28 May Got Tags? May 28, 2026By Monica Oliver Announcements, General Information, Idaho Hunts DIY Hunt, Drop Camp, Drop Camps, Guided Hunts, Guided-Hunts, Idaho, Idaho hunting, Idaho Hunts, Idaho wilderness hunts 0 Here we are knocking on the tail end of big game application season 2026. Have you drawn a tag yet? To be fair, there is one week left on Idaho’s 2026 big game application season and there may be some states that haven’t drawn yet, but we are getting down to the short rows of needing to make plans if we intend to hunt fall of 2026. Idaho has a great system where outfitters have allocated tags for hunters who choose to hunt with an Idaho outfitter. Sadly, I can hear it now, “I don’t need no stinking outfitter to hunt.” Well, maybe you don’t, but have you considered a DIY drop camp type hunt? Some outfitters offer those and they come with tags for the species you are after. We happen to be one of those outfitters and actually have a few tags remaining for the 2026 Idaho elk and deer hunting season. Or maybe a fully guided hunt where camp is set, guides are ready, a cook is in camp and if you are lucky in harvesting what you are pursuing, someone else packs your game out. Really doesn’t sound that bad now, does it? Now please don’t take this wrong but tags don’t equate to dead animals. They only equate to the opportunity to get off the couch and into the woods this fall and pursue your choice of elk, deer, bear and/or wolf on your own terms. This Central Idaho country is NOT for the faint of heart, so if it has been a while since you have ridden a horse, seen the inside of a gym or actually pushed away from the all you can eat buffet early, this may not be the country for you, but there is still time to join that gym, get in a walking routine with your wife (or girlfriend as long as your wife doesn’t know about her), start riding a horse with that friend that keeps inviting you to or simply ride that stationary bike and read up on world news or watch your favorite hunting podcasts. Either way, there is still time to be able to take advantage of one of falls oldest traditions of being outside and exploring the woods with family and friends rather than counting your points and hoping that “next year” you will draw a tag. So, contact us today to book your 2026 Idaho hunting experience or contact any Idaho outfitter in an area you have always wanted to explore, but as our friends at Nike used to say, “Just do it”. Happy hunting and remember to take a kid along! George Related Posts 2020 Salmon B Tags already sold out Idaho nonresident hunting tags went on sale December 1, 2019 and in only 9 short days the Salmon B Elk Tags were sold out. Wow! Seems that Idaho is being rediscovered as a place to hunt. I have often said that Idaho is the best kept secret in the hunting world, and it appears the secret is getting out. With OTC tags and good game populations, it is no wonder. If you had your sights set on hunting the Salmon B region this year (B tag is rifle tag), you still have the option to book with an outfitter. In Idaho, thankfully and gratefully, outfitters are guaranteed elk tags and have a certain amount of set aside deer tags for the hunting public that want to use the services of an outfitter. Got Tags? It seems these days that the first, and often times largest, obstacle to hunting elk out west is getting a tag. Well, thanks to bad planning on our part, we find ourselves with 4 extra tags to hunt in a unit that sold out in only 3 days for residents and months ago for nonresidents. We know all the results of the draws are out for the west and finding someone with actual tags and openings to be able to hunt, and at a discounted rate, is nearly impossible so we believe these will go fast: we have exactly 4 tags left for elk in area 28 in central Idaho and we are even discounting this hunt opportunity. Idaho Resumes Sales of Nonresident Licenses and Tags We’re back on track again for spring bear. As of May 16, 2020, Idaho hunting licenses, tags, and permits will be available to buy online, at retail vendors, or by calling (800) 554-8685. Time to Apply for Formerly OTC Tags this Year in Idaho 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. Last Chance for Idaho Controlled Hunt Tags Time is running out to apply for elk, deer, and pronghorn controlled hunts in Idaho—the deadline being June 5th. Idaho does not use a bonus/preference point system for controlled hunts, so you have just as good of a chance at drawing a tag as anyone else. Idaho Trophy Species Tags: Open for Application April 1 – April 30 The tag application period for Idaho trophy species (moose/sheep/goat) runs from April 1st to April 30th. In comparison to neighboring states, Idaho implements a rather unique tag-allocation system for these species, which offers hunters reasonable odds for drawing a tag and a quality hunting experience. Comment (0)