Post by: hunter_sean08 on May 28, 2025, 02:49:55 PM
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
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 28, 2025, 03:33:46 PM
Post by: pickardjw on May 28, 2025, 04:15:51 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 28, 2025, 04:17:37 PM
Should make hunting with buddies a little easier.or harder if you can't actually draw :chuckle: :sry:
Post by: bear on May 28, 2025, 04:30:02 PM
Post by: MMCCAULEY on May 28, 2025, 04:30:10 PM
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 :bash:
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.
Post by: vandeman17 on May 28, 2025, 04:43:04 PM
Non refundable $185 hunting license fee? Ouch
Pretty normal for a lot of states.
Post by: JPhelps on May 28, 2025, 05:15:33 PM
others can just try to get a tag.
Post by: Loup Loup on May 28, 2025, 05:19:41 PM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on May 28, 2025, 05:20:44 PM
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 oddsPretty 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 :bash:
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: CarbonHunter on May 28, 2025, 05:48:50 PM
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.
Post by: Broomd on May 28, 2025, 07:54:31 PM
Well, there’s always Washington…..
LOL..gold star.....
Post by: baldopepper on May 28, 2025, 08:08:06 PM
Post by: CarbonHunter on May 29, 2025, 05:45:30 AM
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?
Post by: Longfield1 on May 29, 2025, 06:39:31 AM
Post by: huntnnw on May 29, 2025, 06:48:02 AM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on May 29, 2025, 07:49:56 AM
how many overall applicants for say elk were there? was it above or below the number of non res tags?
My guess is it will be higher, hence more income for Idaho. The really funny thing to me is that all of the residents wanted this because there were "too many non residents" hunting.
The capped number of non res tags hasnt changed in years right? It's the influx of people who have MOVED TO IDAHO that are causing the overall increase in hunting pressure.
Non resident hunters fund about 60% of their revenue as it is...
Anyways...we'll see how it all shakes out next year, but definitely has to make you think a little bit before applying...i'll likely continue as I hunt with friends who live over in the panhandle, which isn't the most desirable zone for most non res hunters...but shelling out the extra 185 for just the chance at it (which will also likely increase) does kind of suck.
Post by: pickardjw on May 29, 2025, 08:25:01 AM
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.
Definitely group for us.
First year will be interesting having no real data on # of applicants for each unit (draw odds). I did track the order in which deer and elk units sold out a couple years ago so that might provide us with a little insight.
Post by: elkchaser54 on May 29, 2025, 10:19:28 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 29, 2025, 10:49:49 AM
The groups aren't a guarantee either because if there's only a 2 tags left for a unit, 2 members of your group are getting the boot.
https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/5-b-non-resident_tag_issuance_temporary_rule_action_2-rules_draft.pdf
Post by: Dhoey07 on May 29, 2025, 10:55:06 AM
here are the numbers i want to see after the first year of it.
how many overall applicants for say elk were there? was it above or below the number of non res tags?
My guess is it will be higher, hence more income for Idaho. The really funny thing to me is that all of the residents wanted this because there were "too many non residents" hunting.
The capped number of non res tags hasnt changed in years right? It's the influx of people who have MOVED TO IDAHO that are causing the overall increase in hunting pressure.
Non resident hunters fund about 60% of their revenue as it is...
Anyways...we'll see how it all shakes out next year, but definitely has to make you think a little bit before applying...i'll likely continue as I hunt with friends who live over in the panhandle, which isn't the most desirable zone for most non res hunters...but shelling out the extra 185 for just the chance at it (which will also likely increase) does kind of suck.
The non-res cap number hasn't changed but I almost guarantee the number of non res hunters has increased.
Post by: kentrek on May 29, 2025, 11:55:58 AM
Change is always coming and really shows the importance of having multistate plans and oppertunities
Post by: luvmystang67 on May 29, 2025, 12:01:34 PM
Additionally, how many folks came to buy tags in person, or had a resident do it for them. This is another wildcard. These folks weren't represented in the digital queue.
Its going to be very interesting to see how this shakes out. Glad I'm a resident.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on May 29, 2025, 12:19:34 PM
Post by: 2MANY on May 29, 2025, 01:29:00 PM
Looking for information on Idaho.
Honey Holes only please.
Post by: idahohuntr on May 29, 2025, 01:51:40 PM
Post by: HvyHorn338 on June 01, 2025, 04:59:45 PM
Post by: furbearer365 on June 01, 2025, 05:25:25 PM
Post by: High Climber on June 01, 2025, 10:09:50 PM
I heard the Panhandle zone is good :chuckle:
Looking for information on Idaho.
Honey Holes only please.
Post by: 2MANY on June 01, 2025, 10:21:01 PM
Welcome to the new America where hard work isn't rewarded anymore.
The dumbing down of our country continues.
Post by: kentrek on June 01, 2025, 10:40:30 PM
I've always wondered how things would play out if every state were on the same page and worked together. If all states did the same draw system, with the same rules for nonresidents. Every state requiringing you put in by March, notified by May 1st. No refund on tags, no sell/give backs. Must buy a license to apply. I know so many people that play the systems against each other with drawing a tag, giving it back if they draw a different state, blah blah blah. I think there are enough opportunities for everyone to hunt, but not if some guys are taking tags and not hunting. I met guys in MT that would buy 5 doe tags each, go over with 15 deer tags, load up a truck, then disperse them to family when they got home.
No one system is perfect, its really nice having them all... and beings there different you kind if organize based off those differences... this new change will be no different
Post by: MMCCAULEY on June 02, 2025, 10:32:32 AM
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 oddsPretty 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 :bash:
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because, if you list the best choice as your first choice i will anticipate that and list the second best option as my first choice. Scale that up and you will lose out on all the best choices unless you list your first choice as something you can reasonably expect to draw.
Post by: baldopepper on June 02, 2025, 11:13:42 AM
Post by: pickardjw on June 02, 2025, 01:24:14 PM
Wait until you are the only one of your group that draws and friends and family don't wanna go just to be a helper.
Why wouldn't you apply as a group in the new format?
Post by: pd on June 02, 2025, 03:07:44 PM
I heard the Panhandle zone is good :chuckle:
Looking for information on Idaho.
Honey Holes only please.
:chuckle:
Really hasn't been for decades now, but folks are just starting to realize it. And to think that Unit 4 had all those cow tags just a few years ago....
Post by: baldopepper on June 02, 2025, 03:10:51 PM
Wait until you are the only one of your group that draws and friends and family don't wanna go just to be a helper.
Why wouldn't you apply as a group in the new format?
You sure can, it's of course an all or none thing. Most I knew in Utah put in individually with the pledge all would go to help who ever drew. That didn't last long for most groups as the helpers kinda petered out after a year or two of not drawing themselves.
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on June 02, 2025, 04:03:10 PM
You’ve got 5 choices, you can put the best choice first and anticipate the ones nobody will put in for starting at 3rd choice to ensure you have a tag. Trust me this is how I ended up with a Nevada 111-115 tag with 4 points this yearWhy 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 oddsPretty 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 :bash:
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because, if you list the best choice as your first choice i will anticipate that and list the second best option as my first choice. Scale that up and you will lose out on all the best choices unless you list your first choice as something you can reasonably expect to draw.
when you have 5 options you always shoot for the moon with the 1st choiceSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 02, 2025, 07:19:53 PM
you're comparing peas and carrots. NV considers all your choices before moving onto the next applicant. ID will consider all applicants first choices before moving onto anyone's second choice. They are completely different beasts. Majority of tags will be awarded to first choices.You’ve got 5 choices, you can put the best choice first and anticipate the ones nobody will put in for starting at 3rd choice to ensure you have a tag. Trust me this is how I ended up with a Nevada 111-115 tag with 4 points this yearWhy 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 oddsPretty 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 :bash:
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because, if you list the best choice as your first choice i will anticipate that and list the second best option as my first choice. Scale that up and you will lose out on all the best choices unless you list your first choice as something you can reasonably expect to draw.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on June 02, 2025, 11:59:50 PM
True, but if 90% of applicants apply for 3 zones on their first choice, there will be a lot of tags to go around on the 2nd and 3rd pass. I mean Lolo and Selway will both be able to be had as 5th choice I would assumeyou're comparing peas and carrots. NV considers all your choices before moving onto the next applicant. ID will consider all applicants first choices before moving onto anyone's second choice. They are completely different beasts. Majority of tags will be awarded to first choices.You’ve got 5 choices, you can put the best choice first and anticipate the ones nobody will put in for starting at 3rd choice to ensure you have a tag. Trust me this is how I ended up with a Nevada 111-115 tag with 4 points this yearWhy 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 oddsPretty 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 :bash:
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because, if you list the best choice as your first choice i will anticipate that and list the second best option as my first choice. Scale that up and you will lose out on all the best choices unless you list your first choice as something you can reasonably expect to draw.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: pd on June 03, 2025, 09:54:48 AM
It's the influx of people who have MOVED TO IDAHO that are causing the overall increase in hunting pressure.
This is the crux of the matter.
For about a decade now (first in the years leading up to COVID, then after the disaster) there has been a significant increase in hunting pressure. It used to be "them out-of-staters" (which, to be fair, were mostly Washington State plated vehicles, but you did see plates from everywhere, Texas, Minnesota, etc.). But, in the past couple of years there has actually been a shift--most people don't seem to realize this.
It is certainly true that the large increase in Idaho's population in the past few years has been concentrated around the Treasure Valley (what the folks in Boise call "them Californians")--this is undeniable. But there has been a smaller number of transplants, mostly from Washington. This is the key point. Those folks from WA are by & large gun owners, hunters. In essence, the formerly large number of non-resident hunters has morphed into resident hunters.
It is so noticeable that my clan is now pushing for a change with IDF&G (nobody is serious, just belly-aching) whereby "long term residents get hunting priority over new comers..." Ain't going to happen, of course, but you know it is bad when Idaho hunters ask F&G for more restrictive hunting regulations!
Post by: MMCCAULEY on June 03, 2025, 10:03:26 AM
True, but if 90% of applicants apply for 3 zones on their first choice, there will be a lot of tags to go around on the 2nd and 3rd pass. I mean Lolo and Selway will both be able to be had as 5th choice I would assumeyou're comparing peas and carrots. NV considers all your choices before moving onto the next applicant. ID will consider all applicants first choices before moving onto anyone's second choice. They are completely different beasts. Majority of tags will be awarded to first choices.You’ve got 5 choices, you can put the best choice first and anticipate the ones nobody will put in for starting at 3rd choice to ensure you have a tag. Trust me this is how I ended up with a Nevada 111-115 tag with 4 points this yearWhy 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 oddsPretty 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 :bash:
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Because, if you list the best choice as your first choice i will anticipate that and list the second best option as my first choice. Scale that up and you will lose out on all the best choices unless you list your first choice as something you can reasonably expect to draw.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I guess it'll be interesting to see the applicant behavior. While participating in the draw the last few years, my top choice just like everyone else would be the DC zone. However, in the draw i'm pretty sure that won't be my first choice because i assume the odds will be slim and i still want a good tag. I suppose we'll see what the draw odds end up being this December.
Post by: baldopepper on June 03, 2025, 10:40:20 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 03, 2025, 11:12:49 AM
Bottom line- I don't think many will like the draw system. Sure, it's probably more fair but I think you'll see most of the preferred units will be about at least a 10-15 to one chance of drawing. Having to buy a license first will slow some down, but it's offset by those who couldn't license under the current system but will put in for a drawing. There are those who will have their wife and kids put in hoping someone in the family draws and those who will select the better units because they never thought they had a chance before. I don't know of any strategy that worked for us when Utah started it, but do know our group of 12 only saw one or two draw and we really weren't applying for one of the preferred units. Guess it was fair, but didn't seem that way.kids don't need to apply. You can just purchase their tags. They have no unit restrictions either.
UT draw is also a different beast than this draw. ID took a machete to the NR issue when all they needed was a scalpel :twocents: I hope I'm way off on how this draw plays out but I'd bet a dollar I'm not :chuckle: :'(
Post by: baldopepper on June 03, 2025, 11:37:10 AM
Post by: muleyslayer on June 03, 2025, 02:45:11 PM
I hear this analogy a lot, Idaho population has increased significantly since Covid, but that doesn’t necessarily mean, a lot more hunters. I think it’s just something to complain about. There was a slight spike in 2020, but hunter numbers are lower then when Idaho had banner mule deer populations(2015-2016).It's the influx of people who have MOVED TO IDAHO that are causing the overall increase in hunting pressure.
This is the crux of the matter.
For about a decade now (first in the years leading up to COVID, then after the disaster) there has been a significant increase in hunting pressure. It used to be "them out-of-staters" (which, to be fair, were mostly Washington State plated vehicles, but you did see plates from everywhere, Texas, Minnesota, etc.). But, in the past couple of years there has actually been a shift--most people don't seem to realize this.
It is certainly true that the large increase in Idaho's population in the past few years has been concentrated around the Treasure Valley (what the folks in Boise call "them Californians")--this is undeniable. But there has been a smaller number of transplants, mostly from Washington. This is the key point. Those folks from WA are by & large gun owners, hunters. In essence, the formerly large number of non-resident hunters has morphed into resident hunters.
It is so noticeable that my clan is now pushing for a change with IDF&G (nobody is serious, just belly-aching) whereby "long term residents get hunting priority over new comers..." Ain't going to happen, of course, but you know it is bad when Idaho hunters ask F&G for more restrictive hunting regulations!
Post by: CarbonHunter on June 03, 2025, 03:56:39 PM
Post by: kentrek on June 03, 2025, 04:27:43 PM
So Idaho has the fewest nonresident hunter since 2014 and the residents are still complaining :yike:
If you tell a lie enough it becomes true... hunters will never be happy until theres a 6 point bull standing next to the road and they havent seen a single other hunter in a week.....but you know it wasnt long ago it would have been a 7 point bull and no hunter in 2 weeks !!! No no no no...before that we had 8 point bulls and no sight of another human in 1 month !!! Aghhhhh we need change !!!
Honest this was a convo i had with a idaho resident just this last year ..he wanted big bulls next to the road all for just him and that was how he wanted it managed..he was going to make some calls !! Things HAVE to change ! :rolleyes:
Hunters will never be happy as 80-90% dont fill there tags...its not the 10% that cry we need change...theyve adapted..
Post by: pd on June 03, 2025, 05:57:25 PM
Thanks for the fascinating information.
Where did you find that data? I looked throughout IDF&G's website, and could not find hunter statistics.
Post by: CarbonHunter on June 03, 2025, 06:09:53 PM
So Idaho has the fewest nonresident hunter since 2014 and the residents are still complaining :yike:
If you tell a lie enough it becomes true... hunters will never be happy until theres a 6 point bull standing next to the road and they havent seen a single other hunter in a week.....but you know it wasnt long ago it would have been a 7 point bull and no hunter in 2 weeks !!! No no no no...before that we had 8 point bulls and no sight of another human in 1 month !!! Aghhhhh we need change !!!
Honest this was a convo i had with a idaho resident just this last year ..he wanted big bulls next to the road all for just him and that was how he wanted it managed..he was going to make some calls !! Things HAVE to change ! :rolleyes:
Hunters will never be happy as 80-90% dont fill there tags...its not the 10% that cry we need change...theyve adapted..
So much truth to this. The whole issue with Idaho is the hype and panic buying of the tags mostly caused by the residents complaining until they made you choose a unit for deer. And the dumb equation the state of Idaho chose to use actually puts more nonresident hunters into the most heavily hunted units of residents. Not into the units with the most public land and fewest residents hunters… :bash:
Post by: kentrek on June 03, 2025, 06:35:46 PM
So Idaho has the fewest nonresident hunter since 2014 and the residents are still complaining :yike:
If you tell a lie enough it becomes true... hunters will never be happy until theres a 6 point bull standing next to the road and they havent seen a single other hunter in a week.....but you know it wasnt long ago it would have been a 7 point bull and no hunter in 2 weeks !!! No no no no...before that we had 8 point bulls and no sight of another human in 1 month !!! Aghhhhh we need change !!!
Honest this was a convo i had with a idaho resident just this last year ..he wanted big bulls next to the road all for just him and that was how he wanted it managed..he was going to make some calls !! Things HAVE to change ! :rolleyes:
Hunters will never be happy as 80-90% dont fill there tags...its not the 10% that cry we need change...theyve adapted..
So much truth to this. The whole issue with Idaho is the hype and panic buying of the tags mostly caused by the residents complaining until they made you choose a unit for deer. And the dumb equation the state of Idaho chose to use actually puts more nonresident hunters into the most heavily hunted units of residents. Not into the units with the most public land and fewest residents hunters… :bash:
Prime example of how these new changss are not actually for management but for the percieved ideas of what hunting "should" be of those that fail... its a continously moving target... and thats somthing no system will ever solve
But hey... its fair :chuckle:
Post by: muleyslayer on June 03, 2025, 06:46:23 PM
@muleyslayerI just googled it, it stuff that Idaho puts out over the years. I’ve seen graphs that go back to the 80s, hunter numbers have been relatively stable over time, and non resident tags have always been capped from what I hear.
Thanks for the fascinating information.
Where did you find that data? I looked throughout IDF&G's website, and could not find hunter statistics.
Post by: muleyslayer on June 03, 2025, 06:56:05 PM
:yeah:So Idaho has the fewest nonresident hunter since 2014 and the residents are still complaining :yike:
If you tell a lie enough it becomes true... hunters will never be happy until theres a 6 point bull standing next to the road and they havent seen a single other hunter in a week.....but you know it wasnt long ago it would have been a 7 point bull and no hunter in 2 weeks !!! No no no no...before that we had 8 point bulls and no sight of another human in 1 month !!! Aghhhhh we need change !!!
Honest this was a convo i had with a idaho resident just this last year ..he wanted big bulls next to the road all for just him and that was how he wanted it managed..he was going to make some calls !! Things HAVE to change ! :rolleyes:
Hunters will never be happy as 80-90% dont fill there tags...its not the 10% that cry we need change...theyve adapted..
So much truth to this. The whole issue with Idaho is the hype and panic buying of the tags mostly caused by the residents complaining until they made you choose a unit for deer. And the dumb equation the state of Idaho chose to use actually puts more nonresident hunters into the most heavily hunted units of residents. Not into the units with the most public land and fewest residents hunters… :bash:
Prime example of how these new changss are not actually for management but for the percieved ideas of what hunting "should" be of those that fail... its a continously moving target... and thats somthing no system will ever solve
But hey... its fair :chuckle:
Post by: luvmystang67 on June 04, 2025, 10:01:45 AM
1) Wolves have changed elk patterns and hunter patterns. There are many units that used to house hunting camps that are now devoid of hunters and elk. You can look back on harvest reports to see it. Has nothing to do with residents vs non-residents and everything to do with concentrating animals in fewer units.
2) Non-residents are no longer weekend warriors from WA and OR. They now include people from the east coast that spend 2 weeks hunting hard. Its a more obvious incursion to the woods as they spend more time and more money than those in the past.
3) While the hunters and harvest totals for the state are fairly stable, going back to #1, a lot of patterns have changed. If you hunted in a place where there were elk in the past, and now there are still elk, you observe more hunting pressure. If you moved from a now elk-light unit to a new one, you're probably sitting quietly and enjoying your new, more crowded, area.
Post by: Rob on June 04, 2025, 10:33:24 AM
Probably not a popular opinion, but personally I support every state making it easier/better for residents to hunt than non-residents. If the resident population is growing and putting pressure on the quality of the hunting, I support a State putting more squeeze on non-residents. Be that Utah, Wyoming, or Idaho. Good hunting should be one of the benefits of paying taxes in your home State.
(Spoken as someone who left WA as a political refugee and was banished to the paradise of Idaho...)
Post by: Rob on June 04, 2025, 10:40:33 AM
Not sure if they want to put out 185 for just the chance to draw, but at least now we could potentially put a group hunt together.
The process used the past few years has been just crazy and stupid.
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on June 04, 2025, 12:20:04 PM
The process used the past few years has been just crazy and stupid.
They could have fixed the current system by limiting buying tags for others to kids and spouses. People buying for a bunch of their friends clogged up the the lines.
Post by: Rob on June 04, 2025, 05:05:04 PM
Post by: CarbonHunter on June 04, 2025, 05:19:54 PM
Some things I DO think:
1) Wolves have changed elk patterns and hunter patterns. There are many units that used to house hunting camps that are now devoid of hunters and elk. You can look back on harvest reports to see it. Has nothing to do with residents vs non-residents and everything to do with concentrating animals in fewer units.
2) Non-residents are no longer weekend warriors from WA and OR. They now include people from the east coast that spend 2 weeks hunting hard. Its a more obvious incursion to the woods as they spend more time and more money than those in the past.
3) While the hunters and harvest totals for the state are fairly stable, going back to #1, a lot of patterns have changed. If you hunted in a place where there were elk in the past, and now there are still elk, you observe more hunting pressure. If you moved from a now elk-light unit to a new one, you're probably sitting quietly and enjoying your new, more crowded, area.
There are several units that are high public ground units with low resident hunting pressure that used to be hunted heavily by nonresidents. Those nonresidents are now being forced into units where resident hunters are more concentrated due to the way Idaho sets quotas.
If Idaho just went back to statewide tags for deer for nonresident hunters and stopped listening to the complaints the whole tag debacle would be over. They would still go faster than they used to but it wouldn’t be the issue of the last few years.
Post by: huntnnw on June 04, 2025, 10:25:42 PM
Post by: 2MANY on June 05, 2025, 07:28:17 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 05, 2025, 08:00:15 AM
I was reading a article in the past year on the ID rise in population and where are these people coming from. One interesting fact was WA. I dont remember the exact numbers, but something like 12,000 people in 2022 moved to Idaho from washington yet 11,000 people moved from ID to WA.
That happens a lot with Montana too, young people move out to make more wages, then move back to retire of for better quality of life.
Post by: TeacherMan on June 05, 2025, 01:49:52 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on June 05, 2025, 03:55:01 PM
Our group is from four different places in the state, 6 of us total, added a 7th this year. We have somehow managed to navigate the system and have ended up with everyone getting tags the last 4/5 years, however long since the demand went nuts.(I can’t remember). Now with the new draw, no idea what we will get or do. Oh well, just the way it is. We’ll figure it out just like we did before
Post by: Damnimissed on June 08, 2025, 08:00:17 PM
Post by: JDArms1240 on June 08, 2025, 08:16:36 PM
I was reading a article in the past year on the ID rise in population and where are these people coming from. One interesting fact was WA. I dont remember the exact numbers, but something like 12,000 people in 2022 moved to Idaho from washington yet 11,000 people moved from ID to WA.
That happens a lot with Montana too, young people move out to make more wages, then move back to retire of for better quality of life.
This is my story. I moved away from there some years ago and now i'm lucky enough to make more money than i could every imagine making there, so i dont know how i'd manage a move. However, i still think i'll move back, i miss the family and friends and this state is moving further away from where (i believe) it should be. Also, i miss fishing the Henry's Fork somethin' fierce!
Edit to add: As far as the state going to a draw, it sucks but it is what it is :dunno: before i left i almost bought a lifetime license and decided not to. boy what a dumb decision THAT was!