BOISE, ID – Idaho Fish and Game will implement a new drawing process for nonresident deer and elk tags starting in early December 2025. The change will apply to tags for the 2026 hunting season, and results are expected to be announced by early January.

Under the new system, nonresident hunters will need to hold a valid 2026 Idaho hunting license to apply. While there is no application fee, applicants can submit up to five tag choices per species, and up to four hunters may apply together on one application—provided each has a hunting license.

Successful applicants must purchase their tags by a specified deadline or risk forfeiture. Any tags that are not drawn or not purchased by that deadline will be made available during a second drawing period in January.

A separate drawing will be held for Disabled American Veteran (DAV) reduced-fee tags. DAV-eligible hunters may also apply in the nonresident draw but will be required to pay standard nonresident tag fees for those applications.

Junior mentored hunters will only need to apply for elk tags in capped zones. Uncapped elk and all deer tags for nonresident junior mentored hunters will continue to be sold over the counter once the draw is complete.

Nonresidents who hold Idaho lifetime hunting licenses will not be subject to the drawing. These individuals may purchase tags outside the nonresident quota during the resident tag sales period in the summer.

More information about deadlines and specific draw dates will be available from Idaho Fish and Game later this year.