Idaho Tags Still Available

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With people’s fall plans coming together, there are still some opportunities for getting an Idaho tag.  From now until August 15 you can go onto Idaho Fish and Game’s website to apply for the second chance controlled hunt draw.  This year there seems to be more controlled hunt tags that have been returned compared to past years.  Some tags that have been returned are once in a lifetime type tags.    

For those who drew an antlered deer or elk tag last year (2023) in the first controlled hunt draw, you can now apply for the second chance draw.  With Idaho’s one year waiting period, those applicants were not able to apply for antlered controlled hunts for those species if they were successful in drawing an antlered only tag the previous year.  

This is NOT an opportunity to get a second Idaho tag for a given species.  For those who currently hold a tag or are planning on hunting a general season, if you draw a controlled hunt tag, you must turn in your general tag (if you decide to purchase the controlled hunt tag after drawing).  The opportunity to get a second tag for everyone will be Aug 26^th at 10:00 a.m. MST.  That is when everyone, on a first come first serve basis, will have the chance to get a second tag. If you are a resident getting a second tag, you will have to pay nonresident tag prices.  That will be $651.75 for elk and $351.75 for deer.  On top of the deer and elk tags, there are pronghorn tags and fall bear tags that are up for the second chance draw.

Keep a close eye on the current wildfire situations throughout the state.  With recent thunderstorms, there have been wildfires popping up all over the state.  For example, areas like the Owyhees (Unit 40-42), which are prone to massive fires with dry grasslands, harsh terrain and stout winds.  Currently there are multiple fires that are going through those units.  On top of the fires these Units have had a couple harsh winters.  This has turned an area that was known for its trophy potential into units that are not the top choice anymore.  

We should find out the results of the draw prior to Aug 26^th.  For those who are familiar with the way the first come first serve nonresident tags are sold on Dec 1, this will be just like that.  Thousands of people are trying to get a handful of tags on an online system that has its flaws and is prone to crashing.  You can also buy those tags in person.  

For nonresidents, there is one other opportunity to grab a tag prior to the August 26^th date.  August 8^th at 10 a.m. MST there will be a first come first serve tag sale for nonresidents only.  Follow the links below for information on what tags are available for both the Second Chance Draw and the Return Tag sale for nonresidents on August 8^th.  

Controlled Hunt Tags Available | Idaho Fish and Game

Returned & Second tag sale for August 8, 2024 | Idaho Fish and Game