Idaho's new Deer/Elk License System

Big Game Hunting > Out Of State Hunting

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Chesapeake:

--- Quote from: Shawn Ryan on December 08, 2025, 02:22:28 PM ---Strategy question for ID non-res elk draw:

This is from the ID Fish & Game: "All first choices will be evaluated first, and tags will be issued if there is still quota available for that hunt choice. After all first choices are evaluated, the draw returns to the lowest random number application and evaluates second choices – skipping those that have already won from the first choice or where no quota is available for their second hunt choice, and issuing tags to those that have quota available for that hunt choice. That process is then repeated for the third, fourth, and fifth choices."

That is a different process from: when my number gets to the front of the line, all my choices are reviewed and I get my lowest numbered choice for a zone that still has tags available. This type of draw encourages me to rank my choices from best hunt to fifth worst, with some incentive to include a zone that is more likely to have tags available later in the draw.

The Idaho process makes a difference in how a guy chooses which hunts to apply for. It discourages me from choosing my favorite/best units as choices 1,2,3, etc. because those zones are likely to all be drawn as someone else's first choice. Thus, I think I should rank a mid-range hunt fairly high in my choices, so that when my number is called, I have a better chance of drawing a tag.

Put my first choice as a hard-to-draw hunt with my second choice as a mid-range hunt or put the mid-range as my first choice or choose all great zones for all my choices?

Thoughts, opinions, or comments? Not asking for which zone you'd choose, just asking if anyone is willing to share their basic strategy.

--- End quote ---

After this year folks will have a better idea. As it stands Id say if you draw a low number you have decent odds of drawing a good first choice. After that its hard to say. If there are 50k pluss applicants like the prior years log in’s would indicate, then most tags would go in the first run through. Could end up very few hunts could be drawn as a second or third choice.
They wait for the redraw after folks dont purchase the tags.

pd:

--- Quote from: Chesapeake on December 16, 2025, 07:12:11 AM ---
--- End quote ---
After this year folks will have a better idea. As it stands Id say if you draw a low number you have decent odds of drawing a good first choice. After that its hard to say. If there are 50k pluss applicants like the prior years log in’s would indicate, then most tags would go in the first run through. Could end up very few hunts could be drawn as a second or third choice.
They wait for the redraw after folks dont purchase the tags.
[/quote]

Yeah, it is really going to be interesting to see what happens on the 1st draw. Personally, I don't for a moment believe there were ever 50k applicants in the old system. Here is my guess: Once non-residents realized they would be out $200 if they didn't draw, I think a lot of hunters sat on their hands. My gut says there will be far fewer applicants than you might think.

But, to be perfectly honest, nobody really knows. It will be an interesting draw, for sure.

trophyhunt:
I see it differently, as a guy who hasn't been to Idaho since it turned into a fiasco, I’m now in with 3 others and know 3 others who are in for the first time. Deer and elk, now guys can make a plan w their buddies if they draw. We are used to buying licenses to apply, that won’t stop many, but that’s just my 2cents.

2MANY:
Over 108,500 in the que.

LMAO!!!!

jrebel:
It's funny that folks enjoy putting in as groups.....all or nothing so to speak. I put me and my son in as individuals. If one of of draws, we will both go and and enjoy the hunt with one shooter. It lets us hunt together when an animal hits the ground, we both dedicate our time to get that animal out. I don't need to be the shooter to be hunting and I've been teaching him the same thing.

The above said......I have had buddies back out of hunts if they didn't draw. That sucked and isn't really my style so I avoid putting in with those guys....especially with the expectation that if one draws we both go.

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