New Idaho draw system.

[Touchdown88]

Wish I could say the same. The codes they list in the brochure for DAV hunts do not match the description that appears when you enter the code in your application. Waiting to hear back about which is correct.

You can apply for up to 5 DAV elk zones or the DAV regular deer and whitetail deer. The code DAVE+unit number or DAVRD or DAVWD are the only DAV codes that work.

 

[Fullfan]

I think (from listening to the podcasts) you have to buy the 2026 license first and then apply but haven't done it yet myself.

Correct, also had an issue with entering a hunt code and it came up with a different zone that specified in the book.

 

[type2bowhunter]

Where are you find the hunt codes for 2026? or do you just put in the 2 digit unit number? Why can't they just make something that makes sense....

EDIT: I found it.. but good lord

Where'd you find the codes? I'm having the same issue. ID sure knows how to make a guy feel dumb.

 

[coy17]

This can't be right. Is this what you guys did ?

 

[Ross]

Yes that is is to apply for general tags

 

[Ross]

Codes are in 2026 nonresident general tags tab within the application period section

 

[coy17]

So basically I'll fill that form out 4 times: general elk & deer, dav elk & deer
Correct ?

 

[Clark33]

Where'd you find the codes? I'm having the same issue. ID sure knows how to make a guy feel dumb.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-supplemental-proclamation-2026-2.pdf

 

[Yoteassasin]

ID is a state I’ve never applied or considered, especially in recent years with all of the issues come tag sale date. When I heard it was going to draw, it jumped onto my radar, until I saw the non refundable hunting license cost. A $185 gamble (ID) is a lot different than a $65 gamble (NM). Yes, other states you pay more, but you get a preference point in return. I don’t know, maybe my view is skewed.

It will be interesting how the first few years shake out. If odds are close to your prediction, the cost/value would not be there, personally. If it’s closer to 40% for a decent, not premium, unit, maybe there is value.

I’m also not a fan that you only can put in for a single limited draw species when applying. Just my opinion and if it works for ID and its residents, that’s great. It’s probably what keeps odds for certain limited draw hunts good, relative term.

Please continue to not consider Idaho . I'm glad the free for all is over . This new one isn't exactly what I would have liked but so be it .
I love the state I buy a licence every year to wolf / duck , upland hunt .
I think they could have fixed the issue with simply requiring you to have a license pre purchased and be logged in to qualify for the fcfs but alas . And no points is why I dig Idaho draws . No lame boomers point hogging for the best tag one day ... if you want it you gotta keep putting in .

 

[HilltopHitman]

Helped my dad enter the draw (I’m a resident), it was very easy. It showed something like 37,xxx logins. I would imagine odds will be very very low for some elk zones. MF and similar tags will be easy to get I would imagine. I think success odds will drop dramatically as all the OR/WA guys who knew the system and hunted ID for years will not get tags. Where I hunt there was groups of WA guys that stood in line and got tags every year. Will help the southern boys and gals as it’s equal opportunity. Would like to see a small decrease in non resident tags as the population in ID has exploded. This year was awful busy in the woods.

 

[awcopeland]

Any resident ought to remember that the overwhelming majority of income for their state’s game and fish department comes from the sale of non resident hunter’s tags and licenses. The more you advocate for increased cuts in non resident tags, the more you better be willing for your resident tags and licenses fees to increase, and drastically. The only other option is to watch your game and fish department be more underfunded. There are trade offs no matter what system or change to system there is.

 

[Cwsharer]

So who’s got the best guess on when the results will be out?

 

[JM151]

Helped my dad enter the draw (I’m a resident), it was very easy. It showed something like 37,xxx logins. I would imagine odds will be very very low for some elk zones. MF and similar tags will be easy to get I would imagine. I think success odds will drop dramatically as all the OR/WA guys who knew the system and hunted ID for years will not get tags. Where I hunt there was groups of WA guys that stood in line and got tags every year. Will help the southern boys and gals as it’s equal opportunity. Would like to see a small decrease in non resident tags as the population in ID has exploded. This year was awful busy in the woods.

Small decrease in NR tags would do nothing for reducing the amount of hunters in the woods. There are only 13,000 elk tags for NR. Majority of the people you are seeing in the woods are resident’s.

 

[JM151]

Any resident ought to remember that the overwhelming majority of income for their state’s game and fish department comes from the sale of non resident hunter’s tags and licenses. The more you advocate for increased cuts in non resident tags, the more you better be willing for your resident tags and licenses fees to increase, and drastically. The only other option is to watch your game and fish department be more underfunded. There are trade offs no matter what system or change to system there is.

Exactly this. Assume 50,000 NR enter the draw at $205 each that’s over $10 million in revenue just for the hunting license.

 

[HilltopHitman]

Small decrease in NR tags would do nothing for reducing the amount of hunters in the woods. There are only 13,000 elk tags for NR. Majority of the people you are seeing in the woods are resident’s.

Negative. Almost all the camps were WA, OR, and CA.

 

[SouthernCharm]

So who’s got the best guess on when the results will be out?

I think they stated by the 5th of Jan because you have to Purchase your tag by the 20th or it goes back in the pot for 2nd drawing.

 

[JM151]

Negative. Almost all the camps were WA, OR, and CA.

Maybe in that one particular area, but Idaho has a whole reducing NR would do nothing but drive up resident cost. You do realize there are only 4,600 ish NR rifle elk tags. Reducing that would have zero impact on how “busy the woods are”.

 

[Yoteassasin]

Negative. Almost all the camps were WA, OR, and CA.

I'm not particularly interested is disputing your observation but I will add this . In most situations NR are more committed on average than resident hunters . Their time is spent in the field in blocks and not just after work or weekends . Residents who are interested in that level of commitment are likely farther away from the crowds or off the road system .

.... we all live down river from something or someone . And conversely we all live up river of some one or thing. Inevitably residents in Wyo think their woods are full of potato chokers and utards .