Idaho worth it or not since you got to buy a license?

[flyingbrass]

Idaho worth it or not since you got to buy a license?
Just wondering. Thinking about putting in for a rifle limited entry Non-resident tag but the odds ain't great and since there is no bonus point I was wondering if it was worth it or not? I put in for NM, UT, AZ, WY, and Arkansas so far. I live in Arkansas, only 18 tags given out here, so scouting ain't going to happen out west.
cold dead hands

 

[northwesthunter]

The odds are pretty slim on the popular trophy units and with the nonres quotas of 10 percent I believe you gotta be real lucky. The upside is somebody has to draw and with no points you have as good a chance as any other nonresident so to me its a money issue. It is a chunk of change to buy the license with no refund but you could go on an over the counter hunt if you don't draw anything else. I'm just glad I bought a lifetime hunting license before I left Idaho so now as a nonres I just have to pay the app fees and buy the nonres tag if I draw. My 2cents nwhunter

 

[tlake]

As a non-resident you have the same odds of drawing as a resident until the non-resident quota is filled, then you have no chance. If you notice the non-resident quota is not a guarantee. If they draw all resident hunters and fill the number of special permits allotted before a non-resident is drawn then no non-resident get drawn. As a non-resident I know how it works and accept it as it is and then go hunting somewhere Idaho.

 

[Califelkslayer]

Personal choice. How much does $150.00 mean to you. An opportunity to hunt a quality unit?? The draw odds are clearly published so you know what you're getting into.

I've applied for a particular deer unit for 14 of the last 16 years and nothing to show for it but at least I know I have a chance each year.

HINT: If you're gonna pay for the license, apply for deer even if you pick the longest odds hunt in the state. For $5-6 more its worth it. I drew a great elk tag after I figured this out after applying for deer only for about 8 years.

 

[huntin100]

The odds of drawing the top 3 or 4 units for elk or deer are poor. Probably wont draw in the next 10 years. 10 x 150= $1,500.
I live 30 miles from Idaho. I bird hunt and sometimes buy a general season tag. I don't think it is worth it unless you have plans on hunting a general season tag if you don't draw. Good luck.

 

[HuntElk4Fun_]

I agree, it's tough to justify $150 if you can't find another way to use the tag. I live in Northern Utah and have trouble talking myself into it. I do it when I know I might be hunting there anyway.

ODDNUT1
Kirt C.
Hunt Odds.com

 

[Outdoordan]

I just saw 13 bulls, and 9 cows last nite in 4 groups from the road. This is in the pioneer zone which is over the counter for archery, and a draw for rifle with decent odds. If you like to archery hunt, and haven't drawn anything, Idaho is a great opportunity. By now, alot of the states have drawn. Also, if there are any OTC tags leftover, and you kill a bull early, you can buy a second tag!

 

[Califelkslayer]

Or if you draw the rifle tag and there are tags left over you can buy an archery tag. Scouting/hunting with a bow in your hands and a chance for 2 hunts in one, 2 bulls, where else can you do that?????

Every state except Oregon has their special perks. Damn i need to get off of my bias against Oregon.