In the past, elk hunters knew the state of Idaho and Colorado as the go-to states for securing a guaranteed, over the counter (OTC) elk tag every year. You simply called in or purchased your tag online.Â
But those days have come and gone.Â
Last year, Colorado called it quits on their OTC elk tags for nonresident hunters, a much needed move to tighten up on the abundance of nonresident hunters that hit the hills there every fall.
That meant that a lot of elk hunters would spend an extra day driving further west to take advantage of the OTC elk tags available in Idaho. But that too will all soon change.Â
That’s right! Idaho is the latest state to end their OTC nonresident tag opportunities for deer and elk.Â
Starting in 2026, nonresidents will no longer be able to purchase over-the-counter tags for general season deer and elk hunts. The tags will become part of a lottery system, much like the state’s controlled hunt drawings.Â
The kicker?Â
You’ll first be required to purchase a nonrefundable $185 hunting license to be eligible for the drawing; and that comes with no guarantee you’ll get a tag. There will eventually be an additional $18 application fee as part of the process, but the state has decided to waive that fee for its first year of operation.Â
The move reflects the growing demand for the state’s deer and elk hunting opportunities.Â
In the past, it was not uncommon for there to be a number of leftover nonresident tags that could be purchased as additional tags for resident hunters.
However, those days are gone. Now, nonresident tags are quickly scarfed up in a frenzy like super hot concert tickets.
At its meeting in Idaho Falls last month, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted 7-0 to approve the change that will do away with the previous system. However, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game admits they are viewing the first year of the new system as a bit of an experiment.Â
Under the new system, nonresident hunters who purchase a license and enter the drawing in early December can select as many as five hunts per species that they are interested in, and they can partner with up to three additional licensed hunters on the application.
Those who are successful must purchase their tags by a deadline that has not yet been established. Those who miss the deadline will forfeit their tags, which will then be entered into a second nonresident drawing.
Tags left unclaimed after the second drawing deadline will be sold.
What about you? Where do you plan to hunt elk this fall? Will these OTC changes impact your elk hunting plans in the future? Comment below, and let us know what you think.
