Idaho nonresident question

[cougfan79]

I have never hunted Idaho before, but have a couple questions that I can't seem to find a clear answer for on the Idaho Fish & Game website.

Does Idaho have a preference point system?

If a nonresident applies for a controlled hunt and is unsuccessful, do you receive a refund? 

Appreciate the assistance, I am more familiar with the Montana a Wyoming systems, but figure I had better start learning Idaho since my daughter now lives there.

Aaron

[pickardjw]

This is my first year applying as well and based on my research (and not double checking):

Pref point system - no

Refund after applying for controlled hunt - also no (less sure about this one)

[Karl Blanchard]

No and no

[addicted1]

Idaho does it right IMO and has no preference points. I do not think there is a refund if not selected for a controlled hunt, there are also limitations on which controlled hunts you can apply for. For example you cannot choose an OIL hunt and ELK/Deer, you must choose one or the other. And, from my understanding you do not need to have an OTC tag to apply for a controlled hunt (but, i could be wrong on this).

[Karl Blanchard]

Idaho does it right IMO and has no preference points. I do not think there is a refund if not selected for a controlled hunt, there are also limitations on which controlled hunts you can apply for. For example you cannot choose an OIL hunt and ELK/Deer, you must choose one or the other. And, from my understanding you do not need to have an OTC tag to apply for a controlled hunt (but, i could be wrong on this).

you are correct. All you need to apply for controlled hunts is a big game license.

Also, you can only hold a controlled hunt tag as a first tag so if you've already purchased a tag you must exchange it for your controlled hunt tag.

[jackelope]

I really like that last part regarding having one tag or the other and not both.

[builtfordtough]

All good info here.  We turned our tags back after we got drawn for a special hunt.  There is a specific deadline at midnight of said day.  We overnighted them via fed ex for like $28.  Put 2 tags in same envelope.  Was a little nervous about that. Anyways it all worked out and we went on our hunt.  On our way there we stopped a few times to check straps on SXS and in the process I noticed my tag was not on my dash board.  Looked over at my buddy and asked if he was messing with me.  Well that day was really windy and he left my passenger door open and tag got blown out somewhere in elk heights.  Luckily I noticed it before we made it to the hunting grounds.  Went to boise the next morning at their headquarters, payed the $9 for a reprint and was outta there in 2 minutes.   

[jaredwitman]

Quick question,  I  cant seem to find in the regs..

Does Idaho allow straw purchases for OTC tags or does each person in a group need to be present for purchase?

[elkslayer069]

Each person individually

[pickardjw]

Quick question,  I  cant seem to find in the regs..

Does Idaho allow straw purchases for OTC tags or does each person in a group need to be present for purchase?

I've heard that you can buy for others, but only hearsay.

[highside74]

Quick question,  I  cant seem to find in the regs..

Does Idaho allow straw purchases for OTC tags or does each person in a group need to be present for purchase?

I've heard that you can buy for others, but only hearsay.

Unless it's changed since last year, you can definitely buy for other people in your group as long as you have their info. over the phone or in person.

[elkslayer069]

Yeah over the phone, in person or login to their account. I was under the impression he meant buying tags for everyone at once to guarantee their group all got a tag “Straw purchase”. I usually buy everyone’s tags online.

[pickardjw]

Yeah over the phone, in person or login to their account. I was under the impression he meant buying tags for everyone at once to guarantee their group all got a tag. “Straw purchase”

I'm assuming the context is one dude is trying the "in-person" loophole and trying to buy for the group. While they don't allow group apps, if one guy goes in person and buys 4 tags back to back at the counter it might work out that way.

[elkslayer069]

As long as there are tags still available in person and over the phone should work that way. Too bad a guy can’t drive over and buy tags the day before season opens and go hunting like it used to be.

[fishngamereaper]

I smell chaos brewing

Wonder how many first timers are going to try this year...

Wish they gave preference for some of us OGs