Couple Spots Still Available for 2026 Idaho Spring Bear Season

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:42:58 GMT

It’s only April 15 and some Idaho areas are just opening up to spring bear season literally today. We have been open for 2 weeks and out putting bait out.

We sell bear bait here in Challis, Idaho and what is fun about that is getting to meet a bunch of bear hunters throughout the state. I have been asking some of my regulars to call me and let me know when the bears start hitting their baits as many have speculated on an early season this year.

Well, last week I got the call. One of my long-time customers called and said his first bear hit and that is almost 3 full weeks earlier than normal.

It is seriously time to get out and hunt Idaho spring bears and here is why. Central Idaho, compared to other parts of the west, is a true an anomaly. It is such a large piece of public roadless real estate that (in my opinion) the only 2 things that really affect our elk, deer and antelope populations is weather and predators and with these last few mild winters we have had, the survival rate has been good for those species, but more prey makes for more feed for predators.

It seems like all the “bad press” on elk number declines gets blamed on wolves, but we must not forget that black bears are predators too and need to be managed. So, if you don’t have plans for spring bear hunting in Idaho (yet) give us, another outfitter or at least get out yourself to do your part to protect our elk, deer and antelope babies that will be hitting the ground very soon!

Good luck, happy hunting and remember to take a kid hunting with you!

George

Time to Apply for Formerly OTC Tags this Year in Idaho

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:08:26 GMT

Seems the only constant in life is change and that adage seems to hold especially true in the hunting world. It seems to me that meetings are held and changes made “just because” every year and this year is no different!

Beginning December 5, 2025, nonresidents who want to hunt elk and deer in formerly OTC units will need to apply for those tags. The application period runs from December 5 to 15, 2025 with results being posted in early January 2026.

Now that we are 5 days into this process, what have we learned? One thing to remind you of is that these are only for formerly OTC tags and this draw is not about any trophy species (Moose, Sheep, or Mountain Goats), nor does it involve controlled hunts for elk, deer, bear, or antelope. These applications and draws will still take place in the spring.

Second thing we learned is that Idaho is NOT a “techy” state and do seem to make what you think would be easy, as challenging as they can. So, to apply it appears to be a three-step process.

1. Review the regs supplemental section to learn the number of the hunt you want you apply for.

2. Purchase your license online.

3. Then and only then do you need to click on (from your own personal account of course) the “Submit An Application” button and with the knowledge you gained from step one, you can now apply for a tag.

You can apply for up to 5 hunt choices on each application so it would seem that you are more than likely to get a tag, it simply may be your last-choice hunt if you apply for more than one.

We apologize for the repeated emails in this period to remind you. Not to be a pain, but because we often get busy and say, “I’ll apply tomorrow”, then the 16th shows up and now you are stuck hunting with an outfitter who still has tags instead of being able to hunt on your own. So, think of these emails as simply “gentle reminders” to stop procrastinating and apply for those tags you think you want to be able to continue your tradition of hunting in some of the lower 48’s most amazing country…Idaho!

Finally, if you want help, advice or just to vent about the drawing process, please contact us and we will be happy to assist or simply listen.

Best of luck in the draw and most importantly, always remember to take a kid hunting with you!

George

Idaho Elk, Mule Deer and Black Bear Blog

Couple Spots Still Available for 2026 Idaho Spring Bear Season

Time to Apply for Formerly OTC Tags this Year in Idaho