14 January Nonresident Outfitter Allocated Hunting Tags May be on the Chopping Block January 14, 2025By George McQuiston (blog) Announcements, Elk In Rut, General Information, Guided Hunts, Mule Deer Elk Hunts, Elk-Hunts, Idaho, Idaho hunting, Idaho Hunts, Idaho wilderness hunts, Mule Deer Hunts, Mule-Deer-Hunts 0 Hunt Idaho While You Know You Can Still Get Allocated Outfitter Tags The winds of change are blowing, and in many western states they are reaching gale force. Sadly, Idaho is no different. What do I mean? With the amazing population growth that the west is experiencing, it may be good for those city type businesses that rely on sheer numbers to survive, but out here in rural Idaho, it is simply putting a pinch on an already limited resource, our public land system, most importantly on our public lands hunting opportunities. Idaho has seen such population growth and with no restriction on resident tags, residents are screaming for a reduction in nonresident tags. They are screaming at such a fever pitch that the governor has assigned a special committee to explore nonresident tag options. Sadly, one of those options is to eliminate outfitter allocated tags. How would that affect the nonresident hunter? It would make it so every year, like all other states, even if you booked with an outfitter, it would be up to “the luck of the draw” as to whether or not you were going hunting that year. As of now, because of allocation, Idaho outfitters and by default, their hunters are very blessed in the knowledge that if you book with an Idaho outfitter (obviously, hopefully us, but any outfitter with allocated tags) you are guaranteed to at least be able to get out and pursue your favorite big game animal in Idaho. Don’t let that chance pass you by. We (seriously) have no idea how much longer allocation will be around, hopefully it will become a permanent institution in Idaho big game hunting as everyone knows in rural Idaho how much and how greatly that, YOU, the nonresident hunter, contribute to small town Idaho and most all of us are incredibly grateful! So, as you are applying to hunt in other western states, at least consider actually hunting in Idaho with an Idaho outfitter. Whether it be with us or another outfitter, be it fully guided or a simply a DIY drop camp, we truly wish you the adventure of a lifetime in our favorite hunting grounds…Idaho! As always, happy hunting and remember to take a kid hunting! Related Posts Idaho OTC Elk Tags: Hurry or Be Left Out There is no other state in the Western US comparable to Idaho when it comes to providing you the opportunity to go elk hunting every year, using OTC (over-the-counter) tags. However, as controlled-hunt tags in neighboring states become increasingly difficult to draw, the demand for Idaho OTC tags has been increasing also. An example of this is the nonresident Salmon B elk tags, which sold out this year in just 3 days (Dec. 1–3, 2019), and resident tags sold out within a week of that. Clarification on Idaho Fish & Game Nonresident License/Tag Suspension There’s been some confusion about the temporary suspension of some nonresident licenses, permits, and tags sales by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission, due to COVID-19. So, let me clarify as far as big-game licenses and tags are concerned. Idaho OTC Deer Tags: A Finite Resource Idaho has some great opportunities for hunting trophy mule deer with OTC tags on public land—as good as or better than anywhere in the West. General, OTC, any-weapon deer tags are valid in any game unit in the state which is not limited to controlled-hunt tags only. This includes the general deer seasons in Units 27 and 28 where Wild Idaho Outfitters and Castle Creek Outfitters operate. Avoid the December 1 Black Friday Idaho Nonresident Tag Sale: Book with an Idaho Outfitter If you have hunted Idaho in recent years or are intending to this year, you probably know that Idaho’s nonresident deer and elk tags go on sale December 1. This year it just happens to fall on a Friday. We have heard from hunters and some Idaho Fish and Game personnel that it can be quite the “Black Friday” adventure trying to get in line (online or in person) to get your chance at an Idaho nonresident elk or deer tag. Wild Idaho Outfitters expands size of hunting area. The past two seasons the guides at Wild Idaho Outfitters had to instruct there hunters to only look out the left side of the vehicle when traveling to hunting areas…but no more. As of October 2006 Wild Idaho Outfitters purchased the hunting rights to “the other side of the road”. Our hunting area now encompasses over 150 square miles of area 27 in Idaho with Sleeping Deer Road pretty much dividing our area in half. Idaho Resumes Sales of Nonresident Licenses and Tags We’re back on track again for spring bear. As of May 16, 2020, Idaho hunting licenses, tags, and permits will be available to buy online, at retail vendors, or by calling (800) 554-8685. Comment (0)