552 | Idaho's New Draw System for Non-Resident Elk & Deer Tags in 2026

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

by Exo Mtn Gear

Sports, Sports:wilderness, Health & Fitness, Wilderness

4.4 • 2.8K Ratings

🗓️ 26 November 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, we are joined by Tara & Alex from Idaho Fish & Game to discuss the all-new draw process for non-resident general elk and deer tags for Idaho's 2026 big game hunting season. We hear why the process that had been in place needed to change, the alternative solutions considered, how this new draw came to be, what non-residents need to apply for the draw, how they can apply in a group or party, if there are any changes to non-resident tag allocations, and more. LINKS & RESOURCES... What's New Overview — https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/see-whats-available-nonresident-tag-drawing-general-season-deerelk-tags-2026-and-how-apply FAQ — https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/tag/quotas/nonresident Big Game Seasons & Rules — https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game Refund Information — https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/forms/nonresident-refund Email Contact — [email protected] The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to the Huntsback Country podcast.
0:17.0	And if you are hearing this episode as it is released, happy Thanksgiving.
0:21.4	Appreciate all of you guys and the support of this show and the fact that we've been going
0:26.2	in some plus years.
0:27.5	We're definitely thankful for you guys and excited to share today's episode.
0:33.8	We are joined by Tara and Alex from Idaho Fish and Game to discuss the New for 2026 process
0:41.8	for the sale of non-resident deer and oak tags. As many of you know for the past handful of
0:49.8	years, that process has taken place on December 1st and it's been a bit of a mess.
0:56.0	There's a combination of online systems and in-person systems and confusion and delays
1:03.2	and a lot going on.
1:06.4	And they're simplifying and streamlining the process for this year in the sense that there's only
1:11.9	one way to get in and try to purchase a non-resident deer or elk tag for the 2026 season,
1:19.9	and it's a draw.
1:21.4	Thankfully with no points, but this draw process does have some advantages of putting everyone into the same system,
1:30.1	while at the same time enhancing opportunities for things like party or group applications.
1:37.1	We break all of that down in today's podcast to discuss both what non-residents need to know and clarify some things for residents of
1:47.3	Idaho as well. We get into a high-level look at what this new process is. We also go beneath the
1:55.3	service to talk about the mechanics of how the draw actually works, and we answer your
2:00.5	listener questions that we reached out to
2:02.7	get from you guys and then answer with Tara and Alex. Thanks to them for joining us, making this
2:09.3	happen, and trying to provide as much clarity as possible. This is all taking place in the first
2:15.3	half of December, which you'll hear about in this discussion.
	...

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