Idaho Veterans Elk Tags and Tag Allocations 2027: Resident & Nonresident Guide

Idaho provides reduced-price hunting licenses and elk tags for qualifying Disabled American Veterans, including a separate 300-tag allocation for nonresident DAV hunters and a distinct five-tag special program. These opportunities are not simply "veteran elk tags"; eligibility is based on specific DAV requirements with a 40% or greater service-connected disability rating, and the rules differ for residents and nonresidents.

For 2027, nonresident DAV hunters should focus on Idaho's nonresident deer and elk tag drawing system, the 300 reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tags, eligibility requirements, and the December 5–15, 2026 application deadline. Start researching Idaho elk hunting opportunities through Idaho Game Units | TAGZ, then verify final DAV eligibility and program details through Idaho Fish and Game Disabled Veterans Programs.

Idaho Disabled American Veteran Hunting Benefits

Idaho Fish and Game provides reduced hunting license and tag fees for qualifying resident and nonresident Disabled American Veterans. To qualify for DAV reduced fees, a veteran must provide an official VA Disability Percentage Rating letter showing a service-connected disability rating of 40% or greater. Simply being an active-duty service member, veteran, or retired service member does not automatically qualify someone for Idaho's DAV reduced-fee program. The hunter must meet Idaho Fish and Game's specific DAV eligibility requirements.

Idaho Resident DAV Elk Tags

Qualifying Idaho resident disabled veterans can purchase reduced-fee licenses and tags. Idaho Fish and Game currently lists the reduced-price resident DAV elk tag at $16.50 with qualifying Price Lock pricing or $18.75 without Price Lock pricing. Fees can change, so hunters should verify current pricing before purchasing. Resident DAV hunters can review Idaho Fish and Game Resident License and Tag Fees for current information.

Idaho Nonresident DAV Elk Tags for 2027

Nonresident Disabled American Veterans have a separate opportunity to obtain reduced-fee Idaho elk tags. Under Idaho's current DAV program, Idaho allocates 300 reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tags specifically available to qualifying nonresident disabled veterans. For the 2026 system, Idaho restricted the discounted DAV elk tags to uncapped elk zones, so hunters planning for 2027 should verify the final eligible elk-zone choices when Idaho publishes or updates the applicable hunt information.

Research Idaho elk zones and units through Idaho Game Units | TAGZ, then verify available DAV opportunities through Idaho Fish and Game Nonresident Deer and Elk Tags. Understanding how Idaho's hunting draw works for elk, deer, and other species can help you navigate the broader application system.

How Many Nonresident DAV Tags Does Idaho Allocate?

Under Idaho's current system, qualifying nonresident disabled veterans have access to 300 reduced-fee DAV elk tags and 500 reduced-fee DAV deer tags, for a total of 800 combined reduced-fee nonresident DAV deer and elk tags. The deer and elk allocations have different rules, so hunters should research the specific species they're applying for rather than treating all DAV tags as one pool.

Are DAV Elk Tags Split Between Residents and Nonresidents?

Not exactly. The 300-tag DAV elk allocation is specifically for qualifying nonresident disabled veterans. Resident DAV hunters have access to reduced-fee resident licenses and tags through Idaho's resident licensing structure. That means Idaho does not simply create one statewide pool of DAV elk tags and divide those tags between residents and nonresidents; the two systems work differently.

Idaho 2027 Nonresident DAV Elk Draw

Beginning with the 2026 hunting season, Idaho changed how nonresident general deer and elk tags are distributed. Nonresident general deer and elk tags now use an application and drawing process, and eligible nonresident DAV hunters have a separate DAV drawing for the reduced-fee DAV tags. For the 2027 Nonresident and DAV Draw, Idaho Fish and Game currently lists the first application period as December 5–15, 2026. Results from the first application period are expected in early January 2027, and DAV tags awarded through the drawing must be claimed by March 20, 2027.

Idaho also lists a second nonresident application period of February 5–15, 2027; however, Idaho currently identifies that second period as a Nonresident Draw, rather than another DAV application period. Qualifying DAV hunters should therefore pay close attention to the December application window. For more context on Idaho's 2026 nonresident deer and elk draw rules, review the broader timeline and allocation changes.

Do DAV Hunters Need an Idaho Hunting License to Apply?

Yes. Hunters applying for Idaho's 2027 Nonresident and DAV Draw must possess a hunting license valid for big-game hunting. Disabled American Veteran applicants must have the appropriate DAV-specific license to be eligible for the DAV drawing, which means hunters should establish their DAV eligibility before attempting to enter the drawing.

Who Qualifies for an Idaho DAV License?

Idaho Fish and Game requires official documentation showing a qualifying service-connected disability. For DAV reduced-fee eligibility, the veteran must provide an official VA Disability Percentage Rating letter showing a 40% or greater service-connected disability rating. Idaho Fish and Game notes that this documentation is also commonly called a Benefits Summary Percentage Letter. Hunters should provide the official VA documentation requested by Idaho Fish and Game rather than unrelated medical records. Review the complete requirements through Idaho Fish and Game Disabled Veterans Programs.

How Much Is a Nonresident DAV Elk Tag?

Idaho Fish and Game currently lists the reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tag at $39.75. A qualifying nonresident disabled veteran must also possess the appropriate DAV hunting license, which Idaho currently lists at $31.75 for a nonresident DAV hunting license with 3-day fishing. Fees can change, so always verify current pricing before applying or purchasing. Use Idaho Fish and Game Nonresident License and Tag Fees for current pricing.

Can DAV Hunters Apply in the Regular Nonresident Draw Too?

Yes. Eligible DAV hunters can participate in both the DAV drawing and Idaho's regular Nonresident Tag Drawing. That means an eligible hunter may potentially apply for DAV elk, regular nonresident elk, DAV deer, and regular nonresident deer. The price of the tag depends on which drawing produces the successful application. A successful DAV drawing applicant receives the reduced DAV pricing, while a hunter successful through the regular Nonresident Tag Drawing pays the applicable full nonresident tag price.

What Happens if a DAV Hunter Draws Both Elk Opportunities?

A DAV hunter cannot automatically keep both tags for the same species through the two drawings. If a hunter is successful in both the DAV drawing and regular Nonresident Tag Drawing for the same species, Idaho requires the hunter to select one tag for that species when claiming the tag. Hunters entering both drawings should understand that rule before applying.

Can DAV Hunters Apply as a Group?

Under Idaho's current DAV drawing structure, group applications are allowed for up to four hunters. However, everyone included on a DAV group application must qualify for DAV privileges. A hunter who does not qualify for DAV privileges cannot simply join a DAV group application to access the reduced-fee allocation. Make sure every member of the group has established DAV eligibility before the application period.

Does Applying Early Improve Your DAV Draw Odds?

No. Submitting an application on the first day of the application period does not provide better drawing odds than submitting a valid application later during the same open period. The important thing is to submit a complete and valid application before the deadline. Use the application period to confirm DAV eligibility, purchase the required license, research available elk zones, compare season dates, understand A-tag and B-tag opportunities, research access, review weapon restrictions, and build backup choices. Start researching Idaho hunting areas through Idaho Game Units | TAGZ.

Choosing a 2027 DAV Elk Opportunity

Before comparing draw statistics or harvest information, determine which elk zones are actually available through the 2027 DAV drawing. For 2026, Idaho limited reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tags to uncapped elk zones. Once you've identified the eligible 2027 opportunities, compare season dates, A-tag versus B-tag structure, weapon type, public-land access, terrain, historical harvest information, elk habitat, travel requirements, access difficulty, and your preferred hunting style. Don't select an elk zone based solely on one historical harvest statistic; the best hunt for one hunter may not fit another hunter's available dates, physical ability, weapon preference, or hunting style.

Does Idaho Use Preference Points for DAV Elk Tags?

No. Idaho does not use a preference-point system for these elk opportunities. An unsuccessful DAV applicant isn't accumulating preference points toward a future DAV elk tag, so each application year should be evaluated based on the opportunities available that year.

What Happens to Returned DAV Tags?

DAV tags can potentially become available again when previously issued tags are returned. Idaho Fish and Game conducts Returned Tag Sales during the year, and returned DAV tags may become available to eligible nonresident DAV hunters as first tags, depending on current rules and availability. These opportunities can change quickly, so hunters who miss the original drawing or don't receive a tag should monitor Idaho Fish and Game Nonresident Deer and Elk Tags and official returned-tag announcements.

Idaho's Separate Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program

Idaho has another disabled-veteran hunting opportunity that should not be confused with the 300 nonresident DAV elk tags. The Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program is a separate program in which Idaho Fish and Game makes five special big-game tags available each year. Rather than the veteran applying through the normal DAV drawing, a qualified organization applies on behalf of the disabled veteran. Qualifying organizations can include certain 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(4) nonprofits, 501(c)(19) nonprofits, and government agencies whose mission includes providing opportunities, experiences, or assistance to disabled veterans. The sponsoring organization does not have to be based in Idaho.

What Species Can the Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Cover?

Under Idaho Fish and Game's current program, these special big-game tags can provide eligible hunting opportunities for deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, and mountain lion. Restrictions apply to certain controlled hunts, so the veteran and sponsoring organization should verify the current rules before choosing a hunt. The special tag is also considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the participant.

How Many Special Disabled Veteran Tags Are Available?

Idaho Fish and Game currently makes five special big-game tags available annually through this program. The current distribution structure provides two tags to top candidates sponsored through the Idaho Division of Veterans Services and three tags to candidates sponsored by other qualifying organizations. These five special tags are completely separate from the 300 reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tags, an important distinction when researching Idaho veteran tag allocations.

When Is the Special Disabled Veterans Tag Application Period?

The Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program uses a separate application period of January 2 through January 31 of the calendar year of the hunt. A veteran seeking one of these special tags therefore follows a different process from a nonresident DAV hunter applying for one of the 300 reduced-fee elk tags. The qualifying organization submits the application on behalf of the veteran.

Does the Special Disabled Veteran Tag Require a Hunting License?

Under the current special-tag program, the participant is exempt from the normal licensing requirement associated with the special tag, and the tag is issued free of charge. This applies specifically to the Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program and should not be confused with the regular DAV reduced-fee program, where the hunter needs the appropriate DAV hunting license.

Idaho DAV Elk Draw vs. Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag

Understanding the difference between these programs is critical. There isn't one single "Idaho veteran elk tag." The Nonresident DAV Elk Draw provides 300 DAV elk tags with the hunter applying through the DAV draw (Dec. 5–15, 2026 for 2027), requires a DAV-specific hunting license, and uses reduced DAV pricing. The Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag provides five special big-game tags with a qualified organization applying for the veteran (Jan. 2–31, 2027), covers deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, or mountain lion, exempts the participant from the normal licensing requirement under the special program, and is issued free of charge as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Can Resident Disabled Veterans Get Reduced Elk Tags?

Yes. Qualifying Idaho resident disabled veterans can purchase reduced-fee hunting licenses and elk tags. The resident DAV program isn't structured around the pool of 300 elk tags; the 300-tag allocation specifically applies to qualifying nonresident DAV elk hunters. Resident hunters should follow Idaho's resident DAV licensing requirements rather than the nonresident DAV drawing rules.

Can Nonresident Disabled Veterans Hunt Idaho Elk?

Yes. Qualifying nonresident disabled veterans have access to reduced-fee licenses and elk tags, including Idaho's allocation of 300 reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tags. Hunters must meet the eligibility requirements, obtain the appropriate DAV license, and follow Idaho's DAV drawing process. For broader context on resident versus nonresident elk hunting and tag allocation, review how different western states structure their veteran and nonresident opportunities.

How TAGZ Fits Into Idaho DAV Elk Hunt Planning

Once you've determined which Idaho elk opportunities you're eligible for, Idaho Game Units | TAGZ can help with the hunt-research and unit-comparison side of your planning. Use TAGZ to research Idaho hunting opportunities, then verify DAV eligibility, available elk zones, application deadlines, tag requirements, and final regulations directly through Idaho Fish and Game. For more western hunting planning content, visit TAGZ Insights or explore the TAGZ Product Preview.

FAQ — Idaho Disabled Veteran Elk Tags 2027

Does Idaho have disabled veteran elk tags? Yes, Idaho provides reduced-fee elk-tag opportunities for qualifying Disabled American Veterans and operates a separate Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program.

Do all military veterans qualify for Idaho DAV elk tags? No, Idaho's reduced-fee DAV program requires qualifying veterans to provide official documentation showing a service-connected disability rating of at least 40%.

How many nonresident DAV elk tags are available? Idaho currently allocates 300 reduced-fee nonresident DAV elk tags specifically for qualifying nonresident disabled veterans.

Are the 300 DAV elk tags divided between residents and nonresidents? No, the 300-tag allocation specifically applies to qualifying nonresident DAV elk hunters; resident DAV hunters use Idaho's resident reduced-fee licensing structure.

When do nonresident DAV hunters apply for 2027 Idaho elk tags? The first application period for Idaho's 2027 Nonresident and DAV Draw is December 5–15, 2026, with results expected in early January 2027 and awarded tags to be claimed by March 20, 2027.

What is Idaho's Disabled Veterans Special Big Game Tag Program? It is a separate program in which qualifying organizations apply on behalf of disabled veterans for one of five special big-game tags issued annually, covering deer, elk, pronghorn, black bear, or mountain lion as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.