Application Strategy 2023: Idaho elk, deer, and antelope

The deadline to apply for Idaho deer, elk and antelope is June 5, 2023 at 11:59 p.m MT. You can apply online here, in person at any Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) office or license vendor, or by phone by calling 1-800-554-8685. Fees do apply to online and phone purchases.

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What's new for 2023?

Elk

• Removed antlerless only harvest in Units 22 and 32A from the Weiser River Zone B Tag.
• Boise River Zone B tag season opens Oct. 27 — five days earlier.
• Pioneer Zone B tag quota (antlerless) has been reduced from 2,500 to 500 tags.
• Big Desert B tag quota (antlerless) has been reduced from 500 to 250 tags.

Mule deer

• Antlerless mule deer tag opportunities were reduced in Units 40, 41, 42, 45 and 54 in response to reduced population productivity.

Whitetail deer

• General seasons were extended until Nov. 20 in Units 19A, 23 and 24.

Antelope

• New either-sex hunt in all of Units 31, 32 and 32A.

Wolf

• Wolf hunting seasons are now year-round on public and private land statewide.

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State Information

View important information and an overview of Idaho’s rules/regulations, the draw system, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map on our State Profile. You can also view the Idaho species profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you locate trophy areas.

Important dates and information

• Applications for deer, elk and antelope must be submitted by 11:59 p.m MT on June 5, 2023.
• Applications can be submitted online here.
• Mailed applications are no longer accepted.
• Up to four hunters can apply together on a group application for deer, elk and antelope.
• There is new protocol for picking up returned tags in Idaho. Read more here.
• The second drawing application period for leftover tags will run from Aug. 5 to 15, 2023.
• Idaho hunting licenses, access fees and application fees are nonrefundable.
• If an applicant is successful in drawing an antlered only permit for deer, elk or antelope, they may not reapply for a controlled hunt for a period of one year.
• Any person whose name is drawn in a controlled hunt for deer or elk is prohibited from hunting in any other hunt for the same species except when the hunter has drawn an unlimited controlled hunt tag or depredation hunt or has purchased a leftover nonresident general season tag for that species at the nonresident price.

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The Idaho Draw System

Idaho is one of the few unique states that does not use a formal system of preference or bonus points for the distribution of controlled hunt permits. A simple lottery system is used, which puts every applicant—regardless of time spent applying—on a level playing field. In Idaho, nonresidents are eligible to draw up to 10% of any given species controlled hunt tags (bighorn sheep raffle and Super Hunt tags do not affect this 10% allotment) although this number is not guaranteed. In hunts with fewer than 10 available tags, only one shall be issued to nonresidents.

As a nonresident, how can my odds be the same as a resident?

Idaho’s draw odds can be a little complicated with the way that they cap the nonresidents at up to 10% of the tags. However, the way that they run the drawing process can be a benefit to nonresidents. Any time that the ratio between resident to nonresident applicants is higher than 9:1, meaning nine residents to one nonresident, the nonresident applicant has basically the same odds as a resident. With this ratio, there are not enough nonresident applicants to fill the 10% of the total permits offered for that unit, so the cap or quota doesn’t come into play.

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Idaho's 2023 elk breakdown

Not typically known for giant bulls, Idaho does offer great opportunities for hunters on either over-the-counter (OTC) tags or controlled hunts. Opportunity is widely available throughout the state for anyone willing to work for it; however, the best conditions, trophy potential and the dates are found within the controlled hunting opportunities. Some units feature both controlled and OTC hunt options — a fact that needs to be watched closely to stay legal, but can also play big into your favor when it comes to backdooring some mature bulls.

Idaho elk harvest trends
Year	General tag elk killed	Controlled tag elk killed	Total killed
2012	10241	5784	16025
2013	9853	6373	16226
2014	12886	7190	20076
2015	15048	8799	23847
2016	13172	7493	20665
2017	13282	8559	21841
2018	13473	7898	21371
2019	13804	5831	19635
2020	15050	6994	22044
2021	12776	6776	19552
2022	12,598	4,270	16,868

Current elk herd condition

As stated earlier, Idaho does not typically offer the trophy potentials for bulls that are found in some of the surrounding states, but it does have a ton of opportunity for those willing to work for it. Herds found in the northern half of the state are continuing to struggle, primarily due to predation; however, the rest of the herds remain strong. The 2022/2023 winter did see some snowstorms, particularly in the southeast corner. In general, elk herds should see minimal impact from these.

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The controlled hunt seasons

While Idaho offers some great OTC hunting, the primary objective of this article is to take a solid look at the limited entry opportunities available for hunters. As previously mentioned, the best hunting dates and areas are generally reserved for controlled hunts. Coincidentally, these hunts generally see the highest success rates and highest rates of mature elk harvested. Idaho offers a large number of controlled hunts—most of which are season specific—and it will be important for hunters to pay close attention to their hunt codes when applying. In the below section, we take an indepth look at the best controlled hunts for Idaho elk.

Archery

Because the archery seasons traditionally fall in line with the September rut, anyone holding one of these tags can be in for a great hunt. Drawing these tags can be a long shot, but the hunting experience can create lasting memories for life. There are only a handful of archery only controlled hunt areas in Idaho and most of these are centered around the southwestern corner of the state. Here, hunting pressure is regulated enough that bulls can grow to great sizes.

Breakdown of Idaho’s controlled archery only elk tags (not in order of quality)
Units	Trophy potential	Harvest success	Resident odds	Nonresident odds	Controlled hunt area
18	320''+	29%	17%	5.2%	-
39	310''+	40%	13%	6.6%	-
40, 41, and 42	350''+	55%	4.3%	1.8%	40-1
44	330''+	50%	27%	9.5%	-
45 and 52	320''+	29%	8.2%	2.1%	45-1
41, 46, and 47	340''+	41%	30%	5.9%	46-1
54	350''+	39%	2.8%	0.64%	-

Muzzleloader

Idaho is very strict with their muzzleloader laws and really restricts hunters with any type of modern technology on their firearms. Because of this, many hunters tend to shy away from these tags even though season dates can be prime for harvesting mature bulls. Good drawing odds can be found across the board for these. This can be an excellent option for someone to consider if they are willing to put in the extra effort required.

Breakdown of Idaho’s top controlled muzzleloader hunts for elk based on 6 point percentage in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Units	Trophy potential	Resident  Odds	Nonresident  Odds	Controlled  hunt area	6 point  percentage
54	350”+	4.1%	1%	n/a	100%
46 and 47	340”+	23%	10%	46-1	100%
36A	310”+	100%	29%	36A-1	100%
49	300”+	100%	50%	n/a	74%
30A	330”+	38%	13%	n/a	59%
50	300”+	78%	42%	50-1	58%
39	310”+	10%	7.8%	n/a	58%

Rifle

As the most popular weapon of choice, the rifle seasons for Idaho elk will see some steep odds, but also have the widest variety of opportunities. Idaho offers both early and late rifle hunting opportunities with the early hunts generally occurring around the tail end of the rut while the late hunts are primarily focusing on migratory elk. Good opportunities can be found with both tags although hunting conditions can be tough during the late hunts.

Breakdown of Idaho’s top controlled rifle hunts for elk based on 6 point percentage in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Units	Trophy potential	Resident Odd	Nonresident  odds	Controlled hunt	6 point percentage
19A	300”+	11%	6.6%	n/a	100%
31	320”+	12%	10%	n/a	100%
70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, and 74 (2047)	320”+	28%	2.8%	70-1	100%
54	350”+	1%	0.43%	n/a	93%
49	300”+	17%	4.2%	n/a	90%
45	320”+	10%	6.6%	n/a	87%
46 and 4 (2025)	340”+	8%	5%	46-1	86%

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

With the lack of any formal bonus or preference point system, applicants in Idaho will never be rewarded for their length of application for any given unit; however, the playing field is level for everyone. Under this system, your name could be drawn for the tag of a lifetime during any application. Establishing your goals and aspirations for Idaho early in your strategy will be key to ensuring that you draw your most desired tag. With the sheer amount of controlled tags available, most hunters can likely find a hunt with decent odds to suit their needs.

See your draw odds

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Idaho's 2023 mule deer breakdown

Idaho has been historically producing solid mule deer bucks for decades. Recently, herds have struggled to maintain healthy levels.  Moderate winters have helped; however, good, solid hunting can still produce some incredible bucks. Most of the OTC hunts take place in October — before the rut — with the best hunting dates saved for those with controlled tags.

Idaho statewide 4 point or better harvest
Year	General tag 4pt %	Controlled tag 4pt %
2017	45%	70%
2018	37%	68%
2019	39%	67%
2020	35%	66%
2021	33%	66%
2022	35%	67%

Current mule deer herd condition

Mule deer have been slowly, but steadily, declining in Idaho in recent years and overall buck quality has dipped somewhat. The southeast corner of the state has been hit hard by winter storms this year and deer populations are taking a hit. Lower deer densities will be present in these areas this yea,r but mature bucks will still be somewhat present.

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The controlled hunt seasons

Some incredible opportunities can be had through hard work on the OTC tags; however, it’s not a surprise that the best dates and largest bucks are routinely found during controlled hunts. A huge array of hunts are offered in Idaho with weapon selection being the biggest limiting factor that applicants will need to first consider. In the following tables, we are going to look at some of the best hunts to consider based on each weapon type for 2023.

Archery

Out of the controlled hunts, the archery hunts generally carry the best odds of drawing, but at the cost of typically less desirable dates and lower hunter success levels. Still, with the cost of admission, archery hunts can be a great opportunity for anyone to consider.

Breakdown of Idaho’s top controlled archery hunts for mule deer based on 4 point percentage in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Units	Trophy potential	Resident Odds	Nonresident Odds	Controlled Hunt area	4 point  percentage
45	190”+	16%	1.5%	n/a	100%
52	190”+	41%	14%	n/a	100%
44	180”+	25%	6.8%	n/a	95%
78	170”+	17%	6.9%	n/a	83%
68A	160”+	100%	100%	n/a	83%
22	170”+	22%	15%	n/a	75%
40	190”+	25%	11%	n/a	72%

Muzzleloader

While muzzleloaders are extremely regulated in Idaho, hunters can find great opportunities if they are willing to put up with the limitations. Most of the muzzleloader controlled hunts take place during the mule deer rut and will provide hunters with excellent opportunities to look over a number of bucks.

Breakdown of Idaho’s top controlled muzzleloader hunts for mule deer based on 4 point percentage in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Units	Trophy potential	Resident  Odds	Nonresident  Odds	Controlled  Hunt area	4 point percentage
21A	170”+	7.1%	4.3%	n/a	100%
30A	160”+	20%	13%	n/a	100%
50 and 51	170”+	16%	11%	51-1	85%
45	190”+	27%	14%	n/a	82%
29 and 37A	160”+	57%	19%	29-1	78%
52	190”+	15%	3.2%	n/a	71%
68	160”+	32%	32%	n/a	71%
74	160”+	16%	10%	n/a	71%

Rifle

As the most popular weapon choice, the controlled rifle season hunts will generally carry the lowest odds for applicants. Most of the rifle hunts take place in or around the rut with many extending throughout the duration of the rut. The draw odds are steep, but these seasons will generally provide the best opportunity for trophy bucks in Idaho.

Breakdown of Idaho’s top controlled rifle hunts for mule deer based on 4 point percentage in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Units	Trophy potential	Resident Odds	Nonresident Odds	Controlled  Hunt area	4pt %
19A	170”+	12%	4.3%	n/a	100%
21	180”+	1.8%	1.3%	n/a	100%
25	170”+	4.4%	4.2%	n/a	100%
28	170”+	2.2%	1.4%	n/a	100%
36	150”+	4.5%	3.1%	n/a	100%
36A	180”+	1.9%	0.99%	n/a	100%
36B	180”+	0.91%	0.64%	n/a	100%
69	180”+	1.5%	1.4%	n/a	100%
70 (1054)	180”+	1%	0.88%	n/a	100%
73 (1057)	170”+	1.3%	1.1%	n/a	100%

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

With the lack of any formal bonus or preference point system, applicants in Idaho will never be rewarded for their length of application for any given unit and the playing field is level for everyone. Under this system, your name could be drawn for the tag of a lifetime during any application. Establishing your goals and aspirations for Idaho early in your strategy will be key to ensuring that you draw your most desired tag. With the sheer amount of controlled tags available, most hunters can likely find a hunt with decent odds to suit their needs. Additionally, the OTC hunts in Idaho can be great options to look at!

See your draw odds

WHITETAIL DEER IN IDAHO

Along with mule deer, hunters will also have the opportunity to hunt whitetail deer nearly statewide. Most of the whitetail hunting is conducted through general tags and hunters can find some exceptional bucks — particularly in the panhandle. Additionally, many of the general tag options allow hunters to hunt whitetail during the rut with rifles. You can find more information about whitetail options on Filtering 2.0.

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Idaho's 2023 antelope breakdown

Idaho has a smaller, but generally healthy population of antelope. Trophy potentials are generally lower than some of the surrounding states, but some great bucks are taken in Idaho every year. Archery hunts typically offer the best chances for securing a tag and harvest statistics are still fairly high among these. Along with archery, hunters will also have the chance to apply for muzzleloader and rifle hunts. One caveat with antelope hunts to keep in mind is that ​​any person drawn for a controlled antelope hunt (including either-sex, doe and fawn) is not eligible to apply the following year for any controlled antelope hunt.

Idaho state harvest trends for antelope
Year	Total harvest	Success % (all seasons)	Average horn length
2017	1675	60%	11.6''
2018	1845	65%	9.6''
2019	1520	54%	11.5''
2020	1723	58%	11.2''
2021	1502	52%	11.4''
2022	1597	56%	11.04%

Current antelope herd condition

Antelope populations continue to do well in the state despite the smaller population sizes. The southeast corner of the state has been hit hard by winter storms this year and antelope populations are taking a hit. Lower antelope densities will be present in these areas. Still, hunting conditions for the 2023 season should be fairly par for the course.

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The controlled hunt seasons

Idaho has a good number of controlled hunt options for antelope for applicants to consider. These can be primarily broken down into categories based on weapon type. The best success rates will be found with the rifle hunts; however, draw odds for these are often steep. Archery hunts carry the best odds, but hunting is obviously more challenging.

Archery

The best draw odds will almost always be found with the archery seasons. In addition, several of the hunts have an unlimited tag quota. Most of the hunts begin a few weeks ahead of the general big game archery seasons and can provide a great opportunity to shake off the cobwebs for your fall. As a bonus, some of the season dates extend through the antelope rut, which can be an incredibly exciting hunt.

Archery hunts with unlimited quotas can only be listed as your first choice only.

Breakdown of Idaho’s controlled archery seasons for antelope based on average horn length in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Resident  Odds	Nonresident  Odds	Controlled  Hunt area	Avg. horn length
55, 56, 57	75”+	20%	5.1%	55-1	14.1”
68 (4043)	80”+	42%	42%		13”
52A and 53	75”+	100%	100%	52A-1	12.7”
46 and 47 (4035)	70”+	100%	100%	46-1	12.3”
68 (4044)	80”+	100%	100%		12.3”
46 and 47 (4034)	70”+	42%	35%	46-1	12.2”
49 and 50	70”+	100%	100%	49-1	12.1”

Muzzleloader

Idaho only offers a handful of opportunities for muzzleloader antelope, but some great opportunities can be had. Most of the seasons begin towards the tail end of the rut, but some do afford hunters the opportunity to chase bucks during the peak of the rut.

Breakdown of Idaho’s controlled muzzleloader hunts for antelope in 2022 (not in order of quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Resident  Odds	Nonresident  Odds	Controlled Hunt Area	Average horn length
30A	70”+	29%	21%	n/a	10.5”
41	70”+	19%	16%	41-2	10.7”
47	70”+	27%	26%	n/a	9.2”
63 (4048)	65”+	33%	28%	63-2	10.9”
63 (4049)	65”+	45%	45%	63-2	9.6”

Rifle

By far, the best odds for success at a mature buck will be found with the rifle season. As stated, draw odds are steeper with these hunts than those found during the archery or muzzleloader seasons. For the most part, these hunts take place during the dead period between the end of general archery and the beginning of general rifle for most species. This can be a great time to get out with a bonus tag in your pocket while not detracting from any other hunts.

Breakdown of Idaho’s controlled rifle hunts for antelope based on average horn length in 2022 (not in order or quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Resident Odds	Nonresident  Odds	Controlled  Hunt area	Avg. horn length
76	75”+	2.7%	1.9%	76-1	14.5”
55, 56, and 57	75”+	1.9%	0.49%	55-1	14.1”
54	80”+	2.5%	0.71%	n/a	13.8”
36B and 28	70”+	6.7%	2.8%	36B-1	13.2”
37 and 37A	75”+	3.1%	2.4%	37-1	13.1”
51 and 63	70”+	4.3%	3.8%	51-1	13”
40	70”+	3.3%	3.1%	n/a	12.4”
52A and 53	75”+	3.8%	3.7%	52A-1	12.4”

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

With the lack of any formal bonus or preference point system, applicants in Idaho will never be rewarded for their length of application for any given unit; however, the playing field is level for everyone. Under this system, your name could be drawn for the tag of a lifetime during any application. Establishing your goals and aspirations for Idaho early in your strategy will be key to ensuring that you draw your most desired tag. With the sheer amount of controlled tags available, most hunters can likely find a hunt with decent odds to suit their needs. Archery hunters might consider the units with unlimited quotas for a guaranteed hunt every fall while rifle hunters may need to settle in for a long wait on their desired tag.

See your draw odds