Returned Sold-Out Tags

Occasionally, hunters return general season tags that can be redistributed. For instance, from sold-out capped elk zones.

Returned sold-out tag events are established to provide transparency and fair access to these tags.

2025 Returned Tag Sale Dates:

• March 20
• June 26
• August 7
• September 18

Eligible returned tags include:

• Sold-out nonresident capped elk zones
• Sold-out nonresident elk tags
• Sold-out nonresident deer tags
• Resident capped elk zones
• Nonresident outfitter tags for elk and for regular deer
• Nonresident outfitter tags for capped elk zones
• Resident and nonresident controlled hunts

Tags Exchanges during a sale:

General season tags may be exchanged to other available general season tags during a Returned Tag Sale. General season tags cannot be exchanged after the first start date of the tags season/hunt.

During a sale, exchanges can only be done online through the GoOutdoorsIdaho.com licensing site, over the phone at 1-800-554-8685, or at any Idaho Fish and Game regional office. Exchanges cannot be processed at license vendor locations.

Hunters who successfully exchange their tag must return the original tag to Fish and Game before the new tag will be sent to them. 

Mail returned tags for exchange to:

IDFG Licenses
P.O. Box 25
Boise, ID 83707

For information on exchanges outside of a Returned Tag Sale, please contact your local Fish and Game regional office.