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Time is running out to apply in 2026 season

We’re Down to the Short Rows on Idaho’s 2026 Hunt Application Season. A few states have already drawn, but there is still time to participate in Idaho’s 2026 hunt application season.

With only 1 week left in “hunt application season”, it’s now or …. I guess not “never” just not again this year. You’ll have to wait until spring of 2027 to participate in “application season”.

The reason for the quotes is that I am obviously making light of the application process that seems to be required in almost all states these days. The good old days of just buying a tag and taking the family out for a long camping trip we disguised as hunting season seem to be memories of the past. Kinda sad to me and as I have hunters in camp with “19” before there birth year, we have many a conversation about the “good old days” for sure and sadly, those are past and “application season” seems to take up more of social media time than actual hunting stories these days.

To that point, if you want to apply for a controlled hunt tag in Idaho, don’t wait any longer. Idaho’s 2026 hunting application season ends June 6 and remember; you won’t draw if you don’t apply!

Good luck and happy hunting!

One Door Closes as Another Door Opens

Trophy species “application season” ends today, but “controlled hunt” application season opens tomorrow. That’s right. You don’t have to miss out on all this “hunt application” fun just yet, there seems to be plenty of season left and plenty of opportunity to donate that tag application fee money in several states!

It sure does seem like more emphasis and social media talk revolves around “the draw” than even the hunt anymore. Seems rather sad to me but it is the way our (the hunting) culture has evolved and is simply part of the process, so put in for those trophy species (Moose, Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats) today if you haven’t yet, then prepare to explore all the opportunities to apply for other big game (elk, deer, bear, and antelope) species beginning tomorrow.

Idaho’s controlled hunts application season begins May 1 and runs through June 5 this year, so since it is on your mind, may as well get your application in early this year. Now might also be a good time to look into youth hunting opportunities as well.

Remember, if you are unsuccessful in the controlled hunt draw, you can always reach out to an Idaho outfitter, us or others, who have guaranteed tags and hunt with one of us.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Half Time for the First Part of Idaho Hunting Application Season

It’s half time for the first application draw of the 2026 Idaho hunt application season. Have you applied yet? The good news is that if you haven’t yet, there is still time and the better news is that we don’t have to suffer through some rotten rabbit singing half time songs for us.

This is just a friendly reminder to DON’T do what I do and procrastinate putting in for your preferred trophy animal in Idaho.

The best part about Idaho hunting draws is that there are no points so literally everyone that applies has the same chance of drawing. Now, obviously, the coveted “trophy” species have long odds of drawing, but life has taught me on many a May 1 mornings, that my odds of drawing would have been way better had I actually applied verses saying “tomorrow I’ll apply” enough times that the morning of May 1 rolls around and my odds of drawing turned out to be zero.

So, this is just a gentle reminder that if you have not applied for your favorite trophy species in Idaho yet and are planning on doing so, now is a great time to get after it, and, oh yeah, don’t forget to file your taxes. It is April 15.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Another Official Idaho Opening Day

April 1 marks the “official” opener of Idaho’s “hunt application season”. It is the time of year that dreams are made of.

Think about it, you are another year older, have had “unsuccessful” draw results for years, surely this is your year, right?! Well, you won’t know if you don’t apply.

April is the month to apply for Idaho’s “trophy” species: Bighorn sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose. These are, as in most western states, a once in a lifetime hunt if you are successful in the draw for a tag, so be sure to put in your application for Idaho trophy species this month. This may actually be your year top draw that coveted tag!

Happy Hunting!

Second Chance Draw for Idaho Elk and Deer Tags

Today, February 5, 2026, begins the second chance draw period for Idaho’s (formerly) over the counter elk and deer tags. Take advantage of applying in a state that has no points system because you at least know you have a chance of drawing a tag verses those states where points are so stacked against you that you simply “begin” the process of donating money to that state’s draw system for years until such time that you have accumulated enough points to even be in the running for a tag.

Please don’t be confused by this draw either as to whether it is about Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose or controlled hunts for elk and deer. It is NOT! Those hunt draw processes begin at their usual times of April for trophy species and May for elk, deer and antelope controlled hunt draws.

Lest I forget, applications for controlled hunts for turkey and spring bear are also going on right now.

As usual, if you have any questions about our area, the process or even suggestions on where to apply, please contact us and we will do our best to help you get to hunt in one of the greatest western states to hunt in!

Finally, consider taking a kid hunting with you! They are the future of hunting and conservation!

Happy hunting!

Merry Christmas 2025

Merry Christmas from the gangs at Wild Idaho Outfitters and Castle Creek Outfitters. We hope you are getting to enjoy visits with family and friends, sharing good food, laughter and memories of this past year and dreams for the future!

We hope that some of those memories and many of those dreams involve getting out and exploring YOUR public lands. Outdoor adventures, especially on public lands, seem to always create lasting memories. We know they sure do for us.

Every year around this time, we are blessed to have a few moments to look back at our public land adventures with great people that we meet from all over the country, great guides, packers and cooks that enjoy serving our guests. We recognize during this reflection how grateful and blessed we are to work with all of our incredible guests and staff on the public lands we all love so much.

So, enjoy your holiday season this year and please remember how blessed we are in this country for such a concept as publics lands! Get out and enjoy them!

Merry Christmas!

Last Day to Apply for Idaho Nonresident Elk and Deer Tags

This is the first year that Idaho has made nonresidents put in for the formerly OTC (over the counter) general season elk and deer tags and now, today is the last day you can put in for those hunts.

Obviously, this is just the first “go round” but for sure, all the good and desirable areas will be gobbled up in this first draw period. Keep in mind that this first draw does not apply to trophy species: moose, mountain goat and bighorn sheep. That draw will still be in April as well as traditional controlled hunts draw will take place in May. This application process is simply for the general season elk and deer tags that you used to be able to buy over the counter.

So, if you are planning on hunting Idaho in a DIY capacity, be sure to log on to the IDFG website TODAY, so you can get your best chance at hunting Idaho elk or deer in 2026!

Good luck and good hunting!

Nonresidents Must Apply for Formerly OTC Tags this Year in Idaho

Seems the only constant in life is change and that adage seems to hold especially true in the hunting world. It seems to me that meetings are held and changes made “just because” every year and this year is no different!

Starting today, December 5, 2025, nonresidents who want to hunt elk and deer in formerly OTC units will need to apply for those tags. The application period runs from December 5 to 15, 2025 with results being posted in early January 2026.

We will be sending at least 3 emails in this period to remind you to get your entry submitted. Not to be a pain, but because we often get busy and say, “I’ll apply tomorrow”, then the 16th shows up and now you are stuck hunting with an outfitter who still has tags instead of being able to hunt on your own. So, think of these emails as simply “gentle reminders” to stop procrastinating and apply for those tags you think you want to be able to continue your tradition of hunting in some of the lower 48’s most amazing country…Idaho!

Finally, if you want help, advice or just to vent about the drawing process, please contact us and we will be happy to assist or simply listen.

Best of luck in the draw and most importantly, always remember to take a kid hunting with you!

Happy Thanksgiving 2025

Our 2025 season has officially ended and in keeping with a tradition that I am not sure who started, we flew “Old Glory” all the way off the mountain. She was flying high and proud all season in each of our camps!

November 23 was our last day pulling camp at our high camp, 8300’ above sea level, looking out over “the Frank”. It is always a melancholy moment as a lot has happened in the last 3 ½ months. Memories were made, friends revisited, new friends made, excitement, disappointment, opportunities gained or lost, all the emotions that come with hunting camp.

We are unbelievably grateful for an outstanding team of guides, cooks, and pack support. And we are especially thankful to all the hunters that joined us this year.

We are blessed to be able to operate on “our” public lands. Grateful, barely scratches the surface. With all the political B.S. that consumes our nation today, one thing that is so RIGHT with America is our public lands system! These are YOUR lands and my lands…they are all OUR lands and meant to be explored and enjoyed. We are simply grateful to be a part of it all!

As you gather with family and friends over this holiday weekend, reliving memories from wherever you hunted this year, be grateful for the time you have with family and friends and enjoy your time with them because next week it’s time to get serious about planning next year’s adventures. If they include Idaho, drawing applications begin December 5th.

Happy Thanksgiving.

(Photo: Ruth Albrecht)