With whitetail hunting in full swing and reports of good hunting, nonresidents or Idaho hunters interested in a second tag may want to buy soon. On Monday, Nov. 14, approximately 1,230 white-tailed deer tags remain in the nonresident quota, and all nonresident, regular deer tags have been sold.
In recent years, nonresident hunters had the option of waiting until the last minute to buy tags before their hunts. Many nonresident hunters, especially in Northern Idaho, hunt whitetails during the Thanksgiving holiday. Fish and Game has had its highest sales of nonresident tags in eight years, and they could sell out by then.
A stronger economy has attracted nonresidents back to Idaho, and Idaho has seen improved big game hunting. Sales of resident deer tags also are up this year, but they are not limited by a quota.
After August 1, Idaho hunters can buy nonresident tags as second tags, which have also experienced increased popularity in recent years. But when the remaining nonresident whitetail deer tag quota is sold out, either to nonresidents as first tags or as second tags to any deer hunter, no more will be available this year.
While Idaho Fish and Game’s online license purchasing system remains suspended, licenses and tags can be purchased at any of the 380 license vendors throughout Idaho or at Fish and Game regional offices or the headquarters office in Boise. Hunters can also make purchases by telephone by calling 1-800-554-8685. Buyers who use the telephone option should note that it takes 7 to 10 business days for licenses and tags to arrive by mail.
Residents who are interested in buying a nonresident white-tailed deer tag as a second tag can get details at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/second-tag.