Idaho Nonresident Elk and Deer Tag Sale 2024

Update: Initial nonresident deer and elk tags are sold out for the 2024 hunting season. You can still attempt to get tags through the Return Tag Sale process. 

Idaho Nonresident Elk and Deer OTC Sale Overview

The annual Idaho nonresident elk and deer tag sale, which takes place each year on December 1st, is a highly competitive event for western hunters. Out-of-state elk and deer hunters look forward to the first nationwide opportunity to purchase tags. In recent years, the demand for these tags has grown significantly, with far more hunters than the approximate 14,000 deer and 12,000 elk tags available.

These OTC tags are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In recent years, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game established new practices to manage demand for the limited tags, including a digital queue system. During the sale for 2023 tags, the system was unable to handle the amount of hunters on the website and the system went down for a significant number of hunters attempting to purchase tags. While the tags are technically over-the-counter, the substantial demand, limited number of tags, and digital queue system make if functionally a random draw system.

Sale Date: When is the Idaho nonresident elk and deer tag sale?

The sale for 2024 tags is on December 1st 2023, at 10:00am MST. The sale occurs annually on this date, and you can track your upcoming applications and get reminders with OnPoint.

Preparing for the OTC sale: How the queue system works and tag requirements

Tags go on sale right at 10am, and it’s important to be logged into your computer well ahead of the start time. Approximately 10 to 30 minutes before the sale begins, the Idaho Fish and Game licensing site will remove everybody from the purchasing view and put you in a digital “waiting room”. At the time the sale begins, you will see your browser change to the digital “queue” or line system. Here you will be given a random position in line, along with all the other hunters waiting to purchase tags. Hunters are then let in based on their random line number. This functionally makes the system a random draw, as there are more applicants than tags.

After entry into the portal, you will then be able to select and purchase a tag, if they are still remaining. Units will show the number of available tags, or if the GMU is sold out. It is important to be as fast as possible when selecting and adding the tags you wish to purchase to your cart. Once added to your cart, you have 15 minutes to purchase the tag before it is put back into the pool. However, this system has been known to fail so it is recommended you check out immediately unless coordinating with others in a hunting party.

To maximize your chances in securing a tag, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Idaho Fish and Game website before the tag sale. Wasted seconds can result in units being sold out while you try to find the tags you are looking for. If you know you will be applying to the later controlled hunts in the state, we recommend buying the required hunting licenses and permits ahead of time, as they are required for the controlled hunt draws. These requirements are detailed below. You can also purchase these at the time of the sale, and are automatically prompted to add them to your cart if you do not already own the required items.

Hunter education requirement

Proof of Hunters Education, or a valid big game tag in another state, is required before you can purchase a tag. For all first time applicants to the state, we strongly recommend performing these steps well ahead of the sale. We have written on these requirements in the Idaho overview.

Units for Elk and Deer

Elk, deer (combined mule and whitetail), and whitetail only tags are available during this sale. The remaining tags in the state are sold through a controlled hunt draw system. You can read more about additional hunting opportunities in Idaho in our Idaho Overview.

Unlike resident OTC tags, which allow residents to hunt any general hunt unit in the state, non-resident tags are limited to a specific unit in the state. Unit quotas were also established to manage non-resident demand for high quality units. There are two types of units in the state; game management units (GMUs), designated by a number, and Elk Management Zones, designated by a name. Elk zones are comprised of one or more game management units, and apply specifically to elk. Deer tags are sold specific to one GMU. It is important to note that GMUs within an elk zone may have different season dates and regulations.

License requirements: What licenses do I need to purchase a tag in the sale?

To purchase an elk or deer tag, you need an Annual Hunting License and pay the Access / Depredation fee. If you are trying to secure an archery or muzzleloader tag, you also need to purchase an Archery Permit or Muzzleloader Permit. Prices for these items are below. These items can be purchased in advance of the OTC sale, and we recommend doing this if you plan to apply in the Controlled Hunt Draws later in the year.

Tag prices: How much does a nonresident Idaho elk or deer tag cost?

Prices for each required license and tag are summarized below. Assuming you purchase only a single tag, the total cost for a nonresident elk tag is approximately $1,000 and for a deer tag is $700. If you are able to secure more than one tag, you do not need to re-purchase the hunting licenses and permits, so the total cost is less than the sum of the prior numbers.

General Fees

Species specific tag fees

Alternate options to get a tag in Idaho

If you are unable to get a tag in the general tag sale, there are additional opportunities to secure tags. Additionally, you can purchase a tag in the general OTC sale, then still apply in the Controlled Hunt Draw and upgrade your tag if you are able to draw.

• The Controlled Hunt draw – This is a limited entry opportunity for elk, deer, and additional species.
• Return Tag Sales – Many hunters, for one reason or another, are unable to hunt tags they have purchased or drawn. These tags are then put back into the sale pool. These sales occur monthly, on Thursdays at 10am MST.

Below are all draws and sales that occur in Idaho.

Idaho Nonresident Elk and Deer OTC Sale FAQ