Moose 2010
Hello,
Tomorrow is the beginning of the application period for an Idaho moose tag. You have until April 30th to complete the application.
Fish and Game made some big changes to the moose seasons again last year which makes it tougher to predict what drawing odds will be for any given season/tag. The majority of the tags are 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).
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. 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. Drawing odds will be lowest for the long season because most local hunters will apply for that. So you may want to avoid that unless you need all that flexibility on when you come. The early hunt can be tough 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. I hesitate to give too specific a recommendation as I don't want everyone I talk to to apply for the same hunt and hurt each other's odds. The table below shows the hunts available on my outfitting territory for antlered bulls and what the odds were for each hunt last year. There were some extremely good odds! That may change this year when other applicants see how good the odds were on some of the hunts and apply for them. I'd say just look it over and pick whatever looks good to you.
Hunt Number | Hunt Area | Permits | Dates | 2009 odds |
3001 | 1-1 | 55 | Sep 15-Dec 1 | 13.4% |
3002 | 1-1 | 15 | Oct 1-Oct 14 | 36.6% |
3003 | 1-1 | 15 | Nov 1-Nov 14 | 60.0% |
3004 | 1-2 | 20 | Sep 15-Dec 1 | 12.8% |
3005 | 1-2 | 5 | Oct 1-Oct 14 | 26.3% |
3006 | 1-2 | 10 | Nov 1-Nov 14 | 37.0% |
3010 | 1-4 | 30 | Sep 15-Dec 1 | 16.0% |
3011 | 1-4 | 5 | Oct 1-Oct 14 | 35.7% |
3012 | 1-4 | 10 | Nov 1-Nov 14 | 62.5% |
3013 | 2 | 20 | Sep 15-Dec 1 | 7.2% |
3014 | 2 | 5 | Oct 1-Oct 14 | 21.7% |
3015 | 2 | 10 | Nov 1-Nov 14 | 32.2% |
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.
In addition to the regular drawings Idaho has two drawings per year for superhunts. They have individual drawings for deer, elk, moose and pronghorn, as well as a superhunt combo which has tags for all 4. The superhunt tag is good for any open hunt in Idaho. Odds are not great in this drawing but almost every year I guide a moose hunter that has drawn one so there's definitely hope. It's a raffle-type drawing and a person can purchase as many chances as they want with the first ticket costing $6 and every additional ticket costing $4 for the single species tags. It is not necessary to purchase an Idaho hunting license to enter the superhunt drawing. Tickets must be received by 5/31 for the first drawing and 8/10 for the second drawing. The second drawing comes so late in the year that there are usually quite a few less tickets in the hat. For more information, or to get the ticket order form you can go here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/superhunt/
Let me know if you have any questions and Good Luck!
Clint Gray
Buckshot Outfitting
208-267-3885
www.buckshotoutfitting.com