BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has opened the application window for its first-ever Nonresident Tag Drawing, marking a major shift from the traditional over-the-counter system for nonresident deer and elk tags. Applications for 2026 general season tags are being accepted now through December 15.

The new drawing system applies to all nonresident general season deer and elk hunts beginning in 2026. Hunters may review available tags and submit applications online through GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, the Idaho Fish and Game mobile app, by phone, or in person at license vendors and regional offices. A hunting license is required to apply.

According to Fish and Game, the change is intended to provide a more streamlined and equitable process for nonresident hunters, who can now select up to five hunt choices per application. Proof of hunter education remains mandatory for hunters born after 1974, and archery certification must be on file for archery applicants.

The agency is also offering dedicated drawings for Disabled American Veteran (DAV) hunters, with 500 deer tags and 300 elk tags set aside for 2026. Junior mentored nonresident hunters ages 10–17 remain eligible for discounted licenses and must be accompanied in the field by an adult tag holder for the same species.

There is no application fee for the 2026 drawing, though Fish and Game notes that could change in future years. Hunting license fees are nonrefundable, even if an applicant is not selected, but licenses may still be used for controlled hunt applications or returned tag opportunities. Group applications of up to four hunters are also allowed.

A detailed checklist, links to season rules, maps, harvest statistics, and additional planning tools are included in Fish and Game’s release, along with a podcast discussing the transition to the new system.

The application window closes at 11:59 p.m. on December 15. Successful applicants will receive their results after the drawing is completed by the department.