Idaho & Montana: Best Draw Odds in the West

by Casey Mekelburg
|  
Location: MontanaIdaho

Sheep, moose, and goat are highly coveted tags, and both Idaho and Montana have the world-class quality you’re seeking along with the best odds of drawing in the West. 

Idaho

Idaho’s application deadline for sheep, moose, and mountain goat tags is April 30.

Idaho is a float state, meaning you must pay the entire tag fee at time of application. This can become very expensive, but WTA TAGS will float the tag fees for you!

Idaho conducts a random draw, meaning there is no point system in place. Plus, you can only apply for one of the premium species. This gives you the best odds in the West for drawing a California bighorn, Rocky Mountain bighorn, Shiras moose, or mountain goat tag.

Moose

If you want the best odds of drawing a Shiras moose tag, Idaho is the state! Last year, the statewide odds of drawing a moose tag in Idaho were right around 4%. But if you remove unit 54, the draw odds are much higher. The WTA TAGS preferred unit with our best outfitter typically offers odds of better than 1 in 10 and the hunting is very high quality for this sought-after species.

Mountain Goat

The 2024 draw offers a chance of up to 4 non-resident permits in the 2024 draw. With a 1.6% chance of drawing one of these tags, that is the best of any state in the lower 48. If hunting a goat is at the top of your priority list, we definitely recommend applying.

Sheep

Idaho offers excellent sheep hunting for both the California and Rocky Mountain species of bighorn. The odds of drawing a sheep tag are the highest in the West.

Montana

The deadline to apply for moose, sheep and mountain goat in Montana is May 1.

Montana uses a bonus point system for these three species. No matter how many points you have, you always have a chance of drawing one of these tags.

Sheep

Drawing a sheep tag in Montana gives the tag holder a chance to chase a world-class ram. With the Missouri Breaks units being at the top of the list for many sheep hunters, it opens the door to other units with a lot fewer applications. Consider these units when applying—odds of killing a great ram in these lesser units is still very high and the draw odds are much more favorable.

Mountain Goat

Montana will offer the second most non-resident goat tags in the Lower 48 this year. Almost every unit in the state produces great billies.

Moose

Montana has a good Shiras moose population. If you are lucky enough to draw one of these tags, be prepared for a long hunt. The average hunt lasted over 15 days last year. Naturally, if you hire a reputable outfitter, days afield should decrease.

Call WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-8247 before the Idaho deadline on April 30 and Montana deadline on May 6.

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