Hello,

Today is the beginning of the application period for an Idaho moose tag.  You have until April 30th to complete the application.

Fish and Game has made some big changes to the moose seasons again.  For the past 2 years they had the tags divided up between 6 different 2-week long seasons.  This year they've changed that and have the majority of the tags in a long season from 9/15-12/1, with additional tags in an early season (10/1-10/14) and a late season (11/1-11/14).  The total number of tags remains very similar to past years.

 My outfitting territory includes parts of Units 1-1, 1-2, 1-4 and 2.  I would avoid the Unit 2 hunt simply because the hunting and odds of drawing a tag are better in the other areas.  All 3 areas in Unit 1 are excellent moose areas.  We live in Area 1-2 and 1-4 begins just 100 yards from here so they are the simplest to hunt logistically.  They give the most tags for 1-1 and it's only about a 45 minute drive.  Although 1-1 has the most tags the odds of drawing are generally a little lower there because it has received some positive press and there are more applicants.  If I were applying for a tag myself I would be equally happy with a tag in any of these areas. 

Trying to come up with a strategy for which hunt to apply for is tricky.  I'm pretty sure that drawing odds will be lowest for the long season because most local hunters would apply for that.  So you may want to avoid that unless you need all that flexibility on when you come.  I think there will be the fewest applicants in the early hunt because the hunting can be tough then if the weather is warm and all the leaves are still on the brush.  The moose would be rutting at that time which would help but we generally see more moose when we hunt later in the season.  The October hunt may be a good choice for archery though.  The short, late hunt is probably what I'd suggest.  I think it's the best time of the season to hunt and hopefully drawing odds won't be too bad.

If you want to apply for a cow tag your choices are much simpler: Area 1-1, hunt #3104 would be by far my first choice.  Area 2, hunt #3105 would be my second choice. 

As far as the mechanics of applying for a tag go, you must first purchase an Idaho hunting license and then you can apply for the tag.  The following link will take you to a page with the application worksheet as well as links to purchase the hunting license:  http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/ch/apply.cfm The application deadline is April 30th.  Results of the draw will be out by at least June 10th, and usually it's considerably earlier than that.

Let me know if you have any questions and Good Luck!

Clint Gray
Buckshot Outfitting
208-267-3885
www.buckshotoutfitting.com