28 May Time is running out to apply in 2026 season May 28, 2026By George McQuiston (blog) Announcements, General Information Hunt Applications, Hunting, Idaho, Idaho hunting, Idaho Hunts, Idaho wilderness hunts 0 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! Related Posts Time is Running Out to Apply for Idaho Controlled Hunt Tags The application deadline to apply for elk, deer, and pronghorn controlled hunts in Idaho is June 5th. Idaho does not use a bonus/preference point system for controlled hunts, so you have the same chance at drawing a tag as anyone else. 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. Time to Apply for Elk and Deer Tags in those OTHER States As fond as I am of all the opportunities there are to hunt in the great state of Idaho, I am the first to recognize that true hunter/sportsmen and women are always “in search of new adventure” or wanting to “explore new horizons” so they apply for hunts in multiple states in search of that elusive tag that comes with promises of trophy quality elk and deer. April is the Time to Apply for Trophy Species Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Mountain Goat Beginning April 1 you can apply for what Idaho terms as “trophy species” including bighorn sheep, mountain goat and moose. As much as I disdain having to draw for any hunting opportunity, these 3 species are rare enough that it is impossible to maintain a healthy herd AND offer an over the counter opportunity, so they regulate through a drawing process. The beauty, and yes I did say beauty, of Idaho’s draw...... Show Season Is Over. Time to Get Serious Well “show season” has drawn to a close and we are grateful to have been able to see some old friends and to meet some new ones, and truly grateful for those who booked a 2013 hunt with us. We look forward to a successful hunting season this year. What Spring Bear Season Means to a Seasoned Wrangler March 20, 2023 is the first day of spring and this means Idaho spring bear season is right around the corner! Let me introduce myself, I'm Kelly Swingruber, my daughter (Tia) and I pack for Wild Idaho Outfitters and Castle Creek Outfitters. I also manage the livestock. Comment (0)