Idaho General Season Going to Draw for Nonresidents

[hunter_sean08]

Hot off the press...

https://www.gohunt.com/browse/news-and-updates/hunting-news/alert-idaho-nonresident-general-season-elk-and-deer-tags-moving-to-a-draw-for-2026-season

[Karl Blanchard]

Pretty disappointed in how they are gonna consider your hunt choices. Just like in their limited entry draw, your first choice will be the only one that really matters

[pickardjw]

Should make hunting with buddies a little easier.

[Karl Blanchard]

Should make hunting with buddies a little easier.

or harder if you can't actually draw 

[bear]

Non refundable $185 hunting license fee?   Ouch

[MMCCAULEY]

Pretty disappointed in how they are gonna consider your hunt choices. Just like in their limited entry draw, your first choice will be the only one that really matters

This will be interesting for sure.  On the one hand, it might make it a little easier to draw the better general units because not everyone will be able to list it as their first choice. 

[vandeman17]

Non refundable $185 hunting license fee?   Ouch

Pretty normal for a lot of states.

[JPhelps]

I wish they combined all NR opportunities into one draw, if they are only going to look at the first choice. That way some could prioritize shooting for the stars while
others can just try to get a tag.

[Loup Loup]

Well, there’s always Washington…..

[andrew_in_idaho]

Pretty disappointed in how they are gonna consider your hunt choices. Just like in their limited entry draw, your first choice will be the only one that really matters

This will be interesting for sure.  On the one hand, it might make it a little easier to draw the better general units because not everyone will be able to list it as their first choice.

Why wouldn’t they all be able to list the best unit as 1st choice, with 4 other choices there are plenty of options if you don’t draw the 1st choice. I think the best units are going to be near once in a lifetime odds


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[CarbonHunter]

I figured it would go this way and it gives people who want to hunt Idaho a good shot at a guaranteed draw if you choose the panhandle.

I hope they change the deer tags from individual units to at least align with the elk zones but we’ll see and I don’t have much hope.

[Broomd]

Well, there’s always Washington…..

LOL..gold star.....

[baldopepper]

So how will most of you apply? Will you individually or the group option? Made it kind of tough when Utah went that way years ago. Many of the big group camps disappeared when only one or two drew and others that group applied struckout. many ended up drawing 2nd or 3rd choices for areas they just kinda pulled out of the air and often had their buddies draw completely different area tags.

[CarbonHunter]

So how will most of you apply? Will you individually or the group option? Made it kind of tough when Utah went that way years ago. Many of the big group camps disappeared when only one or two drew and others that group applied struckout. many ended up drawing 2nd or 3rd choices for areas they just kinda pulled out of the air and often had their buddies draw completely different area tags.

The group option is the only benefit. Most groups have been broken up since they went to the choose your unit for deer a few years back.

The main question is do you go for the good hunts or do you go for a unit that has lots of tags and little desire to ensure you draw with your first choice?

[Longfield1]

Seems like this was the writing on the wall for the past 2 years. I'm not too thrilled about having to buy the hunting permit with a chance of not drawing anything. The old system had its downsides and wasn't perfect but i liked it. I wonder if we will see a surge of people applying since there's no barrier to apply just enter in your credit card, pick your choices and cross your fingers.