Idaho’s Second Drawing in Early August

It’s a truly deflating feeling to pour over the Idaho hunt regulations, dream about chasing big game in the Gem State, apply for those coveted controlled hunt tags, and then… receive that dreaded "unsuccessful" email. Many hunters assume their chances are gone for the year, but Idaho offers a valuable second chance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Idaho's second drawing in early August, a critical opportunity to snag those highly sought-after tags that didn't get picked up in the initial draw.

Understanding Idaho's Second Drawing Opportunity

Idaho's hunting tag system can feel a bit like a lottery, especially for controlled hunts targeting species like deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. The initial application periods, usually earlier in the year, see a massive influx of hopeful hunters. When the dust settles and the first round of results is released, inevitably, some tags remain available. These aren't necessarily undesirable tags; sometimes applicants didn't complete their purchase, or specific units had more tags than applicants. That's where the second drawing comes into play, offering a glimmer of hope to those who missed out the first time.

The Purpose of a Second Chance

Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) implements a second drawing specifically to maximize hunter opportunity and ensure that as many controlled hunt tags as possible are issued. Think of it as a crucial "sweepstakes" for tags that weren't claimed or allocated in the first primary controlled hunt draw. It’s designed to fill any remaining quotas for various big game species across numerous game management units. Without this second opportunity, valuable tags would go unutilized, which is a missed chance for hunters and the state's wildlife management goals. For many, this drawing is their last realistic shot at securing a controlled hunt tag for the upcoming season, especially for popular species.

Key Dates and the August Window

The timing of Idaho's second drawing is incredibly important, typically opening in early August. This period is after the initial controlled hunt results have been released and the deadline for successful applicants to purchase their tags has passed. The exact dates can shift slightly year to year, but August is the consistent window. For instance, the main controlled hunt calendar, April through August, details these dates. It’s absolutely vital to mark your calendar and keep an eye on the official IDFG website or sign up for their email notifications. Missing the short application window for this second drawing means missing out on any remaining opportunities. Historically, it's a tight timeframe, usually lasting only a week or two, which means you need to be prepared and act quickly when it opens.

Eligibility and What Tags You Can Pursue

Just like the first drawing, there are specific rules and conditions for participating in Idaho's second drawing. It's not a free-for-all; you need to meet the standard hunting requirements, and the types of tags available will be limited to what was left over. Understanding these parameters is key to knowing if you even have a shot and, if so, what kind of hunt you might be able to secure.

Residency and Hunter Education Requirements

Eligibility for the second drawing generally mirrors the initial drawing. First and foremost, you'll need an Idaho hunting license for the current year. This is a non-refundable prerequisite that you'll have paid months in advance to even be considered in any draw. For residents, this is straightforward. Nonresidents can also apply for the second drawing, but the number of tags available to them will depend on the nonresident quotas that weren't met in earlier application periods. It's worth remembering that Idaho runs no preference point system, meaning every applicant, regardless of past attempts, has an equal shot in each drawing.

Beyond the license, hunter education is a must. Anyone born after January 1, 1975, needs to complete a certified hunter education course. You'll need to have this certification on file with IDFG before you can even apply for a tag, let alone participate in a second drawing. Even if you're a seasoned hunter from another state, if your birth year falls after that cutoff, you'll need to provide proof of equivalent certification. Ensure all your certifications are up to date and readily accessible when you decide to apply.

Available Species and Tag Types

The tags available in Idaho's second drawing are exclusively those controlled hunt tags that were not issued in the initial draw. This could be due to a lack of applicants for certain units, tags that were drawn but not purchased by the deadline (like the January deadline to buy a drawn Idaho tag), or other administrative reasons. While you might dream of a premier moose or bighorn sheep tag, these are exceedingly rare to see in a second drawing due to their immense popularity and limited quotas.

More commonly, you might find deer tags (both mule deer and whitetail), elk tags (sometimes for specific A Tag or B Tag seasons, or for cow hunts), and occasionally bear or pronghorn tags. The availability will vary wildly by unit and by year. It’s crucial to understand that these aren't general season tags; they are still for specific controlled hunts with defined weapon types, season dates, and unit boundaries. Therefore, you'll need to carefully review the current year's controlled hunt rules and available tags once the second drawing opens. Don't expect "trophy" units to suddenly appear; often, the available tags might be in less popular or harder-to-access units, or for species and hunt types with lower demand.

Here's a quick look at typical tag availability in the second drawing:

Species	Likelihood of Availability	Common Hunt Types	Notes
Elk	Moderate	Cow hunts, Archery/Muzzleloader (A Tags), Specific Units, Less Desirable Zones	Often for population management or less popular zones.
Mule Deer	Moderate	Doe hunts, specific units, late seasons.	Good opportunity for a meat hunt or in overlooked areas.
Whitetail Deer	Moderate	Specific units, general season overflow.	More common in northern panhandle units.
Pronghorn	Low to Moderate	Specific units, often doe/fawn or less desirable buck tags.	Always a controlled hunt, so any availability is a bonus.
Black Bear	Moderate	Spring or Fall hunts, specific units.	Can be a good way to get an additional bear tag if available.
Moose, Sheep, Goat	Extremely Low	Virtually none.	These "trophy" species almost always fill in the first draw.

Navigating the Application Process Step by Step

Once you've confirmed your eligibility and are ready to jump into the second drawing, the process itself is relatively straightforward, but requires attention to detail. It's all done online, and knowing what to expect can save you a lot of stress during that short application window.

Accessing the Application Portal

When the second drawing opens in early August, you'll need to head straight to the Idaho Fish and Game website. They typically have a prominent link for the "Controlled Hunt Second Drawing" or "Leftover Controlled Hunt Tags" on their homepage or within the licensing section. You'll log in using your customer ID and password, which you should already have from purchasing your annual hunting license. If you've forgotten your login details, make sure to retrieve them before the application window opens, as technical issues can cause frustrating delays and potentially cost you a chance at a tag. The system is managed through the GoOutdoorsIdaho platform. It's smart to have a solid internet connection and perhaps avoid peak hours if the site seems slow due to heavy traffic.

Selecting Units and Hunt Choices

This is where your research truly pays off. Once you're in the application portal, you'll be presented with a list of available controlled hunts. This list is dynamically updated and reflects what is actually available. Unlike the first drawing where you might apply for many choices, in the second drawing, you are usually applying for specific, already-identified leftover tags. You'll need to know which units you're interested in and what species/weapon types are available. This is the time to really understand how Idaho numbers its game management units and what an Idaho controlled hunt area boundary looks like on a map.

You'll select the specific hunt code(s) for the tags you wish to apply for. It’s crucial to double-check the hunt number, unit, weapon type (e.g., archery, muzzleloader, any weapon), and season dates to ensure it aligns with your hunting plans and capabilities. Sometimes, the available tags might be for specific antlerless hunts or youth hunts, so read all descriptions very carefully. Don't just pick a unit because you recognize the number; confirm all the details.

Understanding Application Fees and Payments

Applying for Idaho's second drawing typically requires a non-refundable application fee for each hunt choice, similar to the initial draw. This fee is generally modest, but it adds up if you apply for multiple hunts. For instance, while a nonresident Idaho elk tag might be quite costly if drawn, the application fee itself is much lower. You'll need a valid credit or debit card ready to complete the transaction. The system will hold the full tag fee for any tags you draw until you complete the purchase, so make sure you have sufficient funds available.

It's important to understand that simply paying the application fee doesn't guarantee you a tag. It only enters you into the drawing for the specified tags. If you are successful, you will then be charged the full tag fee, which can be significant, so be prepared for that expense. Always review the final costs before submitting your application to avoid any surprises.

Crafting Your Strategy for Success in the Second Drawing

Since Idaho operates without a preference point system, every applicant, whether a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, has an equal chance in each drawing. This levels the playing field but also means strategy becomes paramount. To stand the best chance in the second drawing, you need to be prepared, do your homework, and make informed choices.

Researching Leftover Tags and Units

Before the second drawing even opens, astute hunters are already doing their homework. While you won't know exactly what tags will be left, you can often make educated guesses based on past years' data and general popularity. Websites like GoHunt provide valuable tools and data analysis that can help you understand which units historically have lower application rates or higher tag quotas that might lead to leftovers. They break down drawing odds and harvest statistics, giving you an edge. The Idaho Fish and Game website also provides harvest statistics by Idaho unit, which can hint at areas with less pressure or higher success rates for certain species.

When the list of available tags is released, pour over it. Don't just look for your dream hunt; consider the practicalities. Are the tags in units that are accessible to you? Do the season dates fit your schedule? Are you comfortable with the weapon type specified? Sometimes, less glamorous units or antlerless tags have significantly better odds, and they still provide a fantastic hunting experience and fill the freezer. Using the Idaho Hunt Planner Map Center is an invaluable tool for this research, allowing you to visually explore unit boundaries, public land percentages, and access points.

Considering Less Popular Species or Weapon Types

One of the most effective strategies for increasing your odds in the second drawing is to be flexible. While everyone wants an "any weapon, any bull elk" tag, those are rarely, if ever, found in a second drawing. Instead, focus on hunts that might have lower demand. This often includes:

• Cow or Doe Tags: These tags are crucial for population management and typically have much better drawing odds than bull or buck tags. They offer excellent meat hunting opportunities and are a great way to experience an Idaho big game hunt.
• Archery-Only or Muzzleloader-Only Hunts: These weapon-specific seasons often have fewer applicants than general "any weapon" seasons. If you're proficient with a bow or a muzzleloader, these can be prime opportunities. For instance, if you're a bowhunter, you might find a fantastic archery elk hunt that didn't fill. Just remember the rules around scopes and inline ignition for muzzleloader-only hunts.
• Late Season Hunts: Tags for hunts later in the season, when weather can be more unpredictable, sometimes see fewer applicants. If you're prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow, these can be overlooked gems.
• Specific, Less Accessible Units: Units that are known for difficult terrain, limited road access, or heavy timber often have lower drawing success simply because fewer hunters are willing to put in the effort. If you're up for a physical challenge and a backcountry experience, these can be rewarding.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and consider a hunt that wasn't your first choice. A tag in hand is worth two in the bush, as they say!

Utilizing Resources like GoHunt for Data

In today's digital age, you don't have to guess. There are fantastic resources available to help you make informed decisions. Beyond the official IDFG website, platforms like GoHunt offer detailed drawing statistics, unit profiles, and even predictive analytics that can give you a better understanding of your chances. These tools compile years of data, allowing you to see which hunt codes had leftover tags in previous second drawings, what the success rates were, and where the pressure might be.

Comparing drawing odds before you apply is a non-negotiable step. GoHunt often integrates with maps, showing public land percentages, road networks, and even historical fire data, which can all influence animal movement and hunting pressure. While it won't guarantee you a tag, using such comprehensive data can significantly refine your application strategy, helping you pick the hunts with the highest probability of drawing based on historical trends.

After You Apply: Results and What Comes Next

You've submitted your application for Idaho's second drawing, meticulously reviewed the units, and paid your fees. Now comes the waiting game, which can be almost as agonizing as the first draw. Knowing what to expect regarding results and subsequent steps is important for any hunter.

When Results Are Typically Posted

The results for Idaho's second drawing are usually posted fairly quickly after the application period closes. Since the drawing takes place in early August, you can generally expect to see results within a week or two after the application deadline. IDFG is usually quite efficient in processing these drawings, understanding that hunters need time to plan if they've secured a tag. You'll typically be notified via email, and you can also check your application status directly on the GoOutdoorsIdaho portal by logging into your account.

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on IDFG's official social media channels or subscribe to their newsletters during this time. They often announce when results have been posted, saving you from constantly checking the website. If you're successful, congratulations! If not, don't despair; Idaho still offers other avenues for hunting.

Claiming Your Drawn Tag

If you are one of the lucky few who drew a tag in the second drawing, there will be a strict deadline to purchase and claim your tag. This deadline is typically very short, often just a few days or a week after results are posted. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your tag, and it will likely be rolled into the final round of leftover tag sales, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you log into your GoOutdoorsIdaho account and see that successful notification, you'll be prompted to complete the purchase of your tag. Make sure your payment information is up to date and that you have sufficient funds available for the full tag cost. Once purchased, your tag will either be mailed to you or available for print-at-home, depending on IDFG's current policies. Always carry your physical tag with you in the field and fill it out immediately upon harvest, as required by law.

The Fate of Remaining Leftover Tags

What happens if even after the second drawing, some controlled hunt tags still haven't found a home? Idaho Fish and Game will then release these remaining tags for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. This usually happens a few days after the second drawing results and purchasing deadline have passed, typically in mid-to-late August. This is truly the last call for controlled hunt tags, and they often sell out incredibly quickly, sometimes within minutes.

These leftover Idaho tags are sold through the GoOutdoorsIdaho website. It's a high-stress, high-speed scenario, much like trying to grab concert tickets. If you're planning to participate in these sales, have your account logged in, your payment method ready, and know exactly which hunt codes you're targeting. For dedicated hunters who are incredibly flexible and quick on the draw (pun intended), this can still be an opportunity to pick up an unexpected hunt, perhaps for a late-season deer or a cow elk.

Disclaimer

Please note that hunting regulations, seasons, and drawing procedures in Idaho can change. Always consult the most current Idaho Fish and Game regulations and official publications before applying for any tags or heading into the field. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.