Want to hunt elk in Idaho? Good choice — but make sure you understand the 2026 changes to nonresident general deer and elk tags, along with the basics that still matter for planning a successful hunt.
Idaho is a popular elk hunting destination. The state supports a large elk population (IDFG describes it as more than 120,000 elk) and offers a wide variety of hunt styles — from deep timber and big wilderness to open breaks and agricultural edges. Recent statewide reporting shows elk harvest and success can swing year to year with changing conditions – statewide totals reported for 2024 were 20,996 elk harvested and an overall 24% success rate, with controlled hunts typically running higher – but Idaho continues to produce solid opportunity.
OTC and Limited Draw Elk Tags in Idaho
Once, Idaho was the Promised Land for over-the-counter elk tags, with unlimited OTC elk permits issued for areas where the elk herds are over population objectives, feature an undesirable bull to cow ratio, or do considerable damage to agriculture. Especially alluring were the over-the-counter permits for “backcountry” areas – locations far removed from civilization but for that very reason dream magnets for many hunters.
Starting from the 2026 season, however, things have changed. Idaho residents still enjoy broad general-season opportunity, and Idaho still offers a mix of general and controlled elk hunts. But for non-residents, the state has moved to a new draw system. Click to read about OTC elk tag options across the USA.
Resident general-season elk tags
For residents, many general-season tags remain available on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to zone/tag rules and caps where they apply).
Nonresident general-season elk tags
For the 2026 season, nonresident general deer and elk tags move to an application and draw system — not an online “waiting room” sale.
Key dates for nonresident general elk/deer tags (2026):
- Dec 5–15, 2025: Application period
- Early January 2026: Results posted
- Jan 20, 2026: Deadline to claim/buy tags
- Feb 5–15, 2026: Second application period (for remaining/forfeited tags)
- Early March 2026: Second-period results
- Mar 20, 2026: Second-period claim deadline
Important notes:
- You must buy a 2026 nonresident hunting license to apply (license purchases are nonrefundable).
- You can apply for up to five hunt choices for elk.
- Group applications are allowed (up to four hunters).
- There is also a separate drawing for certain Disabled American Veteran tags.
Controlled hunts (limited draw)
Controlled hunts generally provide the best opportunity to target specific dates, weapon types, or trophy potential. These hunts are issued through a drawing and vary widely by zone/unit, season dates, weapons, and whether the tag is for antlered or antlerless elk.
Idaho runs additional application periods for tags that weren’t issued or weren’t claimed in the first round. Key dates are:
- Application period: May 1 – June 5, 2026
- Second drawing: August 5 – August 15, 2026
To apply for controlled hunts in Idaho, you also need to have a valid Idaho hunting license.
Here’s a link to an interactive map that shows deer and elk hunting units with the number of tags available for each and other relevant information.
How the changes affect your chances to hunt elk in Idaho
The new draw system in Idaho may actually be good news. It gets rid of the old “tag-sale rodeo”, when speed—not planning—decided who hunted. With the statewide nonresident elk quota of 12,815 permits for the 2026 hunting season (for comparison, Idaho sold 13,000 non-resident tags for the 2025 season), draw chances are totally realistic, especially for those willing to fully explore the flexibility of the new system.
What’s more important, 2,975 elk tags have been set aside to be allocated for outfitted hunters (including capped zones). Any unused outfitter-allocated general tags will be rolling back to the public in early August. So, while a last-minute elk hunt in Idaho got a notch closer to “there’s no such thing as”, hunters who are interested in guided hunts may see their chances actually improve. Naturally, it’s important to plan ahead and contact your outfitter early.
The elk season in Idaho
Idaho’s 2026 elk season dates won’t be truly “official” until Idaho Fish and Game publishes the 2026 Big Game Seasons & Rules (typically after the March Commission setting and an April publication window), and final dates will still vary by elk zone, A- vs. B-tag, weapon type, and general vs. controlled hunts. Use this as a proven planning framework, then lock in the exact zone dates once the booklet drops.
Projected season windows (varies by zone/tag):
- Early opportunity / antlerless / select any-weapon: Aug 1–mid-Sep (some zones)
- General archery: late Aug (often around Aug 30) through Sep (many zones)
- Muzzleloader: late Sep–early/mid Oct (often timed near rut in some hunts)
- General any-weapon (rifle): mid/late Sep through Oct/Nov (zone-dependent; some shorter)
- Late cow / damage / migration-focused hunts: Nov–Dec (sometimes later by permit/zone)
Best times for elk hunting in Idaho
Early August in Idaho is about taking advantage of predictable summer behavior before pressure and changing patterns scatter elk. September archery is when Idaho turns electric, shifting from pre-rut patterns into full rut intensity. Interactions usually peak from about September 10–25, with more vocal elk and more opportunities to call, cut distance, and force a decision.
The muzzleloading season often has great rut activity as well. Rifle season is a game of timing and pressure. The most consistent play is to hunt opening week hard, before elk fully adjust, or to key on the first real weather event that pushes animals into more predictable elevation bands. Late seasons are driven by snow lines, winter range, and survival patterns. When storms hit, elk often migrate or concentrate, and the best hunts can become glassing-heavy and location-dependent.
Where are there elk in Idaho?
The “Mountain Monarchs” can be found not only in the timbered ridges in the northern part of the state, or in the mountains of central Idaho, but also in the sagebrush deserts to the southeast and southwest. In fact, it’s hard to find an elk zone in Idaho that would be bad for elk, but some areas may offer specific challenges.
The Panhandle & Clearwater
The Panhandle region is famous for elk hunting, with classic northern timber and a strong hunting culture. Units 1 and 4 have the reputation of some of the best elk areas in all America. Access programs and agreements with timber companies can open significant private timberland acreage to public hunting — always check the current rules for the property you plan to hunt.
Southwest Idaho
Southwest Idaho can be excellent if you have access to private land or you’re prepared for a tough backcountry hunt. In this part of the state the elk are ‘over objectives’ – that is, overpopulated – and are causing damage to agriculture. However, in spite of generous license and tag allocation, these elk are hard to get. Often, they take refuge on private land that is posted and closed for hunters. And when the elk can be found on public land, they dwell in some of the most steep and broken backcountry ever.
Magic Valley & agricultural edges
In the agricultural and prairie country, elk can be numerous — but not always easy to hunt. Agricultural land is private property and most farmers do not allow access, thus, once pressured, the herds either stay on the private land, or become nocturnal, only entering and leaving the property in total darkness. A specific challenge for the region is that it’s one of the driest parts of the state. So, the tip from Idaho Fish & Game is, if you hunt this area, focus on where the animals can drink and escape from sunshine. Warning: some water sources that were there a few years ago could’ve been dried out since.
Idaho Elk Hunting Tips
An elk is an elk; from Arizona to Alberta, the basics of calling, spot-and-stalk, or waiting at waterholes don’t differ much. Click here for elk hunting tips from guides and outfitters on BookYourHunt.com. But here are a few state-specific tips that matter for Idaho.
Get away from the roads
This advice you’ll hear again and again in Idaho, and it’s still true. Push into places most hunters won’t go, and you’ll find more elk. But this is also a tip that is much easier to give than to follow for an out-of-state hunter. Many DIY hunters reported they did their best to get away from the crowds only to find themselves surrounded by a crowd of other hunters. To really get away from the crowds, you will need both horses or mules and a good knowledge of terrain. A good outfitter will provide both.
Avoid the obvious hotspots
The “best” units are rarely a secret anymore. All those other hunters have the Internet, can read and watch YouTube just like you, so the more often a unit is listed as “best”, the more hunters you’re likely to see there. Pressure can be intense where access is easy.
Match your gear to the landscape
Idaho elk hunts can be short-range timber hunts or longer-range broken-country hunts depending on the zone and season structure. The former are a better match for archery seasons, while in the latter you are probably to need a rifle with which you can comfortably make 300 yards plus shots. And, as everywhere else, backcountry hunts usually require a lot of hiking up and down slopes. Good footwear and physical conditioning are essential.
Plan for recovery and meat care
If you’re hunting far from roads, your pack-out is part of the hunt. Weather can change fast, and meat storage becomes a major issue if you’re trying to hunt a second species after filling a tag.
Be bear aware
Bear awareness matters in some zones. In parts of Idaho, hunters may share country with grizzlies and black bears. Know the current guidance for the area you’re hunting and be prepared. If you plan on carrying a handgun for protection, here is what the outfitters of BookYourHunt.com think. One more reason to want to have an experienced local guide at your side!
Combination hunts
Mule deer and white-tailed deer hunting opportunities can pair well with elk depending on where you hunt, but logistics matter. If you’re successful early, meat care and storage can become the limiting factor while you keep hunting.
Besides deer, elk hunters may also pursue species like black bear, mountain lion, or wolf if seasons are open and you have the correct tags/licenses for that species. Click to learn more about hunting in Idaho.
Final reminder
This article is a planning overview. Always verify season dates, unit/zones, weapon rules, quotas, and licensing steps with Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) before you apply or hunt, as regulations and boundaries can change and some opportunities are capped or limited by zone.
Next in the series:
Elk Hunting in Montana: What you need to know
Montana boasts a healthy elk herd of some 150,000 animals, and the annual harvest figures that may reach mid-20,000s, are second only to Colorado and Wyoming. The state’s striking landscapes are a magnet for every outdoorsperson, and the variety of wildlife presents numerous options for combination hunts (but poses a few problems as well, as will be shown below). Last but not the least, most of record-breaking bull elk seem to come from Montana. Small wonder there are so many people who want to hunt elk in Montana. And, as usual with high demand, you can expect things to be highly competitive – or expensive. CONTINUE READING
