Idaho still has over 11,000 deer tags and 7,000 elk tags that are available as over-the-counter (OTC) tags.

For 2016, Idaho Fish and Game set a quota of 15,500 nonresident deer tags and 12,815 nonresident elk tags that are available as general OTC tags. These tags are reserved for nonresidents through July 31. After that date they will become available for residents as well. OTC tags can be purchased here. 

For a detailed breakdown on OTC hunting in Idaho, you can check out these recent INSIDER articles: The complete guide to unlock Idaho's OTC whitetail hunts and How to hunt Idaho every year and why. You can also utilize Filtering 2.0 to quickly narrow down several OTC units to research based on trophy potential, harvest success, male:female ratio, percent antler size, etc.

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Don't give up if certain tags are sold out. Here's why.

When looking at the remaining tags, keep in mind that tag numbers may increase from previous totals due to people turning their tags back in. This can be hunter’s gold and is exactly how I got a Montana general deer tag in 2015 after all of the general deer tags had been sold out for the better part of a month.

Starting on August 1, all hunters (residents and nonresidents) are eligible to buy any remaining Idaho deer and elk tags as a second tag. These leftover second tags cannot be used in controlled hunt areas and the use of a second tag must fall under currently established nonresident elk zone tag limits.

Check the nonresident leftover tag status here

How to purchase a second tag

To purchase a second tag, you must first hold a hunting license and a 2016 deer or elk tag. Residents can purchase a second tag at the nonresident price. Second tags can be purchased here after August 1.

Second tag price for 2016

Elk: $416.75
Deer: $301.75

Potential 2016 discounted tags

2014 and 2015 were the first years that Idaho offered discounted nonresident tags due to the high amount of leftover tags. 2016 could see this same discount tag rate starting in August.

Potential reduced tag price structure

• Second elk tag could cost $350
• Second deer tag could cost $199

Urgent: Pick up your controlled hunt tags by August 1

Hunters who successful drew controlled hunt tags for deer, elk, antelope, and bear have until midnight MST, on August 1 to buy their tags. If you somehow missed the controlled hunt results, you can check the draw results here.

All of the controlled hunt tags not purchased by August 1, except unlimited tags, will be forfeited and made available in a second drawing. The application period for the second drawing runs from August 5 to 15. Draw results for this second draw should be out by August 20.  Any remaining tags after the second draw will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis starting August 25 at 10 a.m. MST. 

Best of luck this season!