DrawFacts · https://drawfacts.com/idaho/elk-draw-deadline/
Idaho elk draw deadline
Idaho has 2 draws that include elk. 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)
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
- Note
- Second draw Aug 5-15
- Date source
- Official Date seen on the agency’s own site or news release.Source: IDFG controlled hunt page
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 elk 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 elk?
- None (random).
- When are Idaho elk 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 elk 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.