Traditionally, BookYourHunt.com opens the new year with a blog that will help you plan your hunt in the American West. We’ll give you the application deadlines for limited draw hunts, along with bonus points systems, landowner tags and OTC tag options, for the most popular destinations: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming (click on the name to jump to the respective state).
DISCLAIMER: This post contains only general information and not definitive, final answers. Deadlines, fees, quotas, and hunt rules can change. Always confirm current regulations, unit restrictions, and exact application details directly with the relevant state authorities.
Arizona
Arizona runs three main big-game application windows each year: elk and pronghorn in winter; deer, sheep, javelina, bison plus sandhill crane and fall turkey in late spring; and the draw for the next spring season (javelina, bear, turkey, bison) in early fall. Historically, the deadlines for these draws are the second Tuesdays of February and June and the first Tuesday of October. AZGFD posts the exact dates and cut-off times each cycle, so use the deadlines below as planning targets and confirm them when the draw opens.
Elk and Pronghorn Antelope
- Application window: typically opens in January.
- Deadline (expected for 2026): Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Sandhill Crane, Fall Turkey, Javelina, and Bison
- Application window: typically opens in May.
- Deadline (expected for 2026): Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Javelina, Bear, Turkey, and Bison (Spring 2027 season)
- Application window: typically opens in September.
- Deadline (expected for 2026): Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
OTC and leftover tag options
Arizona does have opportunities to pick up leftover hunt permit-tags after the draw — but availability is limited and the process/timing can change by year. Treat leftovers as a bonus plan, not your primary plan.
Bonus points and nonresident realities
- Unsuccessful applicants generally gain bonus points, which improve odds over time (and Arizona also uses randomization within the draw).
- Arizona’s draw includes nonresident caps (important for premium elk/deer hunts), so set expectations accordingly and apply strategically.
- You’ll need an Arizona hunting license and an AZGFD portal account to apply and view results through your account.
One practical “free” edge: the Ethically Hunting Arizona course
If you’re building a long game in Arizona, the Ethically Hunting Arizona online course can award a lifetime bonus point (separate from standard hunter education).
Arizona Big Game Super Raffle
Arizona Big Game Super Raffle is a real wildcard. Winners get a 365-day hunt window (commonly Aug 15 to Aug 14) and can hunt under the raffle tag rules for that species. Ticket deadlines vary by year, but historically fall on the first week of July, so get your Arizona Big Game Super Raffle tickets by end of June.
For the most accurate information, refer to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s official website and the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle website.
Colorado
Colorado’s licensing calendar is built around four moments: spring turkey in winter, the primary big-game draw in spring, a secondary draw in early summer, and leftover/OTC sales in August. For nonresidents, the big takeaway is to plan your applications early—then be ready on key on-sale dates if you’re hunting OTC or leftovers.
Spring Turkey (2026 season)
- Applications accepted: January 2, 2026
- Application & correction deadline: February 3, 2026 (8:00 p.m. MST)
- Draw results posted: February 11, 2026
- OTC & leftover spring turkey licenses on sale: March 1, 2026 (9:00 a.m. MST)
Primary Draw: Big Game (2026 seasons)
This is the main draw for bear, deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, sheep, and mountain goat.
- Expected application window: March 1 to April 7, 2026 (8:00 p.m. MT)
Secondary Draw: Bear, Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn
Colorado’s secondary draw is designed as a second opportunity for licenses not issued or not fully filled in the primary draw. The secondary draw does not use or award preference points.
- Typical timing: late June, with a historical deadline of June 30 (8:00 p.m. MT).
OTC and leftover license options
Leftovers are the limited licenses remaining after the primary and secondary draws; they can also include certain returned or reissued licenses. CPW posts a reissue preview list on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. MT, then releases those hunt codes for sale on Wednesdays near 11 a.m. MT (with additional rules about refreshes and cutoffs).
- Expected timing: August 4, 2026.
OTC licenses
Colorado offers meaningful OTC options, but nonresident availability depends heavily on species, season, and GMU. Since 2025, nonresidents can no longer purchase OTC archery elk licenses in GMUs west of I-25 (and GMU 140). Those opportunities shifted into limited hunts, and you need to apply for them through the draw. Some OTC licenses are available for rifle elk, bear, archery pronghorn, and white-tailed deer hunts; always confirm the valid units and hunt codes in the current Big Game Brochure before building travel plans.
Application process and nonresident essentials
Before you can apply in Colorado’s big-game draws, you must have a current-year qualifying license. You can buy the qualifying license and submit your draw application in the same transaction, but the qualifying license must be added to the cart first. You do not need a qualifying license to buy OTC or leftover licenses.
Preference points and nonresident allocation
Preference points matter in the primary draw for deer/elk/pronghorn/bear, and weighted points apply to moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. In the primary draw, nonresidents have a defined share of licenses set aside (with different caps depending on how many resident points a hunt code typically takes). In the secondary draw and leftover licenses, nonresident allocation rules do not apply—it’s essentially open availability by hunt code.
Always verify final deadlines, hunt codes, unit maps, season dates, and nonresident OTC rules in the current-year CPW brochures and CPWshop notices before you book travel.
Idaho
Idaho still offers a lot of general-season opportunity, but the best elk and deer units—and all of the state’s most coveted species (moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat)—sit behind controlled hunts. For nonresidents, the biggest shift to understand is that general-season deer and elk tags moved to an application-and-draw system beginning with the 2026 season, replacing the old “be online at 10 a.m.” race.
IDFG posts controlled-hunt application periods as set date ranges each year. For the 2026 season, the key windows are:
Spring Bear
- Application period: January 15 – February 15, 2026
Spring Turkey
- Application period: February 1 – March 1, 2026
Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat
- Application period: April 1 – April 30, 2026
Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Fall Bear, Fall Turkey, and Swan (controlled hunts)
- Application period: May 1 – June 5, 2026
Controlled-hunt requirement (important): to apply for controlled hunts, residents and nonresidents must have a valid Idaho hunting license.
Second drawings and second-chance controlled hunts (2026)
Idaho runs additional application periods for tags that weren’t issued or weren’t claimed in the first round.
- Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat: June 15 – June 25, 2026
- Second big-game controlled-hunt drawing (and swan): August 5 – August 15, 2026
If you want to be considered in a second drawing, you must apply during that second window It’s not an automatic “rollover” from the first period.
OTC, leftovers, and returned tags: what nonresidents should actually expect
- Controlled hunts: limited numbers, awarded by random drawing (Idaho does not use preference or bonus points).
- Leftover/unclaimed controlled-hunt tags: IDFG lists and sells any remaining controlled tags through its unclaimed/leftover system—worth checking if you’re flexible on unit and timing.
- Returned sold-out tags: general deer and elk tags can be returned and then re-sold via IDFG’s Returned Tag Sales schedule.
Nonresident deer & elk: the new draw dates you can’t miss (2026 tags)
Starting with the 2026 season, Idaho changed how nonresident general-season deer and elk tags are distributed. Instead of one fast “OTC on-sale morning,” nonresidents apply in a separate draw. This draw is about getting the right to buy a nonresident general deer/elk tag (i.e., the tag that lets you hunt general seasons), not about controlled hunt numbers.
- First application period: December 5 – 15, 2025
- Second application period: February 5 – 15, 2026
- First application period, 2027 Season (expected): December 5 – 15, 2026.
IDFG also notes that hunters must have a hunting license valid for big game to apply.
Idaho Super Hunt Combo
Idaho’s Super Hunt program is a separate opportunity that can be worth entering even if you’re not hunting Idaho this year.
- First drawing entry deadline: May 31
- Second drawing entry deadline: August 10
You do not need an Idaho hunting license to enter Super Hunt (or the Super Hunt Combo), but you must purchase one if you are drawn.
Check the Idaho Fish and Game official website for the most current information on application deadlines, season dates, and regulations.
Learn more about hunting in the “undiscovered gem of the West” from our blog.
Montana
Montana offers a substantial number of deer and elk tags to non-residents via limited draw, and is refreshingly consistent: special drawing applications open March 1, with most key nonresident deadlines landing on April 1, May 1, and June 1. If you’re planning a Montana trip, build your calendar around those three cutoffs (and note the late-night deadline time).
Deer & Elk permits and nonresident combination licenses
This draw covers the nonresident combination licenses (e.g., General Big Game Combo, Elk Combo, Deer Combo, and related nonresident combo categories), as well as limited deer and elk permits tied to specific districts.
Moose, Bison, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat
- Apply from: March 1, 2026
Deadline: May 1, 2026 (11:45 p.m. MST)
Pronghorn and “B” licenses
This includes the special draw for pronghorn antelope, as well as Deer B and Elk B draws. The “B” draws are Montana’s current naming for additional, usually antlerless opportunities.
Bonus points vs preference points
Bonus points increase your chances in drawings by giving you more “raffle tickets” — and Montana squares your bonus points before the drawing, so points scale quickly.
- Bonus point-only purchase window (when you didn’t apply): July 1 – September 30, 2026.
Preference points are mainly about nonresident combination licenses (not permits). Montana awards 75% of nonresident combo licenses in order of applicants with the most preference points, and the other 25% randomly among applicants with zero preference points.
If you don’t apply for a combination license that year, you may purchase one preference point July 1 – December 31 (cap: 3 preference points).
Leftover, returned, and “didn’t-draw” options
Montana handles post-draw availability through Surplus Licenses. You sign up during a set Surplus License List window, then the list is randomized and hunters are contacted by email to finalize purchases. If surplus remains after the list process, FWP notes it may be made available over the counter through license providers (availability varies).
Landowner programs
Montana has two landowner-related systems:
- Landowner Preference (a set-aside within district quotas for certain deer/antelope/elk opportunities).
- Landowner Sponsor (a separate pool of nonresident deer combination licenses set aside for sponsored hunters). FWP also notes sponsors must submit an annual report by Dec 31 to remain active, and the sponsor-application timing is tied to the license year (example shown for the 2025 season).
New Mexico
“With a unique blend of native and introduced game species, challenging terrain, and a well-regulated tag system, New Mexico offers a world-class hunting experience” – says our blog about hunting in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico’s draw is simple on paper and brutally competitive in the best units. There are two key application deadlines: in February for bear and turkey, and in March for Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, pronghorn, and oryx.
Your planning success as a nonresident comes down to hitting the deadline, understanding the quota pools, and being realistic about units.
NMDGF sets the exact dates each year and enforces a hard cut-off time (by 5 p.m. Mountain Time). For reference, the published 2025–2026 deadlines were Feb 12 (bear/turkey) and Mar 19 (main draw).
Bear and Turkey
- Expected deadline for 2026: February 11, 2026 (by 5 p.m. MT)
Main Big-Game Draw
- Expected deadline for 2026: March 18, 2026 (by 5 p.m. MT/MDT).
Before applying for a draw hunt in New Mexico, don’t forget to purchase a non-refundable hunting license.
Tag allocation: what nonresidents are really up against
New Mexico’s draw is governed by statute and NMDGF policy. Minimum 84% of draw licenses go to New Mexico residents. Up to 6% go to nonresidents applying without a New Mexico registered outfitter. Up to 10% go to applicants (resident or nonresident) applying with a New Mexico registered outfitter. Bottom line: booking a guided hunt in New Mexico can dramatically improve your draw chances. Most outfitters don’t collect any payment before the draw results are announced, or will return the deposit if you’re not successful in the draw.
Landowner and private-land hunts: how it actually works in New Mexico
New Mexico has private-land opportunities, but it’s not a broad “landowner preference draw” like some neighboring states.
- Private-land-only license types exist and require written permission for the property you’ll hunt.
- For elk private lands, the big program is EPLUS—hunters typically need an authorization number or ranch code provided through the landowner/program structure. If you’re planning private-land elk, start those conversations early.
“Second draw” and leftover tags in New Mexico
New Mexico handles second-chance opportunity in two different ways:
1) A second drawing for deer and elk (via 4th choice):
After deer and elk applications are processed, NMDGF can run a second drawing for remaining deer/elk licenses using only applications that listed a 4th choice. Only pick a 4th choice if you genuinely accept any deer/elk license outcome.
2) Leftover draw licenses sold later (first-come):
Any draw licenses that still remain can be sold first-come, first-served through the online license system. In recent years, NMDGF has opened sales to residents first for 24 hours, then to nonresidents if tags remain (example: June 25–26, 2025 at 10 a.m.).
Draw results and E-Tags
- NMDGF posts draw results online (timing varies by year; big-game results are typically released in spring).
- OTC license types (game-hunting licenses, etc.) typically become available in late March after the draw period (example: March 24, 2025).
- New Mexico supports electronic tagging through the NM E-Tag app: you enter harvest details, receive a tag number, and write it on durable material to attach to the animal.
Verify specific dates and details on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Online Licensing System.
Nevada
Nevada is built for hunters who can play the long game. Roughly 80% of the state is federally administered, and most big game is allocated through a draw—one reason Nevada keeps a strong trophy reputation without the same volume of nonresident pressure you see elsewhere.
Nevada’s big-game process has three steps: a Main Draw in spring, a Second Draw in mid-June, and then a First-Come, First-Served sale for any tags still remaining after returns.
Big Game Main Draw
This is the primary application window for Nevada big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, sheep, goat, bear, moose, and special tags such as Silver State / Partnership in Wildlife).
- Expected application window (2026): late March → early May 2026.
- Deadline format to expect: by 11:00 p.m. Pacific Time on deadline day.
- Results timing: typically late May / early June.
For reference, in 2024 Nevada big game main draw opened on March 25, with the deadline on May 8, and in 2025 the dates were March 24, with the deadline on May 7.
Big Game Second Draw
If tags remain (or are returned without an eligible alternate), Nevada runs a Second Draw that is open regardless of residency.
- Expected timing (2026): mid-June
First-Come, First-Served
After the Second Draw and tag returns, Nevada may sell any remaining tags first-come, first-served, generally early- to mid-July.
Bonus points and what nonresidents should know
- Nevada uses a bonus point system (not a strict preference draw). In the draw, bonus points are squared and used to generate additional random numbers, increasing your chances as points build.
- You can also apply for bonus points only (species-by-species), but you need an active hunting license to earn bonus points, and NDOW notes a valid hunting license is required to draw a tag.
Oregon
Oregon offers real opportunity between the Coast Range, Cascades, and high desert—but for most nonresident (and many resident) big-game hunts, including black bear, deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and mountain goat, the door is the controlled hunt draw. The good news is that Oregon’s key deadlines are simple and consistent year to year.
Spring Bear
Oregon’s spring bear season is controlled hunt only.
- Deadline: February 10, 2026.
- Results: available by February 20.
Controlled Hunts: Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat
For Oregon’s main big-game controlled hunts, the application deadline is a standing annual rule:
- Deadline: May 15, 2026 — apply by 11:59 p.m. PT online.
- Results: announced by June 12 each year.
Preference points and Point Saver
Oregon uses a preference point system for many controlled hunts. If you don’t plan to chase a controlled tag this year, Oregon’s Point Saver lets you gain (and keep) preference points while still hunting general seasons if you want.
If you’re not applying in the draw, preference points can be purchased:
- Dec 1 – May 15, and July 1 – Nov 30 (online or at a license agent).
You must have an adult hunting license to purchase points.
Leftover tags in Oregon
Oregon sells leftover controlled-hunt tags first-come, first-served.
- Leftover tag sale opens: July 1 at 10:00 a.m. PT (online).
If you were selected for a controlled hunt or already purchased a tag (general or controlled), you may not be eligible to participate until a later release window (ODFW commonly lists July 3 at 10:00 a.m. for full eligibility). Oregon also notes leftover sales can differ by series (for example, leftover bear timing can be listed separately in ODFW guidance).
Utah
Utah packs a lot of hunting country into one state—high peaks, desert basins, big timber pockets, and a huge footprint of public land. The Rocky Mountain elk is Utah’s official state animal, and it’s also the species that gets most nonresidents thinking about the Beehive State draw
Utah runs separate application windows for big game, antlerless, and turkey. Applications typically close at 11 p.m. Mountain Time on the final day, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
Big Game Hunts
For the 2026 hunts (2026–2027 season), UDWR had not yet published the final draw dates for big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, sheep, goat, moose and bison) at the time of writing. Utah’s pattern is consistently late March through late April.
Expected (based on the 2025 UDWR schedule):
- Application window (expected): March 19 – April 23, 2026
- Draw results (expected): mid-May 2026 (in 2025, results were available May 15)
License requirement: You must have a valid Utah hunting or combination license to apply (you can buy it during the application process).
Antlerless Hunts
Antlerless permits, for deer and elk, as well as doe pronghorn and ewe sheep, are typically handled in an early-June draw.
Expected (based on the 2025 UDWR schedule):
- Application window (expected): June 3 – June 17, 2026
- Results (expected): early July 2026
- Remaining permits (expected): late July 2026
Spring Limited-Entry Turkey
Utah’s spring limited-entry turkey dates are already official:
- Application opens: Dec. 16, 2025 at 8 a.m. MST
- Deadline: Dec. 30, 2025 at 11 p.m. MST
- Results released by: Jan. 8, 2026
If you don’t draw limited-entry, Utah’s general spring turkey permits aren’t capped (one permit per hunter) and go on sale March 10, 2026 at 8 a.m. MDT, which gives nonresidents a straightforward Plan B.
Bonus and Preference Points
Utah uses both bonus points (for many limited-entry/once-in-a-lifetime species) and preference points (for certain opportunity-style draws). Even if you aren’t hunting this year, you can apply for points during the big game application—and UDWR also provides a second chance during the antlerless window if you miss the first deadline.
OTC and leftover permit reality in Utah
Utah isn’t a “true OTC” state for most coveted big game the way some neighbors are. However, some permits may remain after the drawing, and UDWR runs scheduled sales in July for remaining permits (and certain permit types). Treat these as a bonus opportunity, not your primary plan.
Learn more about hunting in Utah from our blog.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s biggest advantage is simple: huge country and serious big game: bear, deer, elk, moose, pronghorn and more. The trade-off is timing—many of the most important applications happen early in the year, and missing a deadline can set you back a full season.
Here are the official WGFD application windows and key dates for 2026 (covering the 2026–2027 hunting season cycle):
Spring Turkey
- Application opens: January 2, 2026
- Deadline: February 2, 2026
- Draw results: February 12, 2026
Elk (Nonresident)
- Application opens: January 2, 2026
- Deadline: February 2, 2026
- Modify/withdraw deadline: May 8, 2026
- Draw results: May 21, 2026
Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat
- Application opens: January 2, 2026
- Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Draw results: May 21, 2026
Bison
- Application opens: March 2, 2026
- Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Draw results: May 21, 2026
Deer and Antelope
- Application opens: January 2, 2026
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Draw results: June 18, 2026
Fall Turkey and Sandhill Crane
- Fall Turkey: April 1 – June 1, 2026; draw results: July 15, 2026
- Sandhill Crane: April 1 – June 1, 2026; draw results: July 15, 2026
Leftover licenses and second chances
Wyoming typically runs a leftover drawing after the initial draws for licenses that remain available.
- Leftover draw application period (elk, deer, antelope): June 22 – June 26, 2026
- Tentative leftover results: July 8, 2026
If any licenses remain after the leftover process, WGFD posts the availability details and sales timing on its leftover-license resources.
Preference points: don’t let them lapse
Wyoming’s preference point system is a long game—and consistency matters.
- Preference point purchase period (2026): July 1 – November 2, 2026
- Important: if you don’t apply or purchase for a species for two consecutive years, you can lose all accumulated points for that species.
Wyoming Super Tag raffle (a real shortcut)
The Wyoming Super Tag raffle is a separate pathway from the regular draws. It awards a small number of winners the opportunity to purchase licenses for iconic Wyoming species (species list varies by the raffle offering).
- Ticket purchase deadline: January 31 (annual deadline)
- Winner announcement: on or before March 1
Wilderness, Limited Draw, and Bipolar Weather: What you need to know about hunting in Wyoming
More on hunting in United States
Moose Hunting in the Lower 48: Problems and Opportunities
For generations, the dream destinations for moose hunters have been Alaska and the Yukon, where the Alaska-Yukon moose grows antlers that can stretch six feet wide. Russia’s Kamchatka and the Pacific coast of Siberia produce equally massive bulls, while the Canadian provinces offer easier logistics and more affordable hunts. Across the Atlantic, Fennoscandia (Norway, Sweden and Finland) holds the densest moose herds in the world, and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) provide some of the best bargains.
Yet hunters don’t always need to cross borders or oceans to chase this giant of the deer family. The Lower 48 has quietly built its own portfolio of moose opportunities. From Maine’s vast North Woods to the Rockies of Idaho and Colorado, and now even Nevada—which in 2025 will hold its first regulated moose season—there are more chances than ever to draw a tag close to home. The moose may be smaller here, and the tags harder to draw, but the adventure, challenge, and satisfaction are every bit as real. CONTINUE READING
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