Idaho Super Hunt Strategy: How Many Entries Should You Buy?

Idaho's Super Hunt gives hunters a chance at one of the most flexible big-game tags in the West. For 2026, an individual Super Hunt entry costs $6 for deer, elk, pronghorn, or moose. A separate Super Hunt Combo entry costs $20 and gives you a chance to win tags for all four species.

There is no preference-point requirement, no bonus-point requirement, and you don't even need an Idaho hunting license to enter.

The big question is: How many Idaho Super Hunt entries should you buy?

Because Idaho allows unlimited entries, buying more entries increases your chances. But even with multiple entries, the most popular Super Hunt drawings remain extremely competitive.

The best strategy is to understand the actual number of entries, the number of tags awarded, your hunting priorities, and how much you're comfortable spending.

What Is the Idaho Super Hunt?

The Idaho Super Hunt is a special drawing administered by Idaho Fish and Game.

Every year, 34 hunters receive Super Hunt opportunities across two drawings.

Super Hunt tags are available for four species:

• Deer

• Elk

• Pronghorn

• Moose

There is also a Super Hunt Combo.

The Combo winner receives an opportunity to hunt all four species:

Deer + Elk + Pronghorn + Moose

Two Combo winners are selected annually—one during each Super Hunt drawing.

Unlike a normal controlled hunt tag that's tied to a specific hunt, a Super Hunt winner can participate in any open general or controlled hunt in Idaho for the species they drew.

You must still follow the restrictions of the hunt you're participating in, including season dates, weapon restrictions, boundaries, and other regulations.

That statewide flexibility is what makes these tags so valuable.

How Much Does an Idaho Super Hunt Entry Cost?

For 2026, Idaho Fish and Game lists the following entry prices:

EntryCostDeer$6Elk$6Pronghorn$6Moose$6Four-Species Combo$20

There is no limit on the number of entries you can purchase.

If elk is your priority, you could purchase one elk entry, 10 elk entries, 50 elk entries, or more.

The same applies to deer, pronghorn, moose, and the Combo.

Online and telephone transactions may include additional processing fees.

Always verify current prices through the official Idaho Fish and Game Super Hunt page.

How Many Idaho Super Hunt Tags Are Awarded?

Idaho conducts two Super Hunt drawings each year.

First Drawing

The first drawing awards:

• 8 deer tags

• 8 elk tags

• 8 pronghorn tags

• 1 moose tag

• 1 Super Hunt Combo

That's 26 opportunities in the first drawing.

Entries must be received by May 31, with winners selected in June.

Second Drawing

The second drawing awards:

• 2 deer tags

• 2 elk tags

• 2 pronghorn tags

• 1 moose tag

• 1 Super Hunt Combo

That's another 8 opportunities.

Entries must be received by August 10, with winners selected in August.

Entries from the first drawing do not carry over into the second drawing. If you want to participate again, you need to purchase new entries.

What Are the Actual Idaho Super Hunt Odds?

Your odds depend on:

• Species

• First or second drawing

• Number of entries sold

• Number of tags awarded

• Number of entries you personally purchase

Because hunters can purchase unlimited entries, Idaho's published totals represent entries rather than individual applicants.

For example, Idaho's 2026 second Super Hunt drawing received 66,843 total entries.

Those included:

DrawingEntriesTagsDeer12,6272Elk17,9932Pronghorn4,8622Moose25,0911Combo6,2701

This provides a much better foundation for understanding the drawing than estimating how many hunters might enter.

How Do Your Odds Change When You Buy More Entries?

Buying additional entries increases your probability because each entry gives you another chance in the drawing.

For a simplified example, suppose there were 10,000 entries competing for one tag.

Your approximate chances would be:

Your EntriesApproximate Chance10.01%50.05%100.10%250.25%500.50%1001.00%

This simplified example assumes the total pool remains fixed.

In reality, your additional entries also increase the total number of entries, so exact probabilities need to account for that.

The important lesson remains the same:

More entries improve your odds, but they don't suddenly turn a difficult drawing into an easy one.

Are More Idaho Super Hunt Entries Worth It?

That depends entirely on your budget and hunting priorities.

If you buy one $6 elk entry, you have one chance.

If you buy 10 entries, you're spending $60 and have 10 chances.

If you buy 50 entries, you're spending $300 and have 50 chances.

Your probability increases with additional entries, but so does your cost.

There's no magical number where the drawing suddenly becomes favorable.

For most hunters, it makes more sense to establish a Super Hunt budget ahead of time rather than chasing a particular probability.

Which Idaho Super Hunt Species Should You Enter?

This is where historical entry numbers become useful.

Don't automatically assume elk provides the best opportunity simply because it's the species you hear about most.

Compare the number of entries with the number of tags awarded.

Elk

Elk attracts substantial interest, but Idaho awards multiple elk Super Hunt tags.

Eight are awarded during the first drawing and another two during the second.

The flexibility of an elk Super Hunt tag is especially attractive because the winner can participate in any open legal Idaho elk hunt while following that hunt's rules.

Deer

Idaho's Super Hunt does not separate mule deer and whitetail into different drawings.

It is a deer Super Hunt tag.

A deer winner can choose among eligible open deer hunts and pursue the opportunity that best fits their goals.

Eight deer opportunities are awarded during the first drawing and two during the second.

Pronghorn

Pronghorn can be particularly interesting from an odds perspective because historical entry totals can be substantially lower than elk, deer, or moose.

Idaho still awards eight pronghorn Super Hunt tags in the first drawing and two in the second.

Hunters interested primarily in maximizing their chance of winning something should compare historical entries per available tag rather than automatically selecting elk.

Moose

Moose works differently mathematically because only one moose Super Hunt tag is awarded in each drawing.

Competition can be substantial.

However, Idaho also states that a Super Hunt or Super Hunt Combo moose tag is over and above other limits and does not count against Idaho's lifetime moose limit.

Super Hunt Combo

The Combo is arguably Idaho's ultimate Super Hunt opportunity.

One winner in each drawing receives an opportunity to hunt:

Elk + Deer + Pronghorn + Moose

Each Combo entry costs $20 rather than $6.

First Drawing vs. Second Drawing

Hunters can also decide whether to participate in one or both drawings.

The first drawing offers considerably more tags:

26 opportunities vs. 8 in the second drawing.

But the number of entries also changes.

That means you shouldn't assume the first or second drawing automatically has better odds.

Instead, look at historical entry totals relative to the number of tags awarded.

Remember that first-drawing entries do not carry into the second drawing.

If you enter both, you're purchasing two separate sets of entries.

Should You Buy Idaho Super Hunt Entries Every Year?

There is no cumulative advantage to doing so.

Idaho Super Hunt entries don't generate preference points.

They don't generate bonus points.

An unsuccessful entry doesn't improve next year's drawing position.

Every drawing starts over.

However, some hunters may decide to establish a small annual Super Hunt budget simply because they value having a chance at these tags.

For example, a hunter might decide they're comfortable spending $30 or $60 each year.

Another hunter might prefer putting that money toward controlled hunt applications or an actual hunting trip.

Neither approach changes the mathematics of the drawing.

Idaho Does Not Have Preference Points

This deserves special emphasis because it is frequently confused online.

Idaho does not use a traditional preference-point or bonus-point accumulation system for its standard controlled big-game drawings.

You don't need "10 Idaho points" to draw a premium elk hunt.

You can't build 15 Idaho moose points.

You don't lose accumulated points after drawing because those points don't exist.

Instead, hunters should analyze historical application numbers, available permits, resident/nonresident allocation rules, and other hunt-specific factors.

Use TAGZ to compare Idaho hunting opportunities and historical draw information rather than trying to calculate a nonexistent point requirement.

Do Residents Have an Advantage in the Super Hunt?

The Super Hunt itself is open to residents and nonresidents.

Idaho Fish and Game states that anyone can enter, provided a successful winner is eligible to obtain a valid Idaho hunting license.

You don't need to purchase the hunting license before entering.

There isn't a separate $6 resident drawing and $6 nonresident drawing.

Both residents and nonresidents purchase entries into the Super Hunt.

Do You Need an Idaho Hunting License to Enter?

No.

This is another major difference between the Super Hunt and Idaho's normal controlled hunt application process.

You can enter the Idaho Super Hunt without purchasing an Idaho hunting license first.

If you win, however, you must purchase the appropriate hunting license before hunting.

The Super Hunt tag itself is provided to the winner at no charge.

Where Can You Hunt If You Win?

A Super Hunt tag isn't restricted to one predetermined zone.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, winners can participate in any legal open hunt in Idaho for the species they drew, including controlled hunts.

You do not have to designate one specific hunt when entering.

For example, a deer Super Hunt winner could hunt an eligible controlled deer hunt and later participate in another legal deer season if unsuccessful, continuing until the animal is harvested.

You must follow the rules of whichever hunt you're participating in.

If it's an archery-only hunt, you must follow the applicable archery restrictions.

If it's a muzzleloader-only hunt, the applicable muzzleloader restrictions still apply.

The Super Hunt tag gives you flexibility—it doesn't eliminate Idaho's hunting regulations.

Does Winning Affect Your Other Idaho Tags?

Super Hunt tags are in addition to general and controlled hunt tags you have applied for or already hold.

If you draw an Idaho controlled hunt and also win a Super Hunt tag, you don't automatically have to surrender your controlled hunt opportunity.

Idaho Fish and Game describes the Super Hunt tag as an additional opportunity to harvest an animal.

This is another reason these tags are so valuable.

Can You Transfer an Idaho Super Hunt Tag?

No.

Idaho Fish and Game states that only the winner of the Super Hunt tag can use it.

Don't purchase entries under your own name with the expectation that you'll be able to transfer the tag to someone else if you win.

However, Idaho allows people to purchase entries for hunting partners and friends.

The entry needs to be associated with the person who would actually receive the opportunity if selected.

Where Does Idaho Super Hunt Money Go?

According to Idaho Fish and Game, proceeds from Super Hunt entries support Idaho's access programs, which are designed to improve hunting opportunities.

That includes efforts associated with improving hunter access.

This is more accurate than broadly stating that every dollar automatically goes toward wildlife research, habitat restoration, or a particular conservation trust fund.

Idaho Super Hunt Entry Strategy

There isn't a mathematically perfect number of entries for everyone.

A practical approach is to determine:

1. Which species you genuinely want to hunt

2. Historical entries for that drawing

3. Number of available tags

4. How much you're comfortable spending

5. Whether you also want to enter the Combo

6. Whether you'll participate in both drawings

Then establish a fixed budget.

For example, a hunter primarily interested in elk might spend most of their budget on elk entries while purchasing one or two Combo entries.

Someone primarily interested in winning any Super Hunt opportunity could compare historical entries-per-tag among deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose.

That's a more rational strategy than assuming one species always has the best odds.

Don't Treat Super Hunt Entries Like an Investment

Super Hunt entries are a chance at a hunting opportunity—not a financial investment.

Buying 50 entries gives you more chances than buying five, but it doesn't create a positive expected financial return.

The value is personal.

For one hunter, spending $30 for five elk entries might be worthwhile entertainment.

Another hunter might rather put the same $30 toward fuel, gear, or another application.

Set a budget you're comfortable losing completely.

FAQ — Idaho Super Hunt Entry Strategy

How much is an Idaho Super Hunt entry?

For 2026, deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose entries cost $6 each. Four-species Super Hunt Combo entries cost $20 each.

How many Idaho Super Hunt entries can I buy?

There is no limit on the number of entries an individual can purchase.

Does buying more entries increase my odds?

Yes. Each additional entry gives you another chance in the drawing. However, Super Hunt drawings can attract thousands of entries, so buying additional entries doesn't guarantee success.

What species can I enter for?

Idaho offers Super Hunt drawings for deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose. There is also a four-species Combo.

Are mule deer and whitetail separate Super Hunt drawings?

No. Idaho offers a deer Super Hunt rather than separate mule deer and whitetail Super Hunt categories.

Can nonresidents enter?

Yes. Nonresidents can enter the Idaho Super Hunt.

Do I need an Idaho hunting license before entering?

No. You don't need an Idaho hunting license to enter. A successful winner must purchase the appropriate license before hunting.

Does Idaho Super Hunt use preference points?

No. There are no preference points or bonus points involved.

When is the first Idaho Super Hunt deadline?

The first drawing entry deadline is May 31.

When is the second Idaho Super Hunt deadline?

The second drawing entry deadline is August 10.

Do my first-drawing entries carry over into the second drawing?

No. You need to purchase new entries for the second drawing.

Where can I hunt if I win?

You can participate in any legal open Idaho hunt for the species you won, including eligible general and controlled hunts, while following the rules and dates of those hunts.

Can I transfer my Super Hunt tag?

No. Idaho Fish and Game states that only the winner can use the tag.

Continue Planning Your Hunt

The Idaho Super Hunt is best treated as another opportunity within a larger Western hunting strategy—not as your only plan for hunting Idaho.

Decide what species you want to pursue, examine historical Super Hunt entry totals, establish a budget, and understand that additional entries improve your chances without guaranteeing a tag.

For your broader Idaho strategy, use TAGZ to research hunting opportunities, compare units, analyze historical draw information, and plan applications across multiple Western states.

Explore more Idaho hunting information and Western application strategy on the TAGZ Insights library.

You can also explore the TAGZ platform to research Idaho and build your multi-state hunting strategy.

For current entry prices, deadlines, official rules, and Super Hunt information, always verify the current details directly through Idaho Fish and Game.