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Idaho nonresident tags have become quite the hubbub. For most of my life you could buy just about any unit at any time. I have purchased elk tags with mere days left in the season. As with many things the saying, “Those were the good ol’ days!” can aptly be applied here. Not much positive to say about it honestly. However, as with anything we must adjust or be left behind.
That choice is yours to make. But for those wanting to purchase a general, nonresident hunting tag for 2025. This reminder is for you! As you might have figured, this is a change up from previous years. Typically the tag sale for both resident and nonresident hunters happened the 1st of December and were held simultaneously. This created quite the overload on the Idaho sales system and also, staffing issues for the regional offices. This year the nonresident tags were pushed back a week to segregate the applicants and hopefully decrease the bottleneck issues.
What does this mean for you? If you are already familiar with the process, then nothing, you just adjust to the new deadline. For those that are new to this adventure make sure you log into your previously set up account at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com “Just before 10 a.m.” on December 10th (Mountain Standard Time).
Yes, the IDFG website says, “Just before 10 a.m.” at this point you will be randomly assigned a number and placed in a virtual waiting room. Anyone that logs in AFTER 10 a.m. will be placed at the back of the line. Be sure you have your primary choices with BACKUP choices ready, timing is of the essence. Once you get an open shopping cart you will be allocated a short window of time to select and purchase your tags.
If you are hoping to purchase tags for more than one hunter, in-person is the best option. Otherwise you will have to re-login and try again for additional purchases or call the IDFG license line at (800) 554-8685.
If you try to call before 10 a.m. you will be asked to call back. However, you may remain on hold and try that way. Long story short, it is quite the ordeal. But, finding solid general tag hunts in the West these days is also quite the ordeal. Brush up on your research and give it a go! If you are wanting more details please click here. And visit the IDFG website! Good luck and keep us posted with your hunting stories and photos!
https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/2025-nonresident-deerelk-tag-sale-will-be-dec-10-2024-other-license-and-tag-sales-will-be
