Idaho offers some of the most diverse and opportunity-rich big-game hunting in the West. And unlike most Western states, Idaho doesn’t use a point system, meaning every applicant has an equal chance—every single year. If drawing a Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn, California bighorn, or mountain goat tag is on your bucket list, Idaho may be your best opportunity left in the West.
- Deadline to Apply: April 30, 2026
- Draw Post Date: Early May
- WTA TAGS Species: Shiras Moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, California Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat
- Youth: Must be at least 10 years old to hunt big game. May apply at age 9 if they turn 10 before the license is used.
- Hunter’s Safety: Yes, anyone born on or after January 1, 1975.
- Point System: None. Idaho operates a pure random draw, creating equal opportunity for all applicants.
1. Pure Random Draw: No Point System
Idaho operates on a true random lottery. There are no preference points and no bonus points. Your odds are the same as everyone else’s every single year. You are not waiting decades to catch up.
For hunters who haven’t been building points elsewhere, this is one of the last legitimate chances in the Lower 48 to draw a once-in-a-lifetime tag on equal footing.
2. One Premium Species Per Year
For Shiras moose, bighorn sheep (Rocky Mountain or California), and mountain goat, you may apply for only one species each year. If you apply for sheep, you cannot apply for moose or goat.
This forces hunters to be intentional, and it keeps application numbers lower than in states where applicants can apply for everything. Combined with the upfront financial commitment and no point system in place, this creates the best odds in the West for these premium species!
3. Float State: WTA TAGS Makes It Easy
Idaho is a float state. To apply for moose, sheep, or goat, non-residents must:
- Purchase a $204 non-resident hunting license, and
- Submit the full $2,626 tag fee at the time of application.
That can get expensive quickly, but WTA TAGS will float the tag fees for you, making the process simple and painless.
The deadline for moose, sheep, and mountain goat is April 30, 2026. It will be here before you know it, so call WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-8247 now.
