In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down everything nonresident hunters need to know about applying for big game tags in Idaho—including the major changes coming for the 2026 season. Idaho has always stood out among Western states for doing things differently, and this year it takes another big step: moving from the old first-come, first-served system to a structured draw for nonresident general elk, mule deer, and pronghorn tags.

Matt explains how the new two-window draw system works, when to apply, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that ruin most applications. You’ll learn how to buy your nonresident hunting license correctly, how to structure your hunt choices, and how Idaho’s new process balances fairness with opportunity. He also walks through how to read the A-tag vs. B-tag elk system, pick smart backup zones, and stay on top of claim deadlines so you never lose a tag you’ve drawn.

For mule deer hunters, this episode dives into Idaho’s unit-specific general tags—why they’re capped, how to select units strategically, and how to use harvest data and returned-tag sales to your advantage. And for pronghorn hunters, Matt outlines Idaho’s fully controlled-hunt system, explaining why every tag is a true lottery and what strategies actually give nonresidents a fighting chance.

Whether you’re planning your first Idaho hunt or refining your multi-state application strategy, this episode gives you a step-by-step understanding of how to navigate Idaho’s evolving draw structure, maximize your odds, and keep yourself in the game every single year.