How to Apply for Idaho Bighorn Sheep, Moose, and Mountain Goat Hunts in 2023

The application deadline for Idaho moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, California bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat is April 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Applications can be submitted online here, by phone, or in-person at any license vendor or Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) office.

New for 2023

Moose

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep

Rocky Mountain goat

State Information

View important information and an overview of Idaho’s rules/regulations, the draw system, tag and license fees and an interactive boundary line map on our State Profile. You can also view the Idaho species profiles to access historical and statistical data to help you locate trophy areas.

Important Dates and Information

The Idaho Draw System

Understanding the Draw

Idaho is one of the few unique states that does not use a formal system of preference or bonus points for distribution of controlled hunt permits. A simple lottery system is used, which puts every applicant—regardless of time spent applying—on a level playing field. In Idaho, nonresidents are eligible to draw up to 10% of any given species controlled hunt tags (bighorn sheep raffle and Super Hunt tags do not affect this 10% allotment) although this number is not guaranteed. In hunts with fewer than 10 available tags, only one will be issued to nonresidents. This quota percentage for nonresidents is fairly common in the West; however, with a combination of high application fees and the lottery system, the draw odds are generally much higher.

Idaho is a once-in-a-lifetime state, meaning that if a tag holder fills his or her tag, that hunter may not apply again for that species in Idaho. The only special exclusion to this rule is that hunters are allowed to take both a cow and bull moose with separate permits during separate years. Tag holders who are not successful in filling their tag may apply for the same species again, but must wait for two years before applying again. In lieu of the two-year waiting period, hunters can also attempt to draw a tag during the second controlled application period although the potential of any tags making it to this point is nearly impossible. While not recognized as a separate species by Boone & Crockett (B&C), California bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permits are issued separately in Idaho and both subspecies can be taken by the same hunter.

Bighorn Sheep Raffle

In collaboration with the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation, the state of Idaho also offers hunters a unique opportunity in the bighorn sheep raffle. Through the raffle, hunters can purchase an unlimited amount of lottery tickets in the hope of drawing a bighorn sheep tag that can be used in any open unit in the state.

Idaho’s Super Hunts

Like the bighorn sheep raffle, Idaho also offers hunters the chance to draw one of 34 Super Hunt tags. With this tag, hunters can hunt in any open unit found in the state and may purchase as many chances at the Super Hunt as they wish.

Idaho's 2023 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

Idaho generally carries some attractive draw odds for bighorn sheep; however, some of the hunts can be incredibly rugged and the odds of success will be low. Careful consideration will be needed when planning your application strategy. Bighorn sheep hunting in Idaho is characterized by many different types of terrain with some enormous adventures to be had. Typically, Idaho does not produce the quality of rams that some of the surrounding states do, but it does offer great opportunities for mature rams that provide a great example of the species.

CURRENT ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP HERD CONDITION

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep populations in Idaho continue to stay on their normal trend of maintaining good health. Tag cuts have not been seen in many areas and, in most cases, tags and or new hunts are being offered each year.

Selecting the Unit to Apply for

When choosing a unit, hunters will need to largely look at the terrain to be hunted and consider their overall goal of the hunt. Some units provide better trophy qualities than others while some units will provide lower bighorn sheep densities and rougher country, but much better draw odds.

Many of the units found in the above list are located in some of the most remote sections of Idaho. Densities are low, the country is huge and hunters of any experience level will be put to the test. Before applying for these hunts, it will be important to be well aware of the type of hunt you could be getting yourself into.

Idaho does a great job of providing horn length and base measurements from bighorn sheep killed in previous seasons. This data can be useful at times for locating units that may be experiencing an uptick in ram quality or a decrease, for that matter.

*One ram killed on a lottery tag **One ram killed on an auction tag

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

Really, when it comes to applying for bighorn sheep across the West there aren’t any secrets to speak of and hunters should generally expect a long wait for a coveted tag. Still, Idaho boasts some of the best odds for drawing a bighorn sheep tag and this is a state that should be on everyone's radar.

The best odds are generally found within the units landing in and around the gorgeous Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (20, 20A, 21, 26, 26L, 27-1, 27-2, 27-3, 27-4, 27L and 28-1); however, these hunts can be extremely tough both physically and mentally. Often, hunts in the Frank Church have been compared to those offered in Montana’s unlimited districts. Beyond these, there are several other options that land in the 2% to 5% draw odd range and still offer better odds than most states.

With Idaho, you really can’t go wrong with choosing a bighorn sheep unit to apply for considering the lowest odds found here can still compete with the best odds found in surrounding states. However, as I mentioned above, there are several units that offer better odds and the true hunt-of-a-lifetime, even though the sweat equity and mental anguish required for success will be high.

See your draw odds here

Idaho's 2023 California Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

Along with Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Idaho also offers opportunities for the California bighorn sheep. In Idaho, California bighorn sheep are considered a subspecies of the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and hunters are allowed to take one ram from each species in a single lifetime.

In general, California bighorn sheep are found in much smaller densities than Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and are isolated to the southeast corner of the state in Owyhee County. Because the opportunity for these bighorn sheep exists in a much smaller capacity, the drawing odds tend to be lower than those found with Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

For 2023, there will be one less tag offered than in 2022.

Selecting Your Unit of Choice

Unfortunately, with such a limited number of units, hunters simply won’t find any hidden gems for California bighorn sheep. Still, for those who have been lucky enough to harvest a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Idaho and are still interested in bighorn sheep hunting, this can provide a cool and fun option.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

With the low amount of opportunity for this species, hunters will find the odds stacked greatly against their chances of drawing a license. Hunters who have been lucky enough to already harvest a Rocky Mountain ram in Idaho may consider taking advantage of this rare opportunity to kill a second bighorn sheep in their lifetime; however, for those simply looking to get into the bighorn sheep game, it would be much more advisable to look at the hunts offered for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

See your draw odds here

Idaho's 2023 Moose Breakdown

Idaho’s moose populations continue to struggle and tag cuts continue to roll in. For 2023, there were 28 more bull tags cut from the total bringing the number of offered antlered tags l to 517. Hunters lucky enough to draw a tag can still be in for a great hunt, but locating mature bulls may take more effort than in years past.

Current Moose Herd Condition

Moose in Idaho continue to struggle with most of the blame landing on predation — primarily due to wolves — and ticks. IDFG has reacted quickly to the declining populations (as can be seen with harvest and tag numbers for the past few years) and, for 2023, there were 28 additional tags cut.

Selecting Your Unit of Choice

When it comes to selecting a unit to apply for in Idaho, there are definitely some things to consider. Some excellent draw odds can be found in several units year after year; however, these units typically have low densities of moose and tough hunting terrain. Still, some incredible bulls have been taken in these units. The choice of which unit to apply for will largely land on the desired outcome wanted by the applicant. With some sacrifice — and a lot of determination and hard work — there are some lower hanging fruits with Idaho moose.

As can be seen in the above table, draw odds for some of the Idaho moose units are off the charts! However, several of these hunts feature incredibly tough hunting conditions that will require special consideration from any applicant. Along with tougher hunting conditions, some of these hunts are even limited to just a two-week season!

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

When applying for Idaho moose, hunters first need to decide what they want out of their hunt. With the great draw odds found throughout the state, the possibility of drawing a tag is very real for any given year. However, large upfront fees and low harvest success can be a kicker when it comes to inevitably deciding on a unit.

When considering units for application, hunters will generally find the best odds in the two-week season offered in Units 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Along with these, some of the units that are known more for tougher hunting conditions will also generally carry better odds like Units 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6, 10A-1, 10A-2, 10A-3, 10A-4, 10A-5, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3 and 12-4.

See your draw odds here

Idaho's 2023 Mountain Goat Breakdown

Idaho boasts a smaller population of mountain goats than some of the surrounding states; however, the adventures to be had are still large and incredible. Idaho is not well known for producing high scoring billies or nannies, but the state does offer good opportunities to harvest great representatives of the species. Tag numbers have been reduced in recent years and the general population continues to struggle; however, good hunting can still be had by those lucky enough to draw a tag.

Current Population Status

Rocky Mountain goat populations continue to struggle in Idaho and the state has dropped quite a few tags over the years. This decline has somewhat leveled out in recent years and anyone holding a tag for 2023 will be in for a great hunt.

Selecting Your Unit of Choice

Even with a declining population and lower trophy potentials, hunters will still find better draw odds than what is found in most of the other western states. In general, harvest rates are high in nearly every unit; however, some units will afford better draw odds with the trade off of tougher hunting conditions and terrain types. Before applying, consider exactly what you want out of your hunt.

As you can see from the above table, the odds for Idaho mountain goats are good. Yet, the license is more expensive than many of the other western states and many of the easier to draw units are centered in some of the most remote and rugged terrain found in the state.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

With Idaho Rocky Mountain goats, any applicant — resident or nonresident — will see some of the best odds found in the West. Trophy qualities are lower, but those who can swing the cash could see a tag sooner than what they could draw in other western states. Studying trending draw odds can help shorten the process a bit, but the best chances for a tag will be found in some of the most rugged units in the state.

See your draw odds here