Idaho's 2024 Rocky Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

Idaho's 2024 California Bighorn Sheep Breakdown

Idaho's 2024 Moose Breakdown

Idaho's 2024 Rocky Mountain Goat Breakdown

The application deadline for Idaho moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, California bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat is April 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

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

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, 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.

Bighorn sheep hunting in Idaho presents enticing draw odds, though certain hunts may entail rugged terrain and low success rates. Strategizing your application carefully is essential. The state boasts diverse terrain, promising adventurers grand experiences. While Idaho may not yield top-tier rams like its neighboring states, it offers good chances to pursue mature rams with good opportunities for killing a great representation of the species.

Current Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd condition

The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep populations in Idaho are consistently maintaining good health, following their usual trend. Few areas have observed reductions in tags with most regions either maintaining current tag levels or introducing new hunts annually.

Selecting a unit to apply for

When selecting a hunting unit, hunters must primarily assess the terrain and align it with their overall hunting objectives. Certain units offer superior trophy quality while others feature lower bighorn sheep densities and more rugged terrain, yet boast significantly 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.

Managing expectations

When it comes to applying for bighorn sheep permits across the western states, there are no real secrets; however, hunters should anticipate a considerable wait for a prized tag. Nevertheless, Idaho stands out with some of the most favorable odds for securing a bighorn sheep permit, making it a state that should definitely be on every hunter's radar.

The units bordering the stunning Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (20, 20A, 21, 26, 26L, 27-1, 27-2, 27-3, 27-4, 27L and 28-1) generally offer the best odds, though these hunts can be exceptionally challenging both physically and mentally. Often likened to Montana's unlimited districts, hunts in the Frank Church area demand significant stamina and resilience. 

When it comes to selecting a bighorn sheep unit to apply for in Idaho, there really is a hunt for anyone. Even the units with the lowest odds here can rival the best odds found in neighboring states. However, as previously mentioned, there are several units that provide even better odds and offer the chance for a true hunt-of-a-lifetime, although the commitment in terms of physical exertion and mental fortitude required for success will be substantial.

In addition to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Idaho provides hunting opportunities for California bighorn sheep. In the state, California bighorn sheep are classified as a subspecies of the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and hunters are permitted to harvest one ram from each species over their lifetime.

Typically, California bighorn sheep are encountered in significantly lower densities compared to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, primarily confined to the southeast corner of Idaho in Owyhee County. Due to their limited distribution, drawing odds for these bighorn sheep are generally lower compared to those for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

Selecting your unit of choice

Unfortunately, due to the restricted number of units, hunters won't stumble upon any hidden gems for California bighorn sheep in Idaho. Nonetheless, for those fortunate enough to have bagged a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the state and still keen on bighorn sheep hunting, this presents an intriguing and enjoyable alternative.

Managing expectations

Given the limited opportunities for this species, hunters will encounter significantly stacked odds when aiming to secure a license. Those fortunate enough to have already harvested a Rocky Mountain ram in Idaho might contemplate seizing this rare chance to take a second bighorn sheep in their lifetime. However, for individuals seeking to enter the bighorn sheep hunting scene, it would be far more advisable to explore the hunts available for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

Idaho’s moose populations continue to struggle and tag cuts continue to roll in. For 2023 and 2024, there were 28 more bull tags cut from the total, bringing the number of offered antlered tags to 517. Hunters lucky enough to draw a tag can still be in for a great hunt; however, locating mature bulls may take more effort than in years past.

Current moose herd condition

In Idaho, moose populations persist despite grappling with various challenges with much of the blame directed towards predation — notably by wolves — and tick infestations. IDFG has promptly responded to the declining populations, which is evident in the adjustments made to harvest and tag numbers in recent years.

Selecting your unit of choice

When deciding on a unit to apply for in Idaho, several factors should be taken into account. Some units consistently offer excellent draw odds, but they often have low moose densities and challenging terrain for hunting. Nevertheless, remarkable bulls have been harvested in these units. The decision of which unit to apply for will primarily depend on the desired outcome of the applicant. With dedication, determination and hard work, there are still easier-to-attain opportunities to hunt moose in Idaho.

* There was only one resident applicant for the only tag available for this unit, which led to the 100% odds. Just a few more applicants applying for this hunt could drastically change the odds. As depicted in the table above, the draw odds for certain Idaho moose units are exceptionally high. However, it's crucial to note that many of these hunts entail extremely challenging hunting conditions, necessitating careful consideration from prospective applicants. Additionally, some of these hunts are restricted to a mere two-week season, adding another layer of complexity for hunters to navigate.

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.

While Idaho's mountain goat population is smaller compared to neighboring states, the adventures awaiting are still vast and remarkable. Idaho isn't renowned for yielding high-scoring billies or nannies, but it does provide ample chances to harvest impressive specimens of the species. In recent years, tag numbers have been reduced and the general population faces challenges; nevertheless, fortunate tag holders still have opportunities for rewarding hunts.

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 2024 will still be in for a great hunt.

Selecting your unit of choice

Despite facing a declining population and offering lower trophy potentials, hunters in Idaho can still enjoy better draw odds compared to many other western states. Harvest rates tend to be high across most units; however, certain units offer improved draw odds at the expense of more challenging hunting conditions and terrain. Before submitting your application, carefully consider your priorities for the hunt.

As evident from the table above, the odds for Idaho mountain goat permits are good. However, it's important to note that the license fees are higher compared to many other western states, and several of the easier-to-draw units are situated in some of the most remote and rugged terrain within the state.

Managing expectations

For Idaho's Rocky Mountain goats, both residents and nonresidents will encounter some of the most favorable odds in the West. While trophy qualities may be lower, applicants can secure a tag sooner than in other western states in many instances. Monitoring draw odds trends can expedite the process slightly, but the greatest chances for obtaining a tag lie in some of the most rugged units within the state.