Idaho deer draw deadline

Idaho has 2 draws that include deer. IDFG runs the draw: official application page.

Nonresident general tag draw

One draw covers deer and elk.

December 2026

Dates not yet posted by IDFG (last cycle: Dec 5–15)

Deadline time
Not listed
Application window
Dec 5, 2025 to Dec 15, 2025 (2026 cycle)
Results
Jan 6, 2026 (2026 cycle)
2027 status
Likely Dec 2026 - check now
Point system
None (random)
Who can apply
Nonresidents only
Note
Nonresidents only. This is Idaho's earliest big-game deadline each cycle.
Date source
Confirm with agency Date from a hunting publication, not yet seen on the agency’s site. Confirm with the agency.Source: onX (Huntin' Fool)

Official application page for Nonresident general tag draw

Controlled hunt, first draw

2026 deadline (2027 date not yet published)

Deadline time
Not listed
Application window
May 1, 2026 to Jun 5, 2026 (2026 cycle)
Results
Early July (2026 cycle)
2027 status
Not yet published
Point system
None (random)
Who can apply
Residents and nonresidents
Date source
Official Date seen on the agency’s own site or news release.Source: IDFG controlled hunt page

Official application page for Controlled hunt, first draw

Point system

No points (random draw). Nonresident general deer and elk tags go through a December draw. Controlled hunts for elk, deer and pronghorn run May 1 to June 5, with a second draw in August.

The nonresident general deer/elk draw ran Dec 5-15 last cycle; confirm this year's dates with IDFG.

Common questions

When is the Idaho deer draw deadline for 2027?
Nonresident general tag draw: Expected December 2026. Dates not yet posted by IDFG (last cycle: Dec 5–15). Controlled hunt, first draw: IDFG has not published the 2027 deadline yet. In the 2026 cycle the deadline was Jun 5, 2026.
What point system does Idaho use for deer?
None (random).
When are Idaho deer draw results posted?
Nonresident general tag draw: results for the 2026 draw: Jan 6, 2026. Controlled hunt, first draw: results for the 2026 draw: Early July.
Where do I apply for a Idaho deer tag?
Apply on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game official site.

Apply on the official site

IDFG official application page

Always confirm dates on the agency’s official site before you apply. Agencies can change deadlines.

“2026 deadline (2027 date not yet published)” means IDFG hasn't posted next year's date. We update this page when it does.

Other Idaho deadlines