Idaho Elk Super Hunt 2027: How to Apply and Where You Could Hunt

Idaho's Elk Super Hunt offers hunters one of the most flexible elk opportunities in the state. Unlike a traditional controlled hunt application, hunters don't choose a specific elk unit when entering. Instead, they purchase an Elk Super Hunt entry for a chance to win a special tag that allows the winner to participate in any open general or controlled elk hunt in Idaho. There are no preference points or bonus points involved, and Idaho does not use preference or bonus points for its standard controlled elk drawing.

Residents and nonresidents can enter, no Idaho hunting license is required simply to purchase a Super Hunt entry, and there is no limit to the number of entries a hunter can buy. For hunters planning ahead to 2027, here's how the Idaho Elk Super Hunt works.

What Is the Idaho Elk Super Hunt?

The Idaho Super Hunt is a special drawing administered by Idaho Fish and Game. Each year, Idaho awards Super Hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose. Idaho also awards two Super Hunt Combo opportunities that include tags for all four species.

A hunter who wins an Elk Super Hunt tag may participate in any open general or controlled elk hunt in Idaho. That's what makes the tag so valuable. Instead of drawing one particular controlled hunt and being restricted to that hunt's unit and season, the Super Hunt winner has considerably more flexibility in choosing an open elk hunt. However, the tag doesn't eliminate the regulations governing the hunt selected. Idaho Fish and Game states that all other rules of individual hunts apply.

How Many Idaho Elk Super Hunt Tags Are Available?

Idaho currently awards 10 individual Elk Super Hunt tags each year. They are divided between two drawings.

The first drawing awards 8 Elk Super Hunt tags. The entry deadline is currently May 31, with winners drawn in June. The second drawing awards 2 Elk Super Hunt tags. The entry deadline is currently August 10, with winners drawn in August.

Across deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and the Combo, Idaho awards 34 Super Hunt opportunities annually. Hunters planning for 2027 should verify these dates and tag numbers when Idaho publishes the applicable 2027 regulations.

How Much Does the Idaho Elk Super Hunt Cost?

An individual Elk Super Hunt entry currently costs $6 per entry. The $20 price is for the four-species Super Hunt Combo, not an individual elk entry. The Combo provides a chance to win Super Hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose. Additional processing fees may apply to online and telephone transactions.

Can You Buy Multiple Idaho Elk Super Hunt Entries?

Yes. Idaho places no limit on the number of Super Hunt entries an individual can purchase. That means you could purchase one elk entry or multiple elk entries. Each additional entry provides another chance in the random drawing, although purchasing multiple entries obviously doesn't guarantee that you'll win. Idaho Fish and Game specifically states that hunters may enter as many times as they like.

Do You Need an Idaho Hunting License to Enter?

No. Idaho Fish and Game states that no hunting license is required to enter a Super Hunt drawing, regardless of whether the applicant is an Idaho resident or nonresident. That's an important difference from Idaho's standard controlled-hunt application process. It also makes the Super Hunt an easy additional opportunity for hunters who aren't otherwise committed to hunting Idaho that year.

Can Nonresidents Enter the Idaho Elk Super Hunt?

Yes. Both Idaho residents and nonresidents can purchase Super Hunt entries. There isn't a separate nonresident Super Hunt tag category described in Idaho's current Super Hunt rules. Winners can come from Idaho or other states. In fact, Idaho's second 2026 drawing produced two Elk Super Hunt winners: one from Idaho and one from Alabama.

What Are the Idaho Elk Super Hunt Odds?

The odds are long. But unlike many hunting lotteries, Idaho publishes historical Super Hunt entry totals, allowing hunters to see exactly how much competition there has been.

In the 2026 first drawing, Idaho received 21,030 elk entries for 8 Elk Super Hunt tags. That's approximately 1 in 2,629 per entry or about 0.038% per entry. In the 2026 second drawing, Idaho received 17,993 elk entries for 2 Elk Super Hunt tags. That's approximately 1 in 8,997 per entry or about 0.011% per entry.

The number of entries can change significantly from year to year. For example, Idaho recorded 49,157 elk entries for eight first-drawing tags in 2025, compared with 21,030 entries in the first 2026 drawing. That makes historical Super Hunt entry trends worth monitoring, especially for those applying in 2027.

Does Idaho Elk Super Hunt Use Preference Points?

No. Super Hunt isn't a preference-point or bonus-point system. Buying an entry this year doesn't give you a point for next year if you're unsuccessful. And Idaho's regular controlled-hunt system shouldn't be described as a preference-point system either. The Super Hunt should therefore be treated as a separate lottery opportunity rather than part of a point-building strategy.

Where Can an Elk Super Hunt Winner Hunt?

This is where the Elk Super Hunt becomes especially valuable. Idaho Fish and Game states that Super Hunt winners can participate in any open hunt in Idaho for the species drawn, including general and controlled hunts. For an elk winner, that means researching Idaho's available elk opportunities and determining which open hunt best fits the hunter's goals.

A winner might prioritize trophy potential, season dates, rut timing, weapon type, public-land access, terrain, historical harvest success, hunting pressure, or travel logistics. The Super Hunt tag gives you exceptional flexibility, but it doesn't automatically provide access to private property. Private-land access still requires permission unless some other applicable access program provides it. The Super Hunt shouldn't be advertised as guaranteed access to special RMEF-managed private ranches.

Can You Hunt a Controlled Elk Hunt With a Super Hunt Tag?

Yes. That's one of the defining benefits of the tag. Idaho specifically states that winners can participate in any open general or controlled hunt for the species drawn. That means a Super Hunt winner can consider controlled elk opportunities that would ordinarily require successfully drawing the corresponding controlled-hunt tag. However, the rules of the individual hunt still apply. The Super Hunt isn't permission to ignore weapon restrictions, season dates, hunt boundaries or other regulations.

Can You Keep Your Regular Idaho Elk Tag?

Yes. Super Hunt tags are considered additional opportunities. Idaho Fish and Game states that Super Hunt tags are in addition to any general or controlled-hunt tags a hunter has applied for or may already hold. So entering the Super Hunt doesn't replace your regular Idaho application strategy. You can apply for controlled hunts, pursue applicable general hunting opportunities and enter the Super Hunt.

First vs. Second Idaho Elk Super Hunt Drawing

Hunters have two opportunities each year. The first drawing provides substantially more elk tags: 8 elk tags in the first drawing and 2 elk tags in the second drawing. But the number of entries also changes between drawings.

Interestingly, the 2026 first drawing had substantially better calculated odds per entry because 21,030 entries competed for eight tags, while 17,993 entries competed for only two tags in the second drawing. Past performance doesn't guarantee future odds, but this demonstrates why hunters should examine both tag numbers and entry totals rather than assuming the second drawing is easier.

Why Enter the Idaho Elk Super Hunt?

The appeal is straightforward. For a relatively inexpensive entry, hunters get a chance at an unusually flexible Idaho elk tag. You don't have to commit to a specific controlled hunt when entering. You don't need preference points. You don't need bonus points. You don't even need an Idaho hunting license merely to purchase the entry.

If you win, you can then research Idaho's open elk hunts and decide which opportunity best matches your goals. The odds are extremely long, but the potential hunting opportunity is substantial.

How to Prepare If You Win

Don't automatically assume the biggest-name Idaho elk unit is your best choice. Start by comparing the state's available open elk hunts. Consider season timing: do you want to hunt September rutting elk or a later rifle opportunity? Consider weapon: are you looking for an archery, muzzleloader or rifle opportunity? Consider access: how much public land is available, and what are the access restrictions?

Consider terrain: are you prepared for wilderness/backcountry hunting, or would a more accessible hunt fit you better? Look at historical performance: examine harvest statistics and previous hunt information. Consider hunting pressure: a famous hunt isn't necessarily the best hunt for your individual goals. The value of the Super Hunt is flexibility. Use that flexibility to choose an opportunity based on data rather than simply picking the most famous unit number.

Compare Idaho Elk Opportunities With TAGZ

This is where TAGZ can become particularly useful for a Super Hunt winner. TAGZ helps hunters compare Idaho elk opportunities, research units, evaluate draw information and examine factors such as terrain and season structure. Even if you never win a Super Hunt tag, the same information can help you build a normal Idaho elk strategy involving general and controlled hunting opportunities.

For related reading on Idaho elk hunting strategy, see the Idaho elk hunting guide for 2027, the Idaho nonresident elk draw guide, and the Idaho controlled elk draw odds for 2027. For hunters considering where to apply across the West, also review the best elk hunting states and units for 2027.

FAQ — Idaho Elk Super Hunt

How much is an Idaho Elk Super Hunt entry? An individual elk entry currently costs $6. The $20 option is the four-species Super Hunt Combo.

How many Elk Super Hunt tags does Idaho award? Under the current structure, Idaho awards 10 individual elk tags annually: eight in the first drawing and two in the second.

Can nonresidents enter? Yes. Residents and nonresidents can enter.

Do I need an Idaho hunting license to enter? No. Idaho states that no license is required to purchase a Super Hunt entry.

Can I buy multiple Elk Super Hunt entries? Yes. There is currently no limit on the number of entries an individual can purchase.

Does Idaho Super Hunt use preference or bonus points? No. Super Hunt is not a point-based drawing.