Free: Contests & Raffles.
I hope they don’t let first time applicants into the second draw but I didn’t see where it addressed that in the FAQ’s about the draw. Did anyone actually get drawn with choices 3-5? Or were all the tags gone after round 2?And I agree that you shouldn’t be applying for tags you’re not serious about hunting. You not only run the risk of disqualifying yourself for the second draw but you also likely took the tag from someone who knows the area and typically hunts it regularly.
I'm pretty surprised how many deer tags are left available for the 2nd draw in the units that I put in for. That is quite a few tags drawn but not purchased in the 1st draw. My first choice in the first draw was a tag that would be more desirable, and I'm surprised there are that many tags not purchase. But, even with people that drew in the 1st draw not being able to apply again, we are still looking at probably 40K people applying for the 1909 deer tags.....I already spent the license money, so might as well do the 2nd draw (and the controlled draw later).
Make folks front tag fees, no refunds (except tag fees for those not drawn), and stop this silliness of multiple draws.
Quote from: CarbonHunter on January 22, 2026, 12:16:07 PMI hope they don’t let first time applicants into the second draw but I didn’t see where it addressed that in the FAQ’s about the draw. Did anyone actually get drawn with choices 3-5? Or were all the tags gone after round 2?And I agree that you shouldn’t be applying for tags you’re not serious about hunting. You not only run the risk of disqualifying yourself for the second draw but you also likely took the tag from someone who knows the area and typically hunts it regularly. I disagree with you on your last paragraph. I get where your coming from but the main reason i put in for deer is if i didn't draw an elk tag, a guy might be able to draw a deer tag. Kind of a back up plan, which i know a few other folks that looked at it the same way. I will be hunting a new area I never been to and i don't feel one bit bad taken it from others that may know the area better. I've hunted the majority of the last 15 years in one spot in Idaho but figured draw odds would be tough so i chose a unit with likely better odds and it paid off.
Here is the breakdown of how many people applied.
Quote from: Antlershed on January 22, 2026, 09:49:23 PMHere is the breakdown of how many people applied.Where did you find this? Curious why there are 2 sets of numbers.