2018 Idaho Tags

[ballpark]

Went on sale today for non-residents - got mine

[NoBark]

The only tag I thought on sale was the Sawtooth elk, but a Nov. 17 commission meeting postponed the sale of those tags.  So, If I may, what did you get?

[ballpark]

As of 12/1 all but the Sawtooth are up.

[NoBark]

OK, Thanks

[westside Elkhunter]

Did I read it right that you print your hunting license out and they don't mail them?

[deerlick]

got mine

[JBar]

  Wife and I are all set!

[Jburke]

Did I read it right that you print your hunting license out and they don't mail them?

If you buy them online, yes.  You have to print the license, and they mail you the actual tags.

[Mudman]

How long do these usually last before selling out in better areas for elk?  I am trying to go next year and had no idea they go for sell so quickly!?!

[Stickerbush]

What zone did you get

[cem3434]

What did you guys all buy since the Sawtooth tags are off the table?

[Torrent50]

Did I read it right that you print your hunting license out and they don't mail them?

If you buy them online, yes.  You have to print the license, and they mail you the actual tags.

Remember that you have to print it at the time of purchase and can't go back later and do it.  I made that mistake this year and had to call and beg them to send me one without charging me for it.  If you use their phone system to purchase then they send the license and tags.

[Limhangerslayer]

What did you guys all buy since the Sawtooth tags are off the table?

nothing, waiting for them to go on sale

[cem3434]

Has anyone ever hunted the Selway A or Middle Fork A tags? I'm new to Idaho elk hunting, so I'm just trying to at least start with tag that I have a decent shot at filling. I'm a meat hunter when it comes to elk, so I'm looking more for the opportunity to harvest versus the quality.

[pd]

How long do these usually last before selling out in better areas for elk?  I am trying to go next year and had no idea they go for sell so quickly!?!

It really depends on the area.  For example, some of the difficult-to-access wilderness areas (Frank Church, Selway) have both resident and non-resident elk tags that never sell out, even during the rifle season.  Other areas will sell out early.

Remember that the non-resident quota is limited to 10% of the total number of tags, calculated on each individual area.

[ballpark]

Did I read it right that you print your hunting license out and they don't mail them?

Just the license, tags will be sent.

[lord grizzly]

What did you guys all buy since the Sawtooth tags are off the table?

nothing, waiting for them to go on sale

im betting sawtooth goes to a draw this year

[westside Elkhunter]

Did I read it right that you print your hunting license out and they don't mail them?

If you buy them online, yes.  You have to print the license, and they mail you the actual tags.

Remember that you have to print it at the time of purchase and can't go back later and do it.  I made that mistake this year and had to call and beg them to send me one without charging me for it.  If you use their phone system to purchase then they send the license and tags.

Ok thank you. I will be calling  them. Printer decided to act up and not print

[fishngamereaper]

Has anyone ever hunted the Selway A or Middle Fork A tags? I'm new to Idaho elk hunting, so I'm just trying to at least start with tag that I have a decent shot at filling. I'm a meat hunter when it comes to elk, so I'm looking more for the opportunity to harvest versus the quality.

Two directions in both those areas..Up and Down. Neither one of them is what they used to be 10 years ago for elk hunting. Check Idaho's harvest reports.

[boneaddict]

In the old days I think those tags would be sold out already

[cem3434]

Solid advice fishgamereeper, I will look them up. If I'm just looking for a meat hunt, am I better off just putting in for a controlled hunt cow permit and forgoing buying a capped tag right now?

[Naches Sportsman]

Solid advice fishgamereeper, I will look them up. If I'm just looking for a meat hunt, am I better off just putting in for a controlled hunt cow permit and forgoing buying a capped tag right now?

I'd add to his advice as to not have 10 or 10A as a first choice. I was over in that area for 5 months this year and didn't see hardly any elk at all. I saw less than 200.  I left in Early October and know of 2 elk taken during archery and that's it. All my Co workers over there except a couple hunt elsewhere.

I heard stories from a few pilots on how the wolves have ate all of the elk. I'd ask the pilots all the time if they saw any elk on recons in the Selway Zones. Quite a few times they seen none in areas where there used to be hundreds.

[fishngamereaper]

Solid advice fishgamereeper, I will look them up. If I'm just looking for a meat hunt, am I better off just putting in for a controlled hunt cow permit and forgoing buying a capped tag right now?

I would study all the harvest reports general and draw. Decide what type of country you like to hunt. Idaho is about as mixed terrain as it gets. And wait a couple months. Most capped tags don't sell out. IDFG is good about updating the # avail as it is. I would put in for a draw, it cant hurt, then buy general if needed. There are no guarantee harvest elk units in Idaho anymore, unfortunately.

[trophyhunt]

Has anyone ever hunted the Selway A or Middle Fork A tags? I'm new to Idaho elk hunting, so I'm just trying to at least start with tag that I have a decent shot at filling. I'm a meat hunter when it comes to elk, so I'm looking more for the opportunity to harvest versus the quality.

Two directions in both those areas..Up and Down. Neither one of them is what they used to be 10 years ago for elk hunting. Check Idaho's harvest reports.

Hunted the selway about 6 or 7 years ago, beautiful country! But the lack of elk was sad, that is truly elk country that the wolves control.  It might have changed with wolf tags available now, but I’m sure it’s going to take years to be what it once was.

[HookedOnQuack]

Solid advice fishgamereeper, I will look them up. If I'm just looking for a meat hunt, am I better off just putting in for a controlled hunt cow permit and forgoing buying a capped tag right now?

I'd add to his advice as to not have 10 or 10A as a first choice. I was over in that area for 5 months this year and didn't see hardly any elk at all. I saw less than 200.  I left in Early October and know of 2 elk taken during archery and that's it. All my Co workers over there except a couple hunt elsewhere.

I heard stories from a few pilots on how the wolves have ate all of the elk. I'd ask the pilots all the time if they saw any elk on recons in the Selway Zones. Quite a few times they seen none in areas where there used to be hundreds.

We had 3 different people in our group see wolves this year but unfortuantely not long enough to get any shots off. The elk have really taken a beating from the wolves the last several years

[Naches Sportsman]

Solid advice fishgamereeper, I will look them up. If I'm just looking for a meat hunt, am I better off just putting in for a controlled hunt cow permit and forgoing buying a capped tag right now?

I'd add to his advice as to not have 10 or 10A as a first choice. I was over in that area for 5 months this year and didn't see hardly any elk at all. I saw less than 200.  I left in Early October and know of 2 elk taken during archery and that's it. All my Co workers over there except a couple hunt elsewhere.

I heard stories from a few pilots on how the wolves have ate all of the elk. I'd ask the pilots all the time if they saw any elk on recons in the Selway Zones. Quite a few times they seen none in areas where there used to be hundreds.

We had 3 different people in our group see wolves this year but unfortuantely not long enough to get any shots off. The elk have really taken a beating from the wolves the last several years

Did you see the post on the 6c Facebook page? Sounds like everyone's been seeing a lot of wolves the last few weeks.

[lord grizzly]

I have to agree with how bad the hunting is over here. Really no reason to hunt idaho at all with the wolves. You boys may as well just stay on your side of the snake

[cem3434]

I would study all the harvest reports general and draw. Decide what type of country you like to hunt. Idaho is about as mixed terrain as it gets. And wait a couple months. Most capped tags don't sell out. IDFG is good about updating the # avail as it is. I would put in for a draw, it cant hurt, then buy general if needed. There are no guarantee harvest elk units in Idaho anymore, unfortunately.

I have searched all over their website and dont see where they even mention the capped tags let alone update how many are currently available by area/unit.  Does someone have a link?  I realize its still hunting and not killing, but just trying to up my odds by getting into an area that has a decent elk poplulation.  I have only hunted Unit 1 and Unit 78 in Idaho, so I am trying to learn as I go.  Unit 1 had very few elk and I seen 10 moose to every elk in the unit while I was moose hunting.  Unit 78 had a few elk down low, but up high we seen only one bull when my wife was hunting mule deer.  I think I need to focus my attention more towards cental Idaho, so I will keep researching.  Thanks for the help so far, it is much appreciated.   

[Mr Mykiss]

I have to agree with how bad the hunting is over here. Really no reason to hunt idaho at all with the wolves. You boys may as well just stay on your side of the snake

Sad but true

[Duckslayer89]

I hunted 10a this last October and was disappointed with how few elk I saw. I used my boat to get way back where no one else was at. Saw some elk here and there but hardly any sign even and covered a lot of ground. Did manage to kill a spike bull though but took a long time. Had a blast though. I might switch units this year just to explore new territory with new adventures

[Limhangerslayer]

I would study all the harvest reports general and draw. Decide what type of country you like to hunt. Idaho is about as mixed terrain as it gets. And wait a couple months. Most capped tags don't sell out. IDFG is good about updating the # avail as it is. I would put in for a draw, it cant hurt, then buy general if needed. There are no guarantee harvest elk units in Idaho anymore, unfortunately.

I have searched all over their website and dont see where they even mention the capped tags let alone update how many are currently available by area/unit.  Does someone have a link?  I realize its still hunting and not killing, but just trying to up my odds by getting into an area that has a decent elk poplulation.  I have only hunted Unit 1 and Unit 78 in Idaho, so I am trying to learn as I go.  Unit 1 had very few elk and I seen 10 moose to every elk in the unit while I was moose hunting.  Unit 78 had a few elk down low, but up high we seen only one bull when my wife was hunting mule deer.  I think I need to focus my attention more towards cental Idaho, so I will keep researching.  Thanks for the help so far, it is much appreciated.   

if you are going to hunt for sure and don't want to miss out.  Buy the tag you want first, if you draw you turn that one in. 

Go into the search bar to license, then tag quotas.  It usually takes them a couple weeks to get going on the remaining tags left. 

[ballpark]

Solid advice fishgamereeper, I will look them up. If I'm just looking for a meat hunt, am I better off just putting in for a controlled hunt cow permit and forgoing buying a capped tag right now?

I would buy the capped antlered tag then apply for your controlled hunt(antlerless).  If you don't get drawn you have a tag, if you get drawn you have to return you antlered tag to get the controlled hunt(antlerless).  This is what I did last year

[ballpark]

I would study all the harvest reports general and draw. Decide what type of country you like to hunt. Idaho is about as mixed terrain as it gets. And wait a couple months. Most capped tags don't sell out. IDFG is good about updating the # avail as it is. I would put in for a draw, it cant hurt, then buy general if needed. There are no guarantee harvest elk units in Idaho anymore, unfortunately.

I have searched all over their website and dont see where they even mention the capped tags let alone update how many are currently available by area/unit.  Does someone have a link?  I realize its still hunting and not killing, but just trying to up my odds by getting into an area that has a decent elk poplulation.  I have only hunted Unit 1 and Unit 78 in Idaho, so I am trying to learn as I go.  Unit 1 had very few elk and I seen 10 moose to every elk in the unit while I was moose hunting.  Unit 78 had a few elk down low, but up high we seen only one bull when my wife was hunting mule deer.  I think I need to focus my attention more towards cental Idaho, so I will keep researching.  Thanks for the help so far, it is much appreciated.   

Non resident capped tags are 10% of the total # for that unit.  Do the math and roll the dice on whether non-resident will sell out. Just my opinion

[fishngamereaper]

I would study all the harvest reports general and draw. Decide what type of country you like to hunt. Idaho is about as mixed terrain as it gets. And wait a couple months. Most capped tags don't sell out. IDFG is good about updating the # avail as it is. I would put in for a draw, it cant hurt, then buy general if needed. There are no guarantee harvest elk units in Idaho anymore, unfortunately.

I have searched all over their website and dont see where they even mention the capped tags let alone update how many are currently available by area/unit.  Does someone have a link?  I realize its still hunting and not killing, but just trying to up my odds by getting into an area that has a decent elk poplulation.  I have only hunted Unit 1 and Unit 78 in Idaho, so I am trying to learn as I go.  Unit 1 had very few elk and I seen 10 moose to every elk in the unit while I was moose hunting.  Unit 78 had a few elk down low, but up high we seen only one bull when my wife was hunting mule deer.  I think I need to focus my attention more towards cental Idaho, so I will keep researching.  Thanks for the help so far, it is much appreciated.   

Non resident capped tags are 10% of the total # for that unit.  Do the math and roll the dice on whether non-resident will sell out. Just my opinion

Also keep in mind the unsold outfitter allotted tags get rolled into the capped non res. quota late in the summer. I think this year most all the non res capped tag units had left over tags in August. I would have to look but I think only a couple sold out.

[Machias]

I drew a Idaho Non-Resident Hound Permit for 2018!!  So I'll be chasing lions, bobcats and then bears in the spring and fall!

[Special T]

I drew a Idaho Non-Resident Hound Permit for 2018!!  So I'll be chasing lions, bobcats and then bears in the spring and fall!

Along with an auto cannon and wolf tag I hope...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Machias]

I drew a Idaho Non-Resident Hound Permit for 2018!!  So I'll be chasing lions, bobcats and then bears in the spring and fall!

Along with an auto cannon and wolf tag I hope...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Yep!!!!

[Special T]

I drew a Idaho Non-Resident Hound Permit for 2018!!  So I'll be chasing lions, bobcats and then bears in the spring and fall!

Along with an auto cannon and wolf tag I hope...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Yep!!!!

Stackem like cord wood!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Mr Mykiss]

Personally if I were starting from scratch. I'd look as success rates of controlled hunts that start 1 Oct and then go archery hunt one of the units with super high success rates on those hunts.
For rifle I'd just look at success rates in the units for the limited quota zones.
For hunting I'd get off my ATV or side-by-side...careful this tactic is highly frowned upon.

[ballpark]

2018 Nonresident Elk Quotas

Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas

Quotas - Last update 12/4/2017.
Tag Type                   Quota        Available
General Deer Tag   12,015   11,856
White-tailed Deer Tag   1,500   Not available until nonresident general deer are sold out
        
Elk Zone Name                          Quota   Available

TOTAL Nonresident Elk Tags   10,415   9,453

Bear River Zone - B Tag               55   SOLD OUT
Diamond Creek Zone - A Tag       643   SOLD OUT
Dworshak Zone - B Tag               215   197
Elk City Zone - B Tag                     326   308
Lolo Zone - A Tag                       216   211
Lolo Zone - B Tag                       222   218
Middle Fork Zone - A Tag               174   167
Middle Fork Zone - B Tag               267   248
Salmon Zone - B Tag                       830   734
Sawtooth Zone - A Tag                 43   NOT AVAILABLE
Sawtooth Zone - B Tag               167   NOT AVAILABLE
Selway Zone - A Tag                       254   253
Selway Zone - B Tag                       284   254
Weiser River Zone - A Tag               150   104
Weiser River Zone - B Tag               430   413
All Other Zones                           6,719   6,140

[beav1980]

Are the elk season dates posted as well?

[Cougeyes]

Does anyone know when IDFG will crunch their harvest statistics and post it online for the 2017 harvest?

[BULLBLASTER]

Are the elk season dates posted as well?

Same seasons as last year. They run 2 yer cycles in Idaho

[beav1980]

Thanks

[beav1980]

When do the deer go on sale?

[Jburke]

When do the deer go on sale?

I believe they are already

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Got mine a couple weeks ago.

[Jburke]

Went ahead and bought my Idaho tag today.  Opted for the 3 year hunting/fishing combo this year.  If nothing else, it will save me from a price increase over the next few years on the license.