If you didn’t draw your tag for the 2026 hunting season or missed out on applying, don’t hang up your boots just yet. Some of the best chances to still hunt out West this year come from leftover hunting tags and second draw hunting opportunities. These options are goldmines for flexible hunters who stay alert and know where to look.
What Are Leftover Hunting Tags?
Leftover hunting tags are typically licenses that weren’t claimed in the main draw. This could be due to applicants turning tags back in, missing payment deadlines, or simply because a tag went overlooked. These tags often become available in a first-come, first-served format or through a secondary draw, depending on the state.
These tags often include quality hunts in overlooked units, areas with access challenges, or hunts during slightly less desirable seasons, or even hunts with very difficult terrain. While there are challenges to leftover units, just because they are leftover hunts, doesn’t mean you should scratch them off as a hunt that isn’t worth your time.
States like Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming offer second chances via leftover lists or secondary draws. These tags can include opportunities for elk, mule deer, antelope, and more — many of which offer excellent chances if you're willing to put in some work.
Be Strategic and Informed
Preparation is key to success with leftover and second draw hunts across the West. Know the deadlines, understand the state-specific rules, and understand how these opportunities are distributed.
One of the best ways to see these opportunities is through our deadline calendars on GOHUNT. You can view them two ways: our annual application deadline article (which is great to view everything current and in the past, or our dedicated deadline page, which can be an easier page to view (especially if you’re on a mobile device). The dedicated deadline page can also be sorted by state and species which can make it easier to view.
Just because it’s a leftover tag doesn’t mean it’s low quality. In fact, some of my favorite hunts have come from second choice or leftover tags. Often these units receive less hunting pressure, or they’re overlooked because they take more effort — maybe it’s a longer hike in, tougher terrain, or limited access. That’s where you can use your GOHUNT Insider research tools to dig in and find hidden gems others miss. And sometimes, you can hunt that leftover unit for many years in a row which helps to learn the unit.
Why Second Draw/Leftover Hunting Opportunities Matter
Second draw and leftover hunts are often undervalued, but they can offer strong odds and access to quality hunting experiences. For instance, here are some popular secondary/leftover opportunities:
Montana's Nonresident Combination License Alternate List provides you with a chance to get a turned back nonresident combination tag (deer, elk, big game). The application period is May 1 to June 1, 2026, by 11:45 p.m. MT. Learn more about Montana's Nonresident Combination License Alternate List here.
Colorado’s Secondary Draw gives you another shot at tags. It’s still a draw, so keep that in mind. The application period for Colorado's secondary draw is June 18 to 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. MT. You'll be able to find out everything there is to know about the Colorado Secondary Draw with this article once the state updates the number of available tags.
Idaho leftover tag sale dates. At this point in the year, there are three more leftover general season deer and elk tag sale dates and one 2nd Controlled Draw period. The next general season leftover date is on June 25, 2026, followed by August 6, 2026, then September 17, 2026. And the 2nd Controlled application period is August 5 to 15, 2026. Keep checking our Leftover article section for more information on these opportunities.
Colorado's leftover (remaining) and reissued license list are hunting licenses that became available after the main draw and secondary draw. These will be available starting on August 4, 2026. Check out our Colorado license leftover list article here.
Nevada’s second draw allows you to apply again if you didn’t draw, forgot to apply in the main draw, or want another chance at tags others returned. The application period for Nevada's secondary draw is June 8 to 15, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. PT. Check out the available tags in the Nevada second draw here.
Oregon leftover hunting tag list typically opens up around July 1 of each year, and tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about this process and see the list of available hunting tags on our Oregon leftover hunting tag list article here.
Utah has a leftover tag sale date for any returned limited-entry permits and general season permits that starts on July 7, 2026. Check out the available tags and learn more about Utah's leftover process here.
Utah also has other general season opportunities coming up. You have general season bull elk archery hunts available on July 7, 2026, general season any bull hunts available on July 9, 2026, and general season spike only hunts available on July 16, 2026. The articles below will be updated later in June.
Nevada First Come, First Served is a phenomenal opportunity to pick up a returned Nevada tag, but this process is unique in terms of when tags show up. Tentatively, these tags will be available starting around late July 2026. Learn more about Nevada's First Come, First Served process here.
Wyoming leftover tags can include reduced-price cow/calf elk or doe/fawn antelope and deer. Each year, there are a few leftover antlered deer and bull elk opportunities. The application dates are June 22 to June 26, 2026.
For hunters looking to get a hunting tag out West in 2026, these options can be the answer.
How to research the best leftover tags for hunting in 2026
To capitalize on these opportunities, you need a plan. You want these tags to work with what you expect from a hunt, as well as your hunting style and preferences. So the more you plan now, the higher the likelihood you'll be able to pick up one of these opportunities:
Use tools like GOHUNT Insider to research unit stats, harvest data, and access issues. Especially Filtering, GOHUNT Maps, and our Unit Profiles.
Watch for leftover tag release dates: they vary by state and often come with little warning it seems. But we have you covered with our OTC & Leftover article section of the website.
Be ready to act fast, especially on first-come tags. These can go within minutes once available.
Even if a unit isn’t a top-tier "trophy producer," it may offer a low-pressure, high-success-rate hunt with solid animals. Many of my own memorable hunts have come from second choice or leftover tags — hunts with less competition, more adventure, and plenty of opportunity.
Stay Flexible and Hunt More in 2026
One of the biggest advantages of chasing leftover tags and second draw hunts is the ability to extend your season. Maybe you didn’t draw your dream elk tag — that doesn’t mean you can’t chase mule deer in a general unit, or pick up an elk tag in a place that might require you to burn up some boot leather.
Hunting more means learning more. With leftover tags, you'll gain valuable field time, improve your skills, and maybe even stumble on a new favorite spot.
Antlerless hunts
Don’t overlook antlerless hunting opportunities, especially in states with upcoming deadlines like Utah, where cow elk and doe deer tags are available in the upcoming draw. These hunts are a fantastic way to get meat in the freezer, introduce new hunters to the field, and extend your season with less hunting pressure. Antlerless tags often come with higher success rates and can be a great option if you're looking to build experience and maximize your time outdoors without the intense competition of buck or bull hunts. Keep a close eye on these draws — they’re some of the most accessible ways to stay in the game.
Keep in mind that Utah's antlerless draw deadline is June 23, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. MT. Learn more about Utah's antlerless application process here.
You can research for these antlerless hunts on our Filtering research tool. You can do this research in the palm of your hand on our GOHUNT mobile app or on the web version of Insider.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss These Hunting Opportunities
Leftover and second draw tags aren’t consolation prizes — they’re opportunities.
If you’re willing to be flexible with your hunt location or species, these tags can help you build experience, put meat in the freezer, and keep you out in the field while building points elsewhere.
Being in the field — even if it’s not your first-choice unit — means you’re learning country, honing skills, and staying sharp for the tags you’re still chasing. And let’s be honest: it’s way better than sitting home and scrolling social media, watching other people hunt.
In a time when draw odds are tougher than ever, it pays to think beyond the primary draws. Leftover hunting tags and second draw opportunities are not consolation prizes — they’re real, huntable options. Whether you're looking to hunt elk, deer, or antelope, this strategy can keep you in the field and fuel your passion all fall.
If you’re serious about hunting the West in 2026, start tracking those deadlines, research units with leftover tags, and stay flexible. The tag you hunt this year might not be the one you planned — it might be better.
