Second Tags

Second tags are sometimes available as a second opportunity for deer or elk in Idaho.

Controlled hunt tags cannot be used as second tags. Other limits may apply.

View availability of second tags

Beginning at 10 a.m. MDT, second tags can be purchased on a first-come, first served basis at Fish and Game offices during normal business hours, at license vendors, online at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, or by calling (800) 554-8685.

Nonresident sales

If a nonresident does not have a deer or elk tag, then the nonresident may be able to purchase a first tag and possibly a second tag during this sale. The current nonresident limits for uncapped elk zones and all deer units still apply to returned tags purchased by nonresidents. Adult nonresident fees are $351.75 for deer tags and $651.75 for elk tags.

Resident sales as second tags

Residents can purchase a tag from the nonresident quota as a second tag. Nonresident limits for uncapped elk zones and deer units do not apply to nonresident tags purchased by residents, so available deer tags can be used statewide and available elk tags can be purchased for any uncapped elk zone. Residents eligible for the Price Lock discount pay $301.75 for a deer tag, or $416.75 for an elk tag. Residents not eligible for the Price Lock discount pay the same deer and elk tag fees as nonresidents.

Capped Elk Zone Tags: A resident or nonresident can purchase nonresident tags returned from a capped elk zone as long as the cap is not sold out. Only residents can purchase a returned resident capped elk zone tag.

Elk Zones not Eligible for any Second Tags: Elk City.

Deer Units not Eligible for any Second Tags: 10, 10A, 12, 16A, 17, 19 and 20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How will this affect game populations?

A: There will likely be no effects, or minor ones. In 2015, second deer tags accounted for about 3.5 percent of the statewide deer harvest, and second elk tags accounted for about 1.4 percent of the statewide elk harvest. There were over 168,000 deer and 101,000 elk tags sold in Idaho in 2015.

Because second tags are tags are already allocated for nonresident hunters, harvest is already accounted for, and there is not expected to be any negative impacts from harvest by second tag holders. In areas where populations or harvest rates fall below Fish and Game’s objectives, hunting rules are adjusted by limiting hunting opportunity, shortening seasons, converting to controlled hunts, or limiting tags available in some areas. These restrictions would also apply to hunters using second tags.

Elk Tag Q&A

Q. Where can I use my second elk tag?

A. When hunting elk in Idaho, you must hunt within the zone and season for which each tag is designated. The elk city zone is not eligible for a second tag.

Q. Can I use a second elk tag in a different elk zone than my first tag?

A. Yes.

Q. Can I use a second tag in a capped elk zone?

A. Yes, as long as there are still nonresident tags available for that zone at the time you purchase a second tag. You must designate the zone for the hunt where the second tag will be used.

Deer Tag Q&A

Q. Where can I use my second deer tag?

A. Deer tags can be used in any general hunt (except 10, 10A, 12, 16A, 17, 19, or 20) in the state for the selected species within their seasons.

Q. If my first deer tag is a regular tag, can my second tag be a white-tailed tag?

A. Yes, and vice versa. Or they can both be the same type of deer tag.

General Q&A

Q. Who can buy a second tag?

A. Any hunter, no matter where they live, who has purchased a valid hunting license and a current deer or elk tag.

Q. How many tags are there?

A. Supplies are limited to the available nonresident tag quota, which is 12,815 for elk and 15,500 for deer. Any remaining tags as of August 1 become available to purchase as a second tag.

Q. Can my second tag be a controlled hunt?

A. No. Second tags are available as “over-the counter” general hunt tags.

If available, hunters may buy one unsold nonresident general season deer and elk tag at the nonresident price starting August 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MDT.

Check availability