Idaho has big, rugged elk country, from the Clearwater and the Selway to the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48. For years it was known as the state where a nonresident could simply buy an elk tag. That changed for 2026: nonresident general season elk tags are now issued through a drawing held in December. The good news is that there are still no points, so every applicant has the same odds.
This guide explains how it all works now. Start here, then use the links at the bottom to go deeper.
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Idaho elk hunting at a glance
| Where to apply | Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG), online through GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, at license vendors, or IDFG offices |
| Nonresident general tag drawing (2027 season) | Apply December 5–15, 2026. Results early January 2027 |
| Tag purchase deadline | January 20, 2027 for first-round winners |
| Second application period | February 5–15, 2027, results early March |
| Controlled hunt applications | May 1 – June 5 in 2026 |
| Nonresident costs | $185 hunting license + $10 access/depredation fee + $651.75 elk tag |
| Resident costs | $15.75 hunting license + $5 access/depredation fee + $36.75 elk tag |
| Seasons | Archery from August 30 in many zones. Rifle seasons vary by zone and tag, mostly from October into November |
Dates and fees are from IDFG. The 2027 drawing dates are already posted; season dates are for 2026.
Step 1: Understand elk zones and A/B tags
Idaho general elk hunting is organized by elk zones. Each nonresident general elk tag is good in one zone, and in most zones you choose between an A tag (usually better for archery and muzzleloader) and a B tag (usually better for rifle). Some zones cap the number of tags sold.
See how Idaho general elk tags work
Step 2: Apply in December
Nonresidents buy a hunting license, then apply December 5–15 with up to five zone and tag choices. You can apply as a group of up to four. There are no preference or bonus points.
Read our step-by-step guide to Idaho’s elk draws
Step 3: Consider a controlled hunt
Controlled hunts are limited-entry hunts with better bull quality or special seasons. They’re applied for in May and June, also with no points.
Step 4: Pick your season
Archery seasons in many zones run August 30 – September 30, through the rut. Rifle seasons depend on the zone and tag, and some backcountry zones open well before most of the state.
See 2026 Idaho elk season dates
Step 5: Set a realistic budget
A nonresident rifle hunter pays about $865 in license, tag, and application fees. DIY trips commonly total $1,700 to $5,150 before gear. Guided hunts run roughly $7,000 to $11,000, and drop camps about $2,500 to $4,000 per hunter.
Break down the full cost of an Idaho elk hunt
Step 6: Guided, DIY, or drop camp?
Idaho has no wilderness guide requirement. A lot of Idaho elk country is very steep and remote, which is why outfitters, drop camps, and air taxi trips into the backcountry are so popular.
Compare guided, DIY, and drop camp hunts
Requirements every hunter needs
- Hunter education. Required for hunters born after 1974. Your certificate must be on file with IDFG.
- Archery permit. Required to hunt archery-only seasons ($81.75 nonresident, $19.50 resident), along with archery education certification.
- Muzzleloader permit. Required for muzzleloader-only seasons ($81.75 nonresident).
- Motorized Hunting Rule. In many units, motorized travel for big game hunting is limited to roads open to full-sized vehicles.
- Private land. You need permission. IDFG’s Access Yes! program opens some private land.
Find an Idaho elk outfitter
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Looking for a deal? Check our discount guided hunts and self-guided and DIY hunts.
Hunting deer too? See our Idaho deer hunting guide.