Idaho tag limitations

[Toby]

Are the elk tags in Idaho zone specific. For instance, if I purchase a Lemhi zone tag, am I confined to that zone. Or, is it a general tag like some other states that allow you to hunt multiple zones.

[Lefty]

Are the elk tags in Idaho zone specific. For instance, if I purchase a Lemhi zone tag, am I confined to that zone. Or, is it a general tag like some other states that allow you to hunt multiple zones.

Ive lived here 11 years I still dont understand some of Idahos regulation, controlled hunts, general tags , weapon specific. zones, units ,...
I call a regional office when I have questions
Lets see if I get this right
I have a elk license with my sportsman license
I decide to archery hunt,
Identify the unit , with in the zone when I buy my tag,
hunt the zone, or just the unit , And parts of some units are closed, or have even more specific seasons

Call a regional office where you plan to hunt,... but wait,.. you still may get incorrect answers, then call another regional office
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntPlanner/

I think our fish and game does as good of job as they can, and could manage big game better,.. but are restricted by the overwhelming number of hunters who just want to hunt ( or drive around in their truck with thier grandkid)

[ElkNut1]

Basically the tags are zone specific, you cannot hunt the state with a general elk tag outside of your chosen zone even though the state is mostly general season outside of draw units. If you choose the Lemhi Zone you are tied to it. Deer tags are different.

ElkNut1

[Olydog09]

In Idaho there are a bunch of "Elk Zones" These zones are usually comprised of multiple "units". You pick a zone to hunt then you must hunt only the "units" alotted to that Zone.

On a side note Montana has been picking up their advertisements and have gotten aggressive in recruiting out of state hunters. This is having an impact on Idaho as in Montana you can hunt any open unit and there is no A tag and B tag system. Idaho will be getting more aggressive as a result of this. They have lost a lot of dollars in unsold licenses and tags. It used to be that most idaho out of state tags would sell out by June at the latest. Now you can buy multiple tags and they never sell out. Now with the wolves and economy a lot of hunters have decided not to pay to play. I had heard some rumblings a year or so back that Idaho was looking to instill a new caveat in their elk hunting zones. They were looking at making it so you could pick your normal area and then 1 other zone that you could hunt. That would be very smart on their behalf. I hunt the Panhandle Zone in the N. part of the state. It is close to my home in Spokane. I have always wanted to foray south for an elk hunt but then I would be limited to just my week of vacation for that hunt. I would not be able to afford the time and money to hunt on weekends as it would be a long ways from home. If they institute something like this it would be great. I could pick my regular Panhandle Zone and hunt the weekends and then make a foray to the Salmon area or further south for a weeks vacation hunt. I fully expect to see some changes like this in the next couple years. Idaho must do something to get back some of that licensing money. Montana is aggressive right now so Idaho can follow suit in some form or miss out and lose more money.

[Toby]

Thanks guys. Olydog that is some interesting insight. I am a Wisconsinite and have hinted Idaho for 15 years or so, mainly because of OTC tags and the probability of getting a license if I buy early enough. Minyan is appealing closer to home, but the license cost is crazy high. It would be wise for all of the Western states to analyze their license process.