An Idaho general elk tag is not a statewide tag. It is good in one elk zone, and in most zones it is either an A tag or a B tag, each with its own seasons. Picking the right zone and tag is the most important decision in planning an Idaho elk hunt, especially now that nonresidents must choose them on a December draw application.

Elk zones

Idaho groups its game management units into elk zones, such as the McCall, Sawtooth, Lemhi, Beaverhead, Island Park, Big Desert, and Bear River zones, plus the well-known backcountry zones of central and north-central Idaho. Your general elk tag is valid only in the zone printed on it.

Each zone has its own seasons, weapon rules, and legal elk (any elk, antlered only, spike only, or antlerless) for each tag type. The IDFG Hunt Planner and the Big Game Seasons and Rules brochure list every zone.

A tags vs. B tags

In most zones you choose between two tags, and you can only hold one (aside from any second tag bought in August).

	A tag	B tag
Generally favors	Archery and muzzleloader hunters	Centerfire rifle hunters
Archery season	Usually longer, often any elk	Often shorter or limited to spikes and cows, or none
Rifle season	Often short, or spike or antlerless only	Usually the main any-weapon bull season

Example: the Sawtooth Zone in 2026

• A tag: Archery for either-sex elk August 30 – September 30. Older IDFG guidance says the A tag in this zone has also included a short any-weapon spike season in October and a muzzleloader antlerless season in November; check the 2026 season table to confirm.
• B tag: An any-weapon season for antlered elk October 15 – November 8.

That pattern holds in many zones, but not all. Some zones have only one tag type, and a few have no general elk hunt at all. Always read the zone’s season table.

Capped zones and nonresident quotas

• The statewide nonresident general elk quota is 12,815 tags.
• Many zones are uncapped: any nonresident who draws can choose them, up to the statewide quota.
• Capped zones have a set number of A and B tags. In 2026, for example, the Sawtooth Zone had 1,000 A tags and 1,800 B tags, and the Bear River Zone had 550 B tags. Capped zone tags are usually the hardest to get. (Resident capped-zone tags go on sale separately in July and often sell out fast.)
• Some nonresident tags are allocated to licensed outfitters, who sell them to clients booking a guided hunt.

Because the general tag drawing gives everyone equal odds, putting a capped zone as your first choice and an uncapped zone lower on your list of five is a common strategy. Check IDFG’s drawing results to see which zones were in demand.

What changed for nonresidents

Until 2025, nonresident general elk tags went on sale over the counter in early December, first come, first served. Starting with the 2026 season, IDFG issues them through an application and drawing in December, with a second round in February. There are still no preference or bonus points, so a first-time applicant has the same chance as everyone else. See how to apply.

Returned and second tags

If you miss the draw, watch IDFG’s returned tag sales during the year, where tags turned back in by other nonresidents are sold over the counter. In early August, IDFG may also sell nonresident general tags as second tags if the quota hasn’t sold out.

General tag vs. controlled hunt

	General tag	Controlled hunt
Where	One elk zone	One hunt area, often a few units
How to get it	December drawing (nonresidents)	Spring drawing, May–June
Points	None	None
Hunter numbers	Higher	Lower
Best for	Most hunters, flexible trips	Rifle rut hunts, better bulls, late cow hunts

Tips for choosing a zone

• Match the tag to your weapon. Bowhunters usually want an A tag; rifle hunters usually want a B tag.
• Think about access. Backcountry zones are huge and roadless. Plan for horses, an air taxi, or a long hike.
• Read the legal elk. Some seasons are spike-only or antlerless only.
• Have a backup. Use all five choices on your application.

Related: How Idaho draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Idaho Elk Hunting Guide · How to apply for elk tags · Season dates

Zone and tag information is from Idaho Fish and Game for 2026. Zones, caps, and seasons change, so confirm in the current IDFG Big Game Seasons and Rules and Hunt Planner before you apply.