In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down Idaho’s big move for 2026 as one of the last “over-the-counter” western states shifts non-resident general deer and elk tags to a full draw system. He walks through what’s actually changing, key deadlines (applications due December 15 at 11:59 p.m. MT), the new five-choice application rules, and how group applications work so your whole crew can still hunt together.Brian also explains why this isn’t the end of the world for traveling hunters, why Idaho’s e...
In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down Idaho’s big move for 2026 as one of the last “over-the-counter” western states shifts non-resident general deer and elk tags to a full draw system. He walks through what’s actually changing, key deadlines (applications due December 15 at 11:59 p.m. MT), the new five-choice application rules, and how group applications work so your whole crew can still hunt together.
Brian also explains why this isn’t the end of the world for traveling hunters, why Idaho’s early-January results are still clutch for multi-state strategies, and how to think about your first and second choices under a random draw with no points. Then he dives into GoHunt’s Insider tools — Filtering 2.0, unit profiles, and trophy/harvest stats — and shows how to sort Idaho elk and mule deer units by success rate, public land, and trophy potential so you’re swinging for the fences smartly.
If you’re eyeing Idaho for 2026, this episode is your blueprint — plus a reminder that code DRAWNWEST gets you $50 in gear credit and 10% off most full-price gear in the GOHUNT Gear Shop when you join Insider.
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.
GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4
FREE Gear Checklist:
https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
FREE Drawn West Application Calendar
www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsorsand Discounts:
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0:00 – Idaho Apps Season Kickoff with GOHUNT
1:05 – Idaho OTC “Over the Counter” Myth
3:10 – 2026 Change: General Deer & Elk Goto Draw
5:20 – Deadlines, Time Zones, and LicenseRequirements
7:10 – Why Early January Results Matter forMulti-State Plans
9:30 – Non-Resident Caps, Quotas, andResident Priority
12:00 – Group Applications: Keeping YourHunting Crew Together
15:30 – How the Random Draw & FiveChoices Really Work
19:30 – Building Your Idaho Strategy: DreamUnits vs Realistic Picks
23:50 – Using GOHUNT Insider & Filtering2.0 for Idaho Elk
27:10 – Idaho Mule Deer Potential and SuccessRates
30:30 – Tag Prices, Travel Reality, and WhereIdaho Fits in Your Season
33:30 – Final Thoughts: Swing Big, Do theResearch, Stay Drawn
