Hello,

For those of you interested in applying for an Idaho moose tag, the time is now!  The application period is 4/1-4/30.

I can guide in controlled hunt areas 1-1, 1-2, and 2.  The regular moose season is 8/30-11/23 and you can apply for an antlered moose tag in any of those 3 units: 

They're giving 50 permits in 1-1 and that hunt number  is 3001.  In 2004 draw odds were about 13% for this hunt.  Success in 2003 and 2004 were 87% and 84% and the average spread of the bulls taken was 36.4" and 37.9".

They're giving 30 tags for 1-2 and that hunt number is 3003.  2004 draw odds were about 15%.  2003 and 2004 success was 87% both years and average spread was 38.8" and 40.9".

They're giving 20 tags in Unit 2 and that hunt number is 3007.  Draw odds were about 7% last year.  2003 and 2004 success was 100% and 80% and average spread was 36.2" and 34.2".

They've also started a new antlered bull hunt in 1-1 for 2005.  It's only one week long, 9/24-9/30, and they're giving 20 tags for it.  I prefer to moose hunt a little later in the fall when more of the leaves have fallen and there's a better chance of snow on the ground, both of which vastly improve visibility.  However, I'm guessing that draw odds will be considerably better for this new hunt.  Your competition in the moose drawings is about 95% resident hunters and I think the vast majority of the resident hunters would want the regular long season.  As I mentioned, I do prefer to hunt later in the season but I do think we'd be able to find some bulls during this 9/24-9/30 week.  So you may want to consider applying for this hunt to increase your drawing odds.

If you choose to apply for one of the other regular season hunts which do you choose?  Well, I'd toss out Unit 2 unless you have a particular reason for applying for it, since it has had considerable lower drawing odds and the moose hunting is at least as good and probably better in 1-1 and 1-2.  The difference between 1-1 and 1-2 is negligible.  I'll just lay out the differences as I see them and let you make your choice.  I can only guide on a portion of 1-1, whereas I can guide on all of 1-2.  But the portion of 1-1 I can guide on is very good and contains plenty of territory for hunting.  Our house and bunkhouse is located in 1-2 so the hunting is very close by, whereas it's about a 45 minute drive to hunt 1-1, no big deal though.  I haven't seen any difference in quality or quantity of moose between the two areas.  Honestly, if it were me applying, I'd flip a coin and be happy with either unit.

If you'd like to get a cow moose the hunt to apply for is in Unit 1-1, hunt number 3103.  They're giving 20 permits (5 more than last year) and odds were about 40% last year.  They're also giving 10 permits in Unit 2, hunt number 3104, but drawing odds will be much worse there.  It used to be that a person could only harvest one moose in their lifetime in Idaho, be it cow or bull, but this year they made a rule change so that a person can harvest one of each in their lifetime.

To apply for a permit you must first buy an Idaho hunting license which is currently $128.50.  To do this you can go to this webpage: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/licenses/fees/nrlic.cfm , which will give you a link to a site where the license can be purchased online, or a phone number you can call to purchase it.  You can also download a pdf form to mail in with your license fee.  You'll need the hunting license number for the moose permit application.  The $128.50 license fee is nonrefundable.  The moose application fee is $1,515.00, all but $6.00 of which is refunded if you are not drawn.  You can go here, http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/hunt/ch/apply.cfm for the controlled hunt worksheet, which can also be submitted via phone, internet or regular mail.  Basically all you need for it is your name, date of birth, hunting license number and your first choice hunt number.  There's also a space for a second choice hunt number which you can fill in but the only way you have a chance at your second choice is if there are less first choice applicants for it than there are tags offered...and that never happens!  Results of the draw will be out by at least June 10th, and usually it's considerable earlier than that.  Good luck and if you have any questions just let me know.

Clint Gray

Buckshot Outfitting

www.buckshotoutfitting.com