Dates and Deadlines
Idaho Hunting Application Deadlines
Application deadlines, draw dates, and points windows for the 2026 application cycle, as published by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
| Date | Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|
| December 5 to 15, 2026 | Nonresident general season tag application window | Mid January 2027 |
| February 5 to 15, 2026 | Nonresident general season tags, second drawing | n/a |
| April 30, 2026 | Sheep, goat, and moose application deadline | Late May 2026 |
| June 5, 2026 | Elk, deer, and antelope controlled hunt deadline | Late June 2026 |
Dates are set by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and can change between cycles. Always confirm with idfg.idaho.gov before you apply.
How the Idaho Draw Works
No point system, every draw is random
Idaho has no point system at all. Every controlled hunt drawing is a random draw, and every applicant has the same odds as every other applicant regardless of how many years they have applied. That makes Idaho one of the best states to add late in life or to hunt while you build points elsewhere.
Nonresident general season elk and deer tags are sold through a December application window with an allocation drawing in January and a second chance window in February. Controlled hunt applications for sheep, goat, and moose are due at the end of April, and elk, deer, and antelope controlled hunts close in early June. Idaho restricts you to one of two application pools. You can apply for deer, elk, and antelope, or choose one of sheep, moose, or goat.
Epic Outdoors members see draw odds and minimum points for every Idaho unit, updated every year, plus the research magazine and one on one help from our consultants. Membership is $150 per year, and the Epic Outdoors app is a free download with a 7 day full access trial.
Idaho Draw FAQs
When is the Idaho controlled hunt application deadline?
Elk, deer, and antelope controlled hunt applications are due in early June, June 5, 2026, for the current cycle, with results in late June. Sheep, goat, and moose applications are due April 30, 2026.
Does Idaho have a point system?
No. Every Idaho drawing is completely random, so newcomers compete on equal footing with longtime applicants every single year.
How do nonresidents get Idaho general season tags?
Through an application window December 5 to 15, 2026, with an allocation drawing in mid January 2027, plus a second drawing window in February for remaining tags.
Can Epic Outdoors apply for me in Idaho?
Yes. Our License Application Service manages Idaho's windows and species restrictions for you as part of your overall application strategy.
Never Apply Late Again
Our License Application Service builds your application strategy and applies for you in every state you hunt. You go hunting, we handle the deadlines.
License Application Service