Idaho's bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat application overview

Jump to: New for 2016 State Information Draw System Rocky Bighorn Breakdown Cali Bighorn Breakdown Moose Breakdown Mountain Goat Breakdown

Idaho offers hunting opportunity for four once-in-lifetime species: moose, mountain goat, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and California bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain and California bighorn sheep are considered the same species by Boone and Crockett (B&C)). Idaho does not use a bonus or preference point system in any of the draws so it does not matter if you are a first time applicant or have been applying for 20 years — everyone has the same odds of receiving a tag. This is good news for young new hunters or if you are just getting started in the draw game and don’t have many points built up across the West. The downside is that there is no reward for your investment as far as increased odds in subsequent years and, in Idaho, the yearly investment is high. Idaho requires you to purchase a hunting license each year as well as application fees and processing fees that are all nonrefundable. Nonresidents can receive up to 10% of the total tags in the draw for the species they have applied for and all applicants are limited to applying for only one species. This is part of the reason draw odds in Idaho are better than most other western states.

On the bright side, Idaho is a beautiful state with approximately 80% of it being public land, including more than 4 million acres of designated wilderness areas. There is great access to almost any area you choose to hunt and you are not required to use an outfitter or guide although it could be beneficial in many areas. While most of the sheep and goat populations remain stable, several moose areas have suffered from wolf predation. The central portion of the state is home to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and is one of the most remote wilderness areas in the Lower 48. The wilderness areas are steep and rugged. Several sheep and goat herds reside in and around these wilderness areas.

Note: The application deadline for all sheep, moose and mountain goat hunts in Idaho is April 30, 2016. You can apply online here.

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Why Idaho for bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat

Good draw odds

Idaho has relatively good draw odds compared to other states mainly because applicants must choose between a single species (moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat) when applying.

Plenty of public land

Idaho is roughly 80% public land, which includes more than 4 million acres of wilderness areas. Most units can be easily reached from multiple access points, which allows for good hunter dispersal.

No outfitter needed

Hunters are not required to hire an outfitter/guide to hunt private or public land, including wilderness areas. Yet, landowner permission will be needed to access private land. Much of Idaho is remote and rugged so it may be beneficial to hire a guide to increase harvest success. Do your homework and decide if a guide is right for you.

No point system

Idaho has not implemented a point system so every applicant has an equal chance of drawing a tag. Young hunters and first time applicants have the same draw odds as those who have been applying for years.

High harvest success

Average harvest success on sheep and goat hunts is approaching 100% and average harvest success for moose is around 75%.

Any weapon

Hunters are allowed to use any legal weapon to harvest their once-in-a-lifetime animal. If you plan to use archery tackle or a muzzleloader you will need to purchase an additional permit for $20.

Tags can be transferred

Tags can be transferred to a child or grandchild who did not receive a tag in the draw, but would otherwise be a qualified recipient.

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Why do many people not apply in Idaho?

High cost of applying

Idaho has very high nonrefundable fees associated with applying each year. The nonrefundable application fees and license will cost $241.14 in addition to the $2,101.75 tag fee when applying. Tag fees are refunded if unsuccessful, but the $154.75 license, $14.75 application fee, $3.50 online application convenience fee, and an application processing fee of 3% of the total cost is nonrefundable and is required each year you apply. This makes Idaho easily the highest priced state out of those that do not reward applicants with a bonus/preference point for each unsuccessful year.

Example of Idaho prices compared to New Mexico

The cost to NOT build points
Bighorn sheep application cost comparison New Mexico vs Idaho — Nonresident only
	New Mexico		Idaho
Application item	Cost	Refundable	Cost	Refundable
Annual hunting license	$65	Yes	$154.75	No
Application fee	$13	No	$14.75	No
Online processing fee	N/A	N/A	$71.64	No
Bighorn tag	$3,160	Yes	$2,101.75	Yes
Total out of pocket	$3,238		$2,342.89
Refunded if unsuccessful	$3,225		$2,101.75
Net cost to apply	$13		$241.14

 

Average trophy quality

Idaho has only average trophy quality and animal numbers for the $2,101.75 cost of the tag. The only real exception to this is bighorn sheep Unit 11 which consistently produces the biggest bighorns harvested in Idaho each year.

Rugged

Most of Idaho’s bighorn sheep and goat areas are in very steep, rugged country and much of that is within wilderness areas. If you draw an Idaho bighorn sheep or goat tag, be prepared for a physically and mentally tough hunt.

Wolves

Wolves have had a significant impact on many of Idaho’s moose populations, especially those in the central, northern, and eastern portions of the state.

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New for 2016

Idaho updates and revises their moose, bighorn sheep and goat regulations on a biannual basis and the current published edition is for the 2015/2016 calendar years. The “what’s new” section of last year’s regulations apply to the 2016 season as well.

General

•  Unmanned aircraft (drones) have been outlawed in Idaho for the purpose of locating game or to communicate with people on the ground.
•  The Boulder-White Cloud Wilderness Area was enacted last fall and encompasses 431 square miles. This is in addition to the 6,100 square miles of wilderness already enacted.

Bighorn sheep

There is a new hunt with two tags in Unit 19A. The season in Unit 17 is opening earlier and the hunt areas in Unit 28 have changed.

Mountain goat

Two tags have been added to Unit 10 and the unit has been split (10-1 and 10-2).

Moose

Any weapon bull moose hunts have been added in Units 5 and 54. An archery-only hunt has also been added in Unit 68A for bull and cow moose. A certified archery hunter I.D.card is required and an archery permit must be purchased for an additional $20 for this hunt.

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State information

Idaho has a simple draw system where applicants can only apply for moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat. If you apply for any of the once-in-a-lifetime species you are not eligible to apply for elk, deer, or antelope even if you were unsuccessful in the lifetime draw. There is no point system for any of the draws in Idaho so everyone has equal opportunity of drawing a tag. Applicants are able to add additional choices on their application. Drawing a second choice is only possible if there is leftover tags after first choice applicants receive tags. Drawing a tag for a second choice is extremely unlikely since every tag has been filled by first choice applicants for at least the past five years with the rare exception of an occasional moose tag. There are no over-the-counter (OTC) tags for moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat.

To view important information and an overview of Idaho’s rules/regulations, the draw system, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map, check out our State Profile. You can also view the Sheep Profiles, Moose Profile and Mountain Goat Profile to access historical and statistical data to help you find trophy areas.

State Profile Rocky Profile California Profile Moose Profile Mountain Goat Profile

Important dates and information

•  You may begin applying NOW.
•  You can apply online here.
•  First controlled hunt application period: April 1 to 30, 2016.
•  Second controlled hunt application period: June 15 to 25, 2016 (there was no second drawing in 2015, all tags were issued).
•  Leftover tags from the second drawing go on sale July 10, 2016.

Note: It is the responsibility of the hunter to check and find out if they drew a tag or not. Do not rely on Idaho to contact you regarding your draw results. Be proactive and watch for draw results on the website. Tags or refunds will be received by mail no later than June 10, 2016. 

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The draw system

Understanding the draw

Everyone’s first choice is considered before any second choice applications are drawn. This makes makes the odds of drawing your second choice essentially zero since all tags will be issued to first choice applicants. Nonresidents are allowed up to (but not guaranteed) 10% of the total tags for a given species.

Unlocking Idaho’s system

Idaho does not utilize a bonus or preference point system so everyone has equal draw odds regardless of the number of years a person has been applying. The key to unlocking Idaho’s system lies in our Draw Odds calculator and looking at the harvest success information. You will have better odds by applying for moose and mountain goat in Idaho. This is because both residents and nonresidents are limited to only one of the three species and there is a higher cost than other states in the nonrefundable fees, especially for a state with no point system. This helps to keep overall applications low and you can easily see this breakdown when you are looking at units on Filtering 2.0.

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Idaho's Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep breakdown

There are 22 units for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Idaho with 68 available tags for the 2016 season. All Rocky Mountain units are north of Interstate 84. Like other western states, most sheep country in Idaho is very steep, rugged, and remote. In 2015, there were 1,027 nonresident applicants and only five were drawn for a tag. Harvest success in many of Idaho’s sheep units was at or near 100% in 2015. Most units produce only average trophy quality with horn length around the mid 30” mark with 14” bases. Unit 11 is by far the best unit if you are looking to harvest a big Rocky Mountain bighorn in Idaho, but resident draw odds for this unit were only 0.43% and nonresident were only 0.37% in 2015.

Current Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd condition

Budget restraints prevent Idaho biologists from completing yearly surveys of bighorn sheep units, but populations continue to be stable to increasing in most areas. Tag numbers and trophy quality continue to be consistent in recent years. Most units produce mainly average sized sheep, but many have the potential for an above average ram. Idaho sheep numbers are not abundant when compared to standards of many other western states, but the herd is healthy with a handful of tags available across the state.

The seasons

Seasons vary for both Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and California bighorn sheep, but are generally long enough to allow adequate time to find and harvest a ram. Most Rocky Mountain seasons run August 30 through October 13 with a few late hunts running until October 31.

goHUNT’s hit list units for trophy Idaho Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in 2016

Top hit list units to consider for 170" or better Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (not in order of quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Avg. horn length 2015	Ram:ewe ratio	Harvest success	Total No. of apps.	Res. apps.	Nonres apps.
Unit 11	180"+	40.88"	45:100	100%	263	50	213
Unit 37A	180"+	NA	25:100	0%	101	27	74
Unit 36A	175"+	34.31"	30:100	100%	73	19	54
Unit 37	175"+	33.55"	76:100	83%	397	157	240
Unit 19	170"+	37.12"	55:100	100%	70	60	10
Unit 26	170"+	37.21"	145:100	75%	32	19	13
Unit 28-2	170"+	20.25"	50:100	100%	121	44	77
Unit 36B	170"+	33.55"	30:100	100%	113	36	77
Unit 26L	170"+	31.5"	145:100	50%	23	5	18

 

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Hidden gem information

First, do your homework. We provide lots of valuable information here and in the State Profile and Unit Breakdowns of each species. Beyond that you should contact biologists, study maps, and talk to previous hunters about their success and experiences. Remember that nothing replaces hard work and scouting when looking for that once-in-a-lifetime trophy. There are several units that have the potential to produce an above average ram, but finding them will take work and dedication.

Top 10 Idaho Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep units for ram:ewe ratios
Unit	Ram:ewe ratio	Trophy potential
Unit 26	145:100	170"+
Unit 27-1	145:100	165"+
Unit 27-2	145:100	165"+
Unit 27-3	145:100	165"+
Unit 27-4	145:100	165"+
Unit 36	145:100	155"+
Unit 26L	145:100	170"+
Unit 27L	145:100	165"+
Unit 37	76:100	175"+
Unit 19	55:100	170"+

 

Five year B&C entry trends for Idaho bighorn sheep

B&C lists Rocky Mountain bighorns and California bighorns under the same classification. Units below may include Rocky Mountain bighorns or California bighorns.
 

Idaho's top B&C producing counties since 2010 for bighorn sheep
County	No. of entries	Units found within county
Nez Perce	5	11
Idaho	1	17L, 19, 19A, 20, 20A, 21, 26, 26L, 27L, 27-2, 28-1, 28-2
Lemhi	1	20, 20A, 21, 26, 27-1, 27-2, 27-3, 27-5, 28-1, 28-2, 28-3
Owyhee*	1	40, 41-1, 41-2, 42-1 & 42-2, 46-1 & 46-2, 55
Valley	1	26, 27-1

Managing expectations

Find your draw odds

Since there are no points in Idaho you can expect roughly consistent draw odds each year although odds have been trending slightly downward. It could be possible that you draw a tag your first time applying or you may spend years and thousands of dollars trying to get that coveted tag. It’s best to keep your expectations low. Remember that someone is going to draw a tag and it could be you. The best strategy for drawing a Rocky Mountain bighorn tag in Idaho is to study the information provided in Filtering 2.0 to find a handful of units that meet your criteria. Next, check out the odds of drawing a tag using our Draw Odds calculator. Note: some of the draw odds for units reflect the ruggedness and inaccessibility of the terrain. So caution should be made on what units you apply for: in some areas, the only access might be by boat or plane. Keep in mind that this is a strategy lots of hunters will use, and because of this, draw odds seem to fluctuate slightly from year to year. It is also a great idea to check out the trending number of applicants for the unit you want to apply for. You ultimately will need to decided what species you want to apply for because you can only apply for one of the Big Three species in Idaho.
 

Idaho's California bighorn sheep breakdown

There are six units for California bighorn sheep in Idaho; all are south of Interstate 84 and all but one are in Owyhee County. The remaining unit, Unit 55, is in Cassia County. There were 442 nonresident applicants in 2015 with three drawing tags. There are 21 available tags for the 2016 season. Owyhee County units are all about equal when it comes to trophy quality and typically produce 145” to 160” rams. There is an occasional larger ram taken but that is what can typically be expected. Unit 55 has struggled to produce a big ram over the past several years. Most California bighorn sheep are found within the Owyhee and Bruneau river drainages and their tributaries. River drainages are deep canyon country that can be accessed from the upper rim where good optics can take over from there.

The seasons

California bighorn sheep dates vary but most run from August 30 until October 8. Units 42-1, 42-2 and 46-1, 46-2 have split early/late seasons. Early season bighorn sheep will have seen less pressure but late seasons will provide slightly cooler weather.

goHUNT’s hit list units for trophy Idaho California bighorn sheep in 2016

Top hit list units to consider for 155" or better California bighorn sheep (not in order of quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Avg. horn length 2015	Ram:ewe ratio	Harvest success	Total no. of apps.	Res. apps.	Nonres. apps.
Unit 46-1	170"+	31.25"	45:100	100%	181	74	107
Unit 46-2	170"+	NA	45:100	0%	117	42	75
Unit 41-1	165"+	31.88"	51:100	100%	78	36	42
Unit 42-1	165"+	NA	93:100	0%	102	38	64
Unit 42-2	165"+	30"	93:100	50%	94	55	39
Unit 40	160"+	33.5"	24:100	100%	27	10	17
Unit 41-2	160"+	31.5"	51:100	50%	161	68	93
Unit 55	155"+	31.5"	16:100	100%	27	22	5

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Hidden gem information

First, do your homework. We provide lots of valuable information here and in the State Profile and Unit Breakdowns of each species. Beyond that you should contact biologists, study maps, and talk to previous hunters about their success and experiences. Remember that nothing replaces hard work and scouting when looking for that once-in-a-lifetime trophy. There are several units that have the potential to produce an above average ram, but finding them will take work and dedication.

Top 10 Idaho California bighorn sheep units for ram:ewe ratios
Unit	Ram:ewe ratio	Trophy potential
Unit 42-1, 42-2	93:100	165"+
Unit 41-1	51:100	165"+
Unit 41-2	51:100	160"+
Unit 46-1, 46-2	45:100	170"+
Unit 40	24:100	160"+
Unit 55	16:100	155"+

 

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Managing expectations

Find your draw odds

Since there are no points in Idaho you can expect roughly consistent draw odds each year although odds have been trending slightly downward. It could be possible that you draw a tag your first time applying or you may spend years and thousands of dollars trying to get that coveted tag. It’s best to keep your expectations low. Remember that someone is going to draw a tag and it could be you. The best strategy for drawing a California bighorn tag in Idaho is to study the information provided in Filtering 2.0 to find a handful of units that meet your criteria. Next, check out the odds of drawing a tag using our Draw Odds calculator. Note: some of the draw odds for units reflect the ruggedness and inaccessibility of the terrain. So caution should be made on what units you apply for: in some areas, the only access might be by boat or plane. Keep in mind that this is a strategy lots of hunters will use, and because of this, draw odds seem to fluctuate slightly from year to year. It is also a great idea to check out the trending number of applicants for the unit you want to apply for. You ultimately will need to decided what species you want to apply for because you can only apply for one of the Big Three species in Idaho.

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Idaho Shiras moose breakdown
 

Idaho is a great state for Shiras moose with moose present in most parts of the state. Wolves within some parts of the state — mainly the central and eastern portions — have significantly reduced the moose populations and hunter harvest success. Yet, there are still many units capable of producing trophy moose and high harvest success. 714 moose tags will be issued to hunters in 2016 spread over 72 different units. Nonresidents are allowed up to (but not guaranteed) 10% of the total tags. In 2015, there were 654 nonresident applicants and 48 of those drew a bull moose tag. Because applicants are required to choose one species when applying, moose tend to be overlooked and have much better draw odds than bighorn sheep or mountain goat. The application and tag fees for moose are the same as those for bighorn sheep and goat. Few units will produce bulls over 50” wide, but most units give you a chance to harvest a 40” bull.

Current Shiras moose herd condition

Current herd conditions remain stable and consistent compared to last year’s assessment from Steve Nadeau, IDFG's predator expert. Wolf predation continues to be an issue in several areas (mainly in the central, northern, and eastern units) while other areas of the state are healthy. Tag numbers remain stable. Opportunity to hunt moose in Idaho remains a top choice in the West.

The seasons

Moose seasons in Idaho are typically several weeks long and hunters have the freedom to choose their preferred weapon. If you choose to hunt with archery tackle or a muzzleloader you will be required to purchase an additional permit for that weapon for $20. Most moose seasons run from August 30 until November 23, but there are several exceptions to this. These long seasons allow hunters ample time to find and harvest a moose and the late dates take in the rut when bulls are the most active.

goHUNT’s hit list units for trophy Idaho Shiras moose in 2016

Top hit list hunt units to consider for 50" wide or better Shiras moose (not in order of quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Avg. antler width 2015	Harvest success	No. of tags 2015	Total no. of apps.	Res. apps.	Nonres. apps.
Unit 63	50"+	30.8"	100%	2	14	11	3
Unit 63A	50"+	38.1"	87%	15	85	74	11
Unit 69-1	50"+	36"	100%	15	127	100	27
Unit 69-2	50"+	39.8"	93%	15	129	119	10
Unit 69-3	50"+	34.5"	60%	5	32	31	1
Unit 76-1	50"+	31.9"	90%	10	69	65	4
Unit 76-2	50"+	37.1"	86%	7	50	38	12
Unit 76-3	50"+	32.6"	50%	10	46	42	4
Unit 72	50"+	37.5"	80%	5	49	49	0

 

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Hidden gem information

The key to finding hidden gem mountain goat units is to study the Draw Odds page and also pay close attention to the number of resident and nonresident applications per unit in Filtering 2.0 or Draw Odds.

Idaho's top B&C producing counties since 2010 for Shiras moose
County*	No. of entries	Units found within county
Shoshone	7	4, 6, 7, 9, 10A-2, 10A-3, 10A-4, 10-3, 10-6
Clearwater	5	10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10A-1, 10A-2, 10A-4, 10A-5
Bonneville	4	63, 63A, 66A, 66-1, 66-2, 67-1, 67-2, 69-1, 69-2
Fremont	4	60, 60A, 61-2, 61-3, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 64, 65
Idaho	4	12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 14, 16

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Managing expectations
 

Find your draw odds

As with all other species, there are no points in Idaho so you can expect roughly consistent draw odds each year although odds have been trending slightly downward. It’s possible that you draw a tag your first time applying or you could spend years and thousands of dollars trying to get that coveted tag. Moose have the best draw odds of the lifetime species. Someone is going to draw a tag and it could be you. The best strategy for drawing a moose tag in Idaho is to study the information provided in Filtering 2.0 to find a handful of units that meet your criteria. Next, check out the odds of drawing a tag using our Draw Odds calculator. Note: some of the draw odds for units reflect the ruggedness and inaccessibility of the terrain. So caution should be made on what units you apply for: in some areas, the only access might be by boat or plane. Keep in mind that this is a strategy lots of hunters will use, and because of this, draw odds seem to fluctuate slightly from year to year. It is also a great idea to check out the trending number of applicants for the unit you want to apply for. You ultimately will need to decided what species you want to apply for because you can only apply for one of the Big Three species in Idaho.

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Idaho's mountain goat breakdown

While Idaho does not have large populations of mountain goats, most populations are stable with isolated herds in each unit. There is potential to harvest a 10” billy in Idaho, but hunters can typically find billies with about 8” horns. Most goat country is very physically demanding and backpacking or horseback is usually needed to access the best areas. There will be 50 tags issued in 2016 spread over 21 units. In 2015, there were 220 nonresident applicants with five of those drawing tags, yielding draw odds of 2.27%.

Current mountain goat herd condition

Idaho’s budget does not allow yearly surveys of each of the units. In fact, only a couple of units are surveyed each year so current kid:adult and billy:nanny ratios are not available. Yet, Idaho goat populations remain strong and healthy and there has been no change in the tag numbers for 2016.

The seasons

All mountain goat seasons run from August 30 through November 12. Early season will provide more favorable temperatures, but goats will have longer hair and a fuller coat later in the season. Snow can arrive early in many of these units, which can make access difficult to impossible. Be careful if you plan to only hunt the last portion of the season.

Top hit list hunt units to consider for 9" or better mountain goat (not in order of quality)
Unit	Trophy potential	Avg. goat in 2015	Harvest success	No. of tags	Total No. of apps.	Res. apps.	Nonres. apps.
Unit 10-1	10"	9 4/8"	100%	2	66	43	23
Unit 37A	9"+	NA	0%	1	13	13	0
Unit 18	9"+	8 5/8"	50%	4	64	44	20
Unit 7	9"+	9 5/8"	100%	1	36	30	6
Unit 36B	9"+	9"	100%	2	34	24	10

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Hidden gem information

The key to finding hidden gem mountain goat units is to study the Draw Odds page and also pay close attention to the number of resident and nonresident applications per unit in Filtering 2.0 or Draw Odds.

B&C entry trends for Idaho mountain goats

There have been zero B&C entries over the past five years for mountain goats. The last B&C mountain goat entry in Idaho was in 2008. The table below represents counties since 2000.
 

Idaho's top B&C producing counties since 2000 for mountain goat
County	No. of entries	Units found within county
Adams	3	18, 22
Idaho	2	10-2, 18, 27-4, 22
Lemhi	1	27-4, 37A

 

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Managing expectations

Find your draw odds

As with all other species, there is no points system in Idaho so you can expect roughly consistent draw odds each year although odds have been trending slightly downward. It’s possible that you draw a tag your first time applying or you could spend years and thousands of dollars trying to get that coveted tag. Mountain goat draw odds are slightly better than bighorn sheep odds but not as good as moose. If a mountain goat is at the top of your must hunt list then Idaho is a good state to place your bet for drawing a tag. The best strategy for drawing a moose tag in Idaho is to study the information provided in Filtering 2.0 to find a handful of units that meet your criteria. Next, check out the odds of drawing a tag using our Draw Odds calculator. Note: some of the draw odds for units reflect the ruggedness and inaccessibility of the terrain. So caution should be made on what units you apply for: in some areas, the only access might be by boat or plane. Keep in mind that this is a strategy lots of hunters will use, and because of this, draw odds seem to fluctuate slightly from year to year. It is also a great idea to check out the trending number of applicants for the unit you want to apply for. You ultimately will need to decided what species you want to apply for because you can only apply for one of the Big Three species in Idaho.