30 April One Door Closes as Another Door Opens April 30, 2026By George McQuiston (blog) Announcements, Drop Camps, General Information, Guided Hunts Bear Hunts, Bear-Hunts, Controlled Hunt, Controlled-Hunt, Deer Hunts, Deer-Hunts, Elk Hunts, Elk-Hunts, Mule Deer Hunts, Mule-Deer-Hunts 0 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! Related Posts One Door Closes, Another One Opens It’s July already. Besides being the month with probably the second most important holiday celebration of the year, it’s the month when most western states hunting tag draw results are out (except maybe some antlerless tags) and, as usual, you drew tag soup. Nothing, zilch, nada. What to do about hunting this fall now? Idaho Outdoor Adventure Auction Is Up and Running If you have ever wanted to explore Idaho’s outdoors , now may be a great time to get a great “deal” on that outdoor adventure you have always wanted. Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) is auctioning off 7 outdoor adventures at www.biddingforgood.com/ioga. 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. Idaho Spring Bear Season “Officially” Opens in Backcountry Units It is almost time for my second favorite time of year…spring bear season! It “officially” opens in many back country units like where we guide in the Middlefork zone on April 1st. I say officially as that is when it does open, but with this years late and heavy snowfalls, I am confident the bears will not be waking from their winter slumber for at least a few more weeks, at least at our elevations. Idaho Spring Bear Hunting Season Officially Opens Today is the day we have waited all winter for! It is officially Idaho spring bear hunting season. If you are not hunting with us (which we obviously hope you are) then hope you are hunting with another Idaho bear hunting outfitter. Idaho’s Spring Bear Season Officially Opens Today! Although it has been a mild winter, it still seems like it has been a long one waiting for spring bear season to finally arrive here in Idaho! April 1 is the “official” opener for many of the backcountry units, but in normal years the bears are still comfortably snuggled in their winter beds under feet of snow. Comment (0)