1 April Idaho Trophy Species Tags: Open for Application April 1 – April 30 April 1, 2020By Joe Cavanaugh Announcements, General Information Idaho Hunts, Trophy Species 0 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. Idaho does not use a bonus/preference point system. As a result, hunters have more or less the same odds of drawing a trophy-species tag the very first year they apply as they do the 20th year. I drew a bull moose tag the first year I applied. And, since all Idaho trophy species hunts are “once in a lifetime”, I’ll never apply for a bull moose tag again, unless a bull tag goes into the second draw period (which rarely happens). Under Idaho’s trophy-species, tag-allotment system you can only apply for 1 of the 3 trophy species per year; and if you do apply for any of the 3 trophy species you are also not permitted to apply for any controlled-hunt elk, deer, or pronghorn tags the same year. This limits applicants-per-species greatly, as the shotgun application strategy does not work here. You must focus on 1 trophy species to apply for and sacrifice applying for elk/deer/antelope controlled hunts. Three random examples of draw odds include: Hunt 3051, Unit 29, antlered moose tag (11 tags)—1:10 odds Hunt 5011, Unit 27-4, bighorn sheep tag (3 tags)—1:12 odds Hunt 6015, Unit 37A, mountain goat tag (1 tag)—1:16 odds These draw odds are quite reasonable when compared to 1:200 draw odds or 20 years of preference points, which are common in many states these days. This year Coronavirus adds an unprecedented risk in applying for controlled-hunt tags, as you could draw a coveted tag, and then not be able to use it if the virus persists until fall. Viewed from the other side, the current pandemic could decrease the number of applicants, which in turn would increase the odds of drawing a tag for those who are willing to take the risk. At this point all we can do is pray that the virus will have passed by hunting season. One thing for certain—you’ll never draw if you don’t apply first. For detailed information and statistics on hunting Idaho trophy species click on this link: https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/moose-sheep-goat Good hunting, Joe Cavanaugh Related Posts Trophy Species Application Season Opens Up Today April 1st April 1st is one of my favorite times of year because it signifies the “official” opener of Idaho’s spring bear season. It is one our favorite seasons as we are forced to “get off the couch” and into the saddle of some very fine Darling Creek Livestock. We are incredibly proud of the horses and mules we use and raise. We really look forward to getting out and using them and baiting for spring bears is a very good excuse to do that as well as a way to start our young stock by packing. Idaho Controlled-Hunt Application Period for Elk, Deer, Antelope, and Fall Bear Opens May 1st The tag application period for Idaho controlled-hunt elk, deer, pronghorn, and fall bear tags opens May 1 and runs to June 5. Idaho does not use a bonus/preference point system for controlled hunts. As a result, hunters have the same odds of drawing a tag the first year they apply as they do any other year. Idaho Big Game Application Season 2024 Let the games begin! This year it seems as though it took almost missing the application deadline and then finding out 2 short weeks later that I drew an Idaho spring turkey tag, to realize, oh, yeah, it is “application season” in the western states and Idaho is not exempt from this seasonal activity. I guess I am showing my age when I can say, “I remember when you just bought a tag and went hunting”. But sadly, those days are indeed behind us now. Here in Idaho, though we are still blessed enough to have over the counter or “OTC” tags available, some zones do require even residents to plan ahead and purchase as soon as they come available. Idaho’s 2025 Spring Black Bear Season is Officially Open It’s officially official; Idaho’s 2025 Spring Bear Hunting season is finally open…just in time for a spring snowstorm of course, but hopes are still high for an amazing season this year. Idaho Spring Black Bear Hunting The application deadline for Idaho controlled-hunt, spring bear tags is February 15. Fortunately for all of us, most Idaho black bear tags are sold over-the-counter (OTC). This includes tags for units 28 and 27, where Castle Creek and Wild Idaho Outfitters conduct their bear hunts. The reduced-price or “wilderness tag” is good for all of Unit 27 and those portions of Unit 28 within the Frank Church Wilderness, as well as within most designated wilderness areas in the state of Idaho. Cure Cabin Fever with an Idaho Spring Bear Hunt The first day of spring is officially here! It has been a long time coming and it can mean only 1 thing: Idaho Spring bear hunting season 2023 is literally only days away! With this winter feeling like it has been the longest winter in the history of all mankind…at least here in Challis, Idaho, cabin fever is running rampant, and we are ready to get out, start setting bear baits, shoeing horses and mules, riding colts, setting camps and simply enjoying watching mother nature come back to life after a long winter’s siesta. Comment (0) Comments are closed.