Can You Apply for Two Species at Once?

It’s a common dilemma for hunters gazing at Idaho’s incredible opportunities: you dream of chasing mule deer across the breaks, but the thought of a screaming bull elk echoing through the timber also pulls at your heartstrings. Many of us find ourselves wondering, "Can I really apply for both, or am I forced to choose?" This guide is here to untangle the complexities of applying for multiple species in Idaho, helping you understand the rules, the strategies, and the realistic outcomes of trying to draw more than one coveted tag in a single season.

Understanding Idaho's Application System for Multiple Species

Idaho’s hunting license and tag system, particularly for controlled hunts, can feel like a labyrinth at first glance. The good news is, for many popular species, applying for multiple tags is not just possible, but quite common. However, it's not a free-for-all, and there are crucial distinctions and restrictions that every hunter needs to understand before diving into the application portal.

The General Rule: Applying for Different Species

Idaho generally allows hunters to apply for multiple different species through its controlled hunt system. For example, you can certainly apply for a deer controlled hunt and an elk controlled hunt in the same year. This is a huge benefit for hunters looking to maximize their time afield or increase their chances of drawing a desirable tag. You’re not locked into just one big game species application.

The key here is that each application is for a distinct species. When you go into the Idaho Fish and Game licensing system, you'll see separate application processes for deer, elk, bear, antelope, and the various trophy species. Think of each as an individual lottery ticket you can buy for different prizes. There's no single "big game application" that limits you to one entry. So, if you've always dreamed of pursuing a whitetail in the Panhandle and also want to try for a bull elk further south, Idaho allows you to throw your hat in the ring for both. Tools like GoHunt can be incredibly helpful in researching the various opportunities for these different species, letting you filter by region or season type to see what might fit your hunting goals.

Trophy Species Limitations and the "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Rule

While you can often apply for deer and elk, or bear and antelope, simultaneously, there's a significant exception that hunters must pay close attention to, especially when it comes to Idaho's premier "trophy" species: moose, bighorn sheep (both Rocky Mountain and California subspecies), and mountain goat.

For these truly special hunts, Idaho operates on a "once-in-a-lifetime" rule per species, and sometimes per subspecies. This means if you are fortunate enough to draw and harvest a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Idaho, you cannot draw another Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep tag ever again in the state. The same applies to moose and mountain goat. The spirit of this rule is to spread the opportunity to harvest these incredibly rare animals among as many hunters as possible, ensuring that more people get the chance to experience such an iconic hunt.

Now, here's where it gets a little more nuanced: the "per subspecies" part for bighorn sheep. Idaho officially recognizes two subspecies of bighorn sheep: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and California Bighorn Sheep. If you are lucky enough to draw a tag for one, say a Rocky Mountain bighorn, you could theoretically apply for and draw a California bighorn sheep tag later in your life, as they are considered distinct subspecies by Idaho Fish and Game. This distinction means that Idaho Counts Rocky Mountain and California Bighorns Separately for that once-in-a-lifetime count. This is a subtle but important detail for hunters who dream of a sheep slam across the West.

The implication for applying for multiple species at once is clear: you can apply for a moose tag and a bighorn sheep tag in the same year, or a mountain goat tag. You can even apply for both subspecies of bighorn sheep in the same year if you choose, though drawing both in the same year is highly improbable due to the extremely low odds. However, if you were to draw and successfully hunt, say, an Idaho Moose, you would then be ineligible to apply for another moose tag in Idaho for the remainder of your life. This makes the decision to apply for these tags a truly momentous one, often requiring years of dedicated application efforts. You can learn more about how Idaho Moose Is a Controlled Hunt You Wait Years For to manage expectations.

Strategic Considerations for Applying to Different Hunts

Navigating Idaho's diverse hunting opportunities requires a strategic approach, especially when you're thinking about applying for tags for various species. It’s not just about what you can do, but what makes the most sense for your hunting goals, budget, and time.

Managing Application Timelines and Deadlines

One of the most practical considerations when applying for multiple species is the timing of applications. Idaho runs a tiered system for its controlled hunt applications, and the various species don't all share the same deadlines.

• Spring Bear: Applications for spring black bear controlled hunts typically open in early January and close in mid-February, with results posted in early March.
• Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat: These highly coveted "trophy" species have their own distinct application period, usually running from April through April, with results posted in early May. This dedicated window allows hunters to focus specifically on these rare opportunities. If you're hoping to hunt above Idaho Timberline, securing a Idaho Mountain Goat Hunting Above Idaho Timberline tag is a true achievement.
• Deer, Elk, Antelope (First Draw): The primary controlled hunt drawing for these popular big game animals opens in May and typically closes in early June, with results announced by the end of June. This is the big one for most hunters eyeing a general season or specific unit tag.
• Second Controlled Hunt Drawing: Idaho also holds a second controlled hunt drawing in early August for any tags that weren't issued or claimed in the first drawing. This offers another bite at the apple, though typically for less desirable units or difficult-to-draw tags.

This staggered schedule is actually a huge benefit for hunters. It means you don't have to make all your decisions at once. You can apply for spring bear, then turn your attention to moose/sheep/goat, and finally focus on deer/elk/antelope. This gives you time to research each hunt thoroughly, adjust your budget, and refine your strategy. You can always check The Idaho Controlled Hunt Calendar, April Through August to stay on top of these critical dates.

Financial Implications of Multiple Applications

Let's be real, hunting can be an expensive passion, and Idaho's application fees and license requirements add up, especially for nonresidents. When considering multiple species applications, the financial aspect needs to be a primary consideration.

• Nonresident License First: Before you can even think about applying for a controlled hunt tag in Idaho, nonresidents must first purchase a non-refundable Idaho hunting license. This isn't a small chunk of change, and it's required regardless of whether you actually draw a tag.
• Application Fees Per Species: Each controlled hunt application comes with its own non-refundable application fee. While these fees are usually modest (e.g., around $10-20 per species), they multiply quickly if you apply for several species. For instance, applying for a deer tag, an elk tag, and a moose tag will incur three separate application fees on top of your base license.
• Tag Costs: If you do draw a tag, you then have to pay the full tag fee. And Idaho tags are not cheap, especially for nonresidents. An Idaho elk tag, for example, is a significant investment, separate from the license and application fee. For a nonresident, the Total Cost of a Nonresident Idaho Elk Hunt can be substantial when you factor in the license and tag. Drawing multiple tags in a single year could mean a substantial outlay of cash.

It's absolutely essential to budget wisely and understand the full financial commitment before applying for multiple species. There's nothing worse than drawing a dream tag only to realize you can't afford to buy it. Utilize resources like the Idaho Fish and Game website or platforms like GoHunt that often break down the total cost of applying and purchasing tags.

Planning for Overlapping Season Dates

Another often-overlooked aspect when applying for multiple species is the potential for overlapping season dates if you do draw more than one tag. While drawing multiple premier tags in the same year is unlikely, it’s not impossible, especially if you apply for general season tags or different controlled hunts with staggered dates.

Imagine you apply for a mule deer controlled hunt in an early October unit and also draw an archery elk tag that starts in mid-September and runs into early October. If these units are far apart or require different hunting styles (e.g., a horseback elk hunt versus a vehicle-accessible deer hunt), you might have to make a tough choice about which hunt to prioritize.

Hunters need to meticulously check the Idaho hunt planner and regulation pamphlets for specific unit and species season dates before applying. Consider these scenarios:

• Unit Proximity: If you draw a deer tag and an elk tag for units that are geographically close, you might be able to hunt both, perhaps alternating days or focusing on one species in the morning and another in the afternoon.
• Weapon Type: Archery seasons often precede rifle seasons. If you draw an archery elk tag and a rifle deer tag, these might line up nicely without significant overlap. However, if you draw two rifle tags that run concurrently, it could be problematic.
• Hunt Duration: Some controlled hunts are short, perhaps a week or two. Others can run for a month or more. Managing multiple long hunts is a massive time commitment.

It's a high-class problem to have, of course, but it’s a problem nonetheless. Hunters must assess their available time, physical endurance, and logistical capabilities to ensure they can realistically pursue all the tags they apply for if they are successful in the draw.

Navigating Concurrent Applications and Potential Conflicts

So, you've decided to cast a wide net and apply for a few different species. That's fantastic! But now, how does Idaho actually handle multiple applications? Are there any hidden rules or potential pitfalls to be aware of? Let's break down the mechanics.

The "No Preference Points" System

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that Idaho Has No Preference Points, and What That Changes about its draw system. Unlike many western states that use a preference or bonus point system to reward loyalty over time, Idaho’s controlled hunt draws are typically true lotteries. Every applicant for a given controlled hunt, whether it's their first time applying or their twentieth, theoretically has the same odds of drawing a tag in any particular year.

This "no points" system has significant implications when applying for multiple species:

• Equal Opportunity: You don't have to worry about accumulating points for one species at the expense of another. Your application for an elk tag doesn't affect your "standing" for a deer tag, and vice-versa. Each species' draw is independent. This can be a refreshing change for hunters frustrated with endless point banking in other states. You can read more about What Replaces Points in the Idaho Draw.
• Increased Randomness: While it provides equal opportunity, it also means there's less predictability. You could draw a coveted moose tag your first year applying, or you could go decades without drawing a specific elk tag, regardless of how many other species you apply for or draw.
• Focus on Research: Since points don't play a role, your strategy shifts entirely to researching draw odds for specific units, harvest statistics, and hunt quality. Resources like GoHunt are invaluable here, as they often compile this data to help you make informed choices about where to apply.

Understanding Controlled Hunt Waiting Periods

While Idaho doesn’t have a preference point system, it does have waiting periods for some controlled hunts, particularly for certain high-demand or trophy species. This is designed to further spread opportunity and prevent the same individuals from drawing the most sought-after tags year after year.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Trophy Species: If you draw a moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat tag, you generally face a waiting period (often five years) before you can apply for that same species again, regardless of whether you harvested an animal. This is separate from the "once-in-a-lifetime" rule if you harvest the animal. The waiting period applies simply to drawing the tag. For example, if you drew a moose tag but, for some unforeseen reason, weren't able to hunt or didn't harvest, you would still be subject to the waiting period before you could reapply for moose.
• Some Deer/Elk Hunts: Certain highly limited or specialty deer and elk controlled hunts might also have waiting periods, although these are less common and typically shorter than for trophy species. It's always essential to consult the specific hunt rules in the current year's regulation booklet.

What's important for concurrent applications is that drawing one species' tag and incurring its waiting period does not typically prevent you from applying for other species in subsequent years. For instance, if you draw an Idaho Moose tag and face a five-year waiting period for future moose applications, you can still apply for deer, elk, or bear tags during those same five years. The waiting period is species-specific.

Avoiding Conflicting Applications in the Same Species

This might seem obvious, but it's a common mistake: you cannot apply for two different controlled hunts for the same species in the same draw period. For example, you cannot apply for an elk controlled hunt in Zone 10 and also apply for an elk controlled hunt in Zone 39 during the primary draw. You must pick one.

The system is designed to allow one application per species per draw period. If you try to apply for multiple controlled hunts for the same species, the system will usually reject the second application or prompt you to select only one. This applies to deer, elk, antelope, and bear.

The only "exception" to this is when Idaho offers a second drawing for leftover tags. If you were unsuccessful in the first drawing for a deer tag, you could potentially apply again in the second drawing for a different deer controlled hunt that has available tags. However, that's a separate draw period entirely, not concurrent applications within the same initial draw. Knowing When Idaho Controlled Hunt Applications Open and close is key to managing these choices.

To help visualize the difference, here's a quick table:

Species Category	Can Apply for Multiple Species Concurrently?	Can Apply for Multiple Hunts of the Same Species Concurrently?	Waiting Period After Drawing?	"Once-in-a-Lifetime" Rule?
Deer, Elk, Antelope, Bear	Yes	No (Must choose one hunt per species per draw)	Typically No (Check regs)	No
Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Goat	Yes	No (Must choose one hunt per species per draw)	Yes (e.g., 5 years)	Yes (Per species/subspecies)

Maximizing Your Odds Across Species

Now that we understand the rules and limitations, let's talk strategy. How can you increase your chances of drawing desirable tags across multiple species in Idaho? It all comes down to smart research, realistic expectations, and playing the odds where you can.

Researching Draw Odds for Each Species

Since Idaho uses a lottery system with no preference points, your best strategy is to be an astute researcher. Don't just apply blindly; delve into the data.

• Idaho Fish and Game Website: The Idaho Fish and Game website is your primary source for regulation booklets, hunt planners, and draw statistics. They provide reports showing the number of applicants versus the number of tags issued for each controlled hunt unit for previous years. This is gold.
• Third-Party Platforms: This is where tools like GoHunt really shine. They often compile and analyze Idaho Fish and Game data, presenting it in user-friendly formats that allow you to quickly compare draw odds, harvest success rates, and public land percentages for various units and species. You can filter by weapon type, season dates, and even trophy potential. Leveraging such platforms can save you countless hours of sifting through raw data.
• Realistic Expectations: Some tags, like certain trophy bull elk hunts or limited entry mule deer areas, have abysmal draw odds (think single-digit percentages). Applying for these is a true long shot. Others, particularly for cow elk, antlerless deer, or bear, might have significantly better odds, sometimes even 100% or close to it. Balance your dream hunts with applications that have a higher probability of success.

By carefully studying the draw odds, you can make informed decisions. For instance, you might decide to put in for a long-shot moose tag, but then apply for a more attainable general season elk tag that is accessible with an Idaho A Tag Against B Tag for Archery Hunters or a high-odds antlerless deer controlled hunt.

Targeting General vs. Controlled Hunts

Idaho offers both general season tags (which are typically over-the-counter or guaranteed if purchased by a certain date) and controlled hunt tags (which require an application and drawing). When applying for multiple species, how you mix and match these can be a game-changer.

• General Season Tags as a Backup: If you're applying for a controlled hunt for elk, you might also consider purchasing a general season deer tag. That way, even if you don't draw your desired elk tag, you still have a deer hunt planned. This provides a guaranteed opportunity in the field.
• Controlled Hunts for Specific Goals: Controlled hunts often target specific areas, times, or animal types (e.g., antlered-only, specific brow tine restrictions) that general seasons don't. If you have a particular trophy goal or want to hunt a less pressured area, controlled hunts are the way to go, but understand the lower draw odds.
• Mixing and Matching: A common strategy is to apply for a highly desirable controlled hunt for one species (e.g., a limited-entry bull elk) and then secure a general season tag for another species (e.g., an over-the-counter mule deer tag). This gives you a shot at a dream hunt while ensuring you still get to hunt something. Knowing Which Idaho Species Require a Controlled Hunt Tag is fundamental here.

The Appeal of Second Drawing and Leftover Tags

Don't give up if you don't draw your initial choice! Idaho has a robust system for second drawings and the sale of leftover tags, which can be an excellent way to secure additional hunting opportunities for various species.

• Second Controlled Hunt Drawing: As mentioned, if tags go unclaimed or unpurchased from the first draw, they are often rolled into a second drawing in early August. These are often for units with lower success rates or more challenging access, but they are still legitimate tags. If you didn't draw your primary deer tag, you could potentially apply for a different deer tag in the second drawing.
• First-Come, First-Served Sales: After the second drawing, any remaining tags are often sold over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis, usually starting in late August. These tags can go very quickly, so you need to be ready to pounce the moment they become available. This can be an excellent opportunity to pick up an additional tag for a species you didn't draw, or even a second tag for species like bear in certain units if limits allow.

By leveraging these later opportunities, hunters can significantly increase their total number of tags held in a given season. It's not uncommon for dedicated hunters to end up with a controlled elk tag, a general deer tag, and a leftover bear tag through a combination of savvy applications and quick action on the sales dates. Keep an eye on the Idaho Fish and Game announcements for these sales, as they can sometimes offer surprising opportunities.

Remember, Idaho offers an incredible array of hunting experiences. By understanding its application system for multiple species, managing your expectations, and planning strategically, you can maximize your time in the field and potentially fill more than one tag.

Disclaimer

Please remember that hunting regulations, seasons, and application processes in Idaho can change annually. It is your sole responsibility to consult the most current Idaho Fish and Game regulations for the exact, up-to-date information before applying for any tags or heading into the field. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.