Idaho odds?

[Coasthunterjay]

Question for those that hunt out of state Idaho...

I have hunted OTC in Idaho Hells Canyon area and have had really good success for elk, but have been looking at hunting it for deer now. Only problem its a draw and from the looks of it not a very good one.

Anyone see trouble in putting in for tags as a non-resident for Idaho or would you go for it regardless.

Also...can you explain a little bit of the process of getting the tag and not. Do you have to pay for the whole thing up front and wait and if not get your money back? Guess I'm a lil vague on that part.

Thanks everyone.

[Todd_ID]

Yes, you front all the money when you apply and then get back the tag price only if you don't draw.  If you're looking at units 11 and 18 for deer tags, then I can tell you those are getting to be very tough hunts to get the type of buck most people think they want.  I know of several very good hunters here the last few years who have eaten those tags.  It's not any easier when you don't live here or are only planning on hunting a couple of weeks.  But there is always a chance to see one that makes you  !

[boneaddict]

You also lose the option of applying for OIL if you put in for the draw for deer or elk.   At least you used to

[Skyvalhunter]

Hasn't changed

[Coasthunterjay]

OIL? Guess I am not sure about that one. All I've ever put in for is the OTC elk tag. The unit I was referring to was unit 32, Weiser River unit and the other would be the Lewiston unit. I have recently came into about 100 acres of private property there and thought it might be worth the scouting time.

Some one was saying that the odds are something like 1 tag for non residence for every 10 regular tags? I think for unit 32 that maybe a total of 6 non residence tags. OUCH.....Sounds like I need to just prepare myself to fork out some dollars for a while. guess that is out of state hunting for yah.

[bobcat]

I think NR's are limited to 10% of the tags. If you want to know the odds of drawing, it's all on the Idaho Fish & Game website. I was looking at some in the past with odds of 1 in 6. That's not bad. But others I looked at were 1 in 40. The nice thing about Idaho is there is no point system, so odds are easy to calculate. My plan for Idaho was to apply for a decent deer tag and if I didn't draw, I'd buy a tag anyway and hunt the general season. You have to purchase the hunting license to apply so you might as well make use of it.

[Bigshooter]

Yes, you front all the money when you apply and then get back the tag price only if you don't draw.  If you're looking at units 11 and 18 for deer tags, then I can tell you those are getting to be very tough hunts to get the type of buck most people think they want.  I know of several very good hunters here the last few years who have eaten those tags.  It's not any easier when you don't live here or are only planning on hunting a couple of weeks.  But there is always a chance to see one that makes you  !

You have to buy a license to apply and it is nonrefundable.  You also have to pay for the application fee which is nonrefundable.  You do not have to front the tag fee.  If you are already buying a license to hunt elk, it would only cost you around $15 to apply for a deer tag.  Then if you are drawn you have until August 1st to buy the tag.

[boneaddict]

PLUS...you can buy a cheap wolf tag then.

[huntnphool]

Yes, you front all the money when you apply and then get back the tag price only if you don't draw.  If you're looking at units 11 and 18 for deer tags, then I can tell you those are getting to be very tough hunts to get the type of buck most people think they want.  I know of several very good hunters here the last few years who have eaten those tags.  It's not any easier when you don't live here or are only planning on hunting a couple of weeks.  But there is always a chance to see one that makes you  !

You have to buy a license to apply and it is nonrefundable.  You also have to pay for the application fee which is nonrefundable.  You do not have to front the tag fee.  If you are already buying a license to hunt elk, it would only cost you around $15 to apply for a deer tag.  Then if you are drawn you have until August 1st to buy the tag.

+1, you do not pay for the permit tag up front.

[idahohuntr]

Unless it is for a OIL species...then you get to pony up that $2k when you apply...but you get it back if you don't draw. 

If you are already buying a hunting license in Idaho, you aren't out much to apply for deer, and your odds are actually relatively decent even with the 10% cap compared to a good WA deer tag.

[boneaddict]

As far as I know, Idaho has the best odds of any state, compliments to No points, limited picks, and making you choose one OIL versus deer and elk.    I pulled the plug in protest  on my money the last two years to protest the big hike in fees.   Idaho is a great place to hunt though, so I am probably just punishing myself.   It felt good to stand for something though.

[kentrek]

As far as I know, Idaho has the best odds of any state, compliments to No points, limited picks, and making you choose one OIL versus deer and elk.    I pulled the plug in protest  on my money the last two years to protest the big hike in fees.   Idaho is a great place to hunt though, so I am probably just punishing myself.   It felt good to stand for something though.

Woest part is from the lack of non res hunters the fees are going to go up again...an now there going to add more special draw units...not good for a guy who spends 3weeks a year hunting otc units

Idaho is in a downward spiral imo

[boneaddict]

Especially with every year they threaten to go to points.  It will be permanently tanked then IMO

[idahohuntr]

Especially with every year they threaten to go to points.  It will be permanently tanked then IMO

  I think the longer Idaho holds out on instituting a points system, the less likely it will ever happen.  Last time it came up, the IDFG commission didn't even discuss it...they quickly voted it down unanimously and moved on to the next agenda item. 

[kentrek]

Points in idaho ?? If they do that won't it be kinda good odds for the first handful of years for those who start putting in rite away ?? It would take awhile for the odds to turn into what washington has going on rite

[boneaddict]

Nothing but a money grab.   As the system stands, first year applying for moose I drew, first year my Dad applied (the next year) he drew.   

Why, because of the system they have.   
You have to commit to one OIL.....you have to choose between OIL and Deer or elk, you get one choice that counts for that OIL.   There isn't a pile of folks with 20 points already putting in for that OIL.    (true odds).    You pony up the money before the hunt.

as compared to our system....
you can put in for all of them, along with deer, elk, and every other choice,  I think you get to choose 4 units for that one OIL.   There are folks with what 15 points squared going into the draw.   A lot of folks.   Then it costs 5 bucks for a chance, though a slim one to play.
 

[Coasthunterjay]

You guys are funny....Thanks guys that makes a lot more sense. I'll just buy my license earlier and apply for the deer tag. Guess the odds really aren't that bad. It's would be a late hunt durin rut also. Could be bad with all the snow but we shall see. I'll have to look into it a little more.