
General Season Hunts
When to buy an over-the-counter tag
Residents of Idaho – Hunters can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) bear, mountain lion, turkey, and wolf tags for the coming year starting on December 1. Residents may also purchase deer and elk receipts that can be redeemed for the general season or controlled hunt tags after the controlled hunt drawings have been released. Capped zone elk tags go on sale on a different date and time (see big game proclamations for information on capped elk zones).
Notice: 5-day waiting period rule change
Beginning in 2020, resident hunters who apply for a controlled hunt must wait five days after tags become available to purchase a capped elk zone tag.
Nonresidents – Hunters can purchase over-the-counter tags any time beginning December 1 for the coming year. No drawings. No waiting. Just buy your license and tags and go hunting during the hunting season.
Please note: Nonresident general season deer and elk tags are all limited and may sell out quickly.
Nonresident Quotas and Limits
More things to know
If you want to hunt deer and elk in Idaho, think about buying your tags early.
- Resident and nonresident tags are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
- Some units have quotas and limits and sell out early.
- For nonresidents, there are a limited number of general season deer and elk tags available.
- For residents, some elk zones are limited.
- Over-the-counter tags involve most hunting units and zones, but not all.
- Opportunities vary depending on the type of weapon being used.
- After August 1, unsold nonresident over-the-counter tags go on sale as second tags to both residents and nonresidents
- Note: These are only available when the nonresident quota has not sold out.
These maps generally show where over-the-counter (also know as general season) tags are available. Check the Big Game Seasons and Rules book for specifics on each unit and zone.
News
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F&G commission approves changes to nonresident participation in general season deer and elk hunts
Friday, November 20, 2020 - 11:24 AM MST
Fish and Game Commission Big Game Hunting Deer Hunting Elk Nonresident Tag Limits White-tailed Deer Nonresident Tag Limits Regular Deer Nonresident Tag Limits Nonresident Deer and Elk Quotas and Limits Licenses, tags, and permits General Season Hunts Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Nonresident Fee Increase and Hunting Changes Elk
Purchase Licenses,
Tags and Permits
- At License Vendors
- At Regional Offices
- With a credit card -
- Online
- Or by Phone: 1-800-554-8685
There is a processing fee for applications made by phone and online.
OTC (General Season) Tag Fees
Related Links
Big Game Seasons and Rules
Hunting opportunities for Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Black Bear, Mountain Lion and Grey Wolf.
Applications
