hunt until turning 10.

Youth (10–17) under the Junior Mentored program may purchase:

  • -OTC deer tags: $176.75
  • -Uncapped zone elk tags: $299.75
  • -Junior hunters should apply in the non-resident draw only for capped elk zones.

Accompaniment

  • -Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
  • -Adults must have a valid tag for the same species.
  • -Both must stay within normal conversation/hearing range.
  • -One adult may mentor no more than two youth hunters.

Archery

  • -To archery hunt in Idaho, hunters must possess an archery permit ($81.75)
  • -Mechanical broadheads and lighted nocks: Legal

Bow must have:

  • -At least 40 lb draw weight
  • -No more than 85% let-off

Arrows must be:

  • -At least 24" total length
  • -At least 300 grains
  • -No electronically powered bow devices allowed.

To purchase an archery permit, hunters must provide:

  • -Proof of bowhunter education or
  • -Prior archery-only license or
  • -Completed affidavit

Muzzleloader

  • -To muzzleloader hunt in Idaho, hunters must possess a muzzleloader permit ($81.75)
  • -Must load only from the muzzle.
  • -Open or peep sights only (no scopes/electronics).
  • -No pellet powder or 209 primers.

Minimum caliber:

  • .45 for deer, antelope, wolf, lion
  • .50+ for elk, moose, goat, sheep, bear
  • -Unpurchased tags from the first draw go to the second draw (Feb 5–15).
  • -Results: early March.
  • -Tags must be bought by March 20.
  • -Any remaining tags after the second draw will be sold over-the-counter.

Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Tags

  • -Separate draw, same deadline (Dec 15).
  • -DAV deer: Valid statewide.
  • -DAV elk: Only for uncapped zones (capped elk zones remain in non-resident draw).
  • -DAV: To be eligible to apply for a DAV tag, veterans must provide a copy of their official VA Disability Percentage Rating letter, and the letter must verify a service-connected disability rating of 40% or greater. Documentation may be provided via email by sending to Licenses@idfg.idaho.gov. DAV hunters are eligible to participate in both the Non-resident Draw and the DAV draw. If successful in the Non-resident Draw, the DAV hunter must purchase the tag at the full non-resident fee. If a DAV hunter is successful in drawing a tag in both the Non-resident Draw and the DAV Draw, they will be required to select one tag when claiming their tag.
  • -Non-resident licenses & tags may be refunded in certain cases (illness, injury, deployment, death).
  • -$50 processing fee applies.

Refund Schedule for Permit/Tag Fees

  • Before Apr 1 75% refund
  • Before Jun 30 50% refund
  • Before Aug 31 25% refund
  • After Sep 1 No refunds
  • -Mandatory for all deer, elk, and antelope hunters.
  • -Must report within 10 days of harvest or season closure.

Report online: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/report

Or call: 877-268-9365

Idaho offers an excellent online hunt planner with GMUs, access, roads, and overlays: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/mapcenter/

For U.S. Forest Service maps: 208-373-4007

-Idaho has extensive private/public land mixes—onXmaps membership recommended.

-Access Yes! provides free access to many private parcels and large tracts of land: https://idfg.idaho.gov/yes

-Non-residents riding OHVs in Idaho must buy a $12 OHV sticker: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/