August Idaho Update: Returned General Season Tag List

In 2022, Idaho has already had four of its nine Returned General Season tag sales. This week is the fifth returned tag sale. 

The next tag availability will be this week at 10 a.m. MDT on August 4

And also, now that it's August, these tags can be picked up as a second tag to both residents and nonresidents. So with this addition, there will be more competition for these returned tags.

These sales will continue through the month of October, so there’s still a chance if you’re looking to put a tag in your pocket. It is expected to see the bulk of returned tags hit the sale floor come these next few months due to all the draw processes being complete. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for this updated article prior to each sale date, and hope luck is on your side and you get through the system quickly.

On the August 4 return sale date in Idaho at 10:00 am MDT, there are a decent amount of tags available. Be sure to check out the list at the bottom of this article.

• Returned tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Individual unit tag counts are a not-to-exceed limit for nonresidents

Remember: it's always best to do a little research prior to the tag sale date so you know your personal top three or five units you'd be willing to pick up as these will sell out quickly. You can easily jump over to Filtering 2.0 and GOHUNT Maps to start your research prior to these returned tag sales. Be sure to log in early, and grab the tag and checkout as fast as you can to ensure you get the tag you desire. For more tips, be sure to check out this article here from the original Dec. 1 tag sale date.

NONRESIDENT SALES

If a nonresident does not have a deer or elk tag, then the nonresident may be able to purchase a first tag and possibly a second tag during this sale. The current nonresident limits for uncapped elk zones and all deer units still apply to returned tags purchased by nonresidents.

Nonresident fees:

• $351.75 for deer tags
• $651.75 for elk tags

RESIDENT SALES AS SECOND TAGS

Residents can purchase a tag from the nonresident quota as a second tag. Nonresident limits for uncapped elk zones and deer units do not apply to nonresident tags purchased by residents, so available deer tags can be used statewide and available elk tags can be purchased for any uncapped elk zone. Residents eligible for the Price Lock discount pay $301.75 for a deer tag, or $416.75 for an elk tag. Residents not eligible for the Price Lock discount pay the same deer and elk tag fees as nonresidents.

Capped Elk Zone Tags: A resident or nonresident can purchase nonresident tags returned from a capped elk zone as long as the cap is not sold out. Only residents can purchase a returned resident capped elk zone tag.

Elk Zones not Eligible for any Second Tags: Elk City

Deer Units not Eligible for any Second Tags: 10, 10A, 12, 16A, 17, 19 and 20.

Tips for picking up a tag

If you log into the Idaho Fish & Game licensing website early, you will be placed in the pre-sale waiting room. Keep your screen open and I'd suggest not refreshing the screen.

Then at 10:00 a.m., you will then be placed in the virtual queue. Then you will have to wait for your turn before you can jump in to purchase a license. Again, stay on this screen.

Returned sold out tags

All available tags will be listed on Idaho's 2022 returned tag page here. If there are any returned tags, they will be available once a month until September, and then it switches to the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. MT. The list of available tags for that period will be made available two days before the sale opens at 10:00 a.m. Remember, these are available online on a first come, first served basis and they will sell out quickly!

* Tags from here on out will now be available as first or second tags starting August 4 for both residents (residents can purchase from the nonresident quota as their second tag) and nonresidents.

Pick up an available tag here

August 4, 2022 tags available

Pick up an available tag here

What tags "could be available?"

• Sold-out nonresident capped elk zones
• Sold-out nonresident elk tags
• Sold-out nonresident deer tags
• Sold-out resident capped elk zones

Future eligible returned tags include:

• Nonresident outfitter tags for elk and for regular deer
• Nonresident outfitter tags for capped elk zones
• Resident and nonresident controlled hunts