Is Idaho’s Super Hunt Worth It? How the Drawing Actually Works

Idaho's Super Hunt gives hunters a chance to win one of the most flexible big-game tags in the state.

A winner can hunt the species they draw during any open general or controlled hunt in Idaho, subject to the rules of that hunt. Unlike Idaho's regular controlled-hunt system, Super Hunt entries are purchased separately and don't interfere with your other controlled-hunt applications or tags.

But is it worth entering?

That depends on your budget and how much you value a very small chance at an unusually flexible Idaho tag.

For 2026, individual Super Hunt entries cost $6 each, the four-species Super Hunt Combo costs $20 per entry, no hunting license is required simply to enter, and there is no limit on the number of entries you can purchase.

What Is Idaho's Super Hunt?

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

The program covers four big-game species:

• Deer
• Elk
• Pronghorn
• Moose

There is also a Super Hunt Combo, which gives the winner the opportunity to hunt all four species.

Black bear, mountain lion, turkey, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat are not Super Hunt species.

Idaho awards 34 individual Super Hunt opportunities each year, including the two four-species Combo winners.

How Many Idaho Super Hunt Tags Are Available?

Idaho holds 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

Second Drawing

The second drawing awards:

• 2 deer tags
• 2 elk tags
• 2 pronghorn tags
• 1 moose tag
• 1 Super Hunt Combo

Across both drawings, that's:

• 10 deer tags
• 10 elk tags
• 10 pronghorn tags
• 2 moose tags
• 2 Super Hunt Combo winners

The two Combo winners can hunt all four species.

What Can You Do With a Super Hunt Tag?

This is what makes the program so appealing.

A Super Hunt winner can participate in any open hunt in Idaho for the species drawn, including general and controlled hunts.

For example, an elk Super Hunt winner isn't restricted to one specific controlled hunt.

The hunter can choose among open elk hunts around the state, provided they follow the rules governing the hunt they choose.

The Super Hunt tag is also considered an additional opportunity. Idaho Fish and Game states that winners may use their Super Hunt opportunity in addition to general-season or controlled-hunt tags they already hold.

That's significantly different from simply drawing a normal controlled-hunt tag tied to a specific hunt.

How Much Does Idaho's Super Hunt Cost?

For 2026:

Individual species entry: $6

You can enter for:

• Deer
• Elk
• Pronghorn
• Moose

Super Hunt Combo entry: $20

The Combo covers all four species if you win.

Additional processing fees may apply to online and telephone transactions.

Do You Need an Idaho Hunting License to Enter?

No.

This is one of the biggest errors in the original article.

Idaho Fish and Game specifically states that residents and nonresidents do not need a hunting license simply to enter the Super Hunt drawing.

That makes the program substantially more attractive to nonresidents than the original draft suggested.

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on an Idaho nonresident license and species tag just to buy Super Hunt entries.

Is There a Limit on Super Hunt Entries?

No.

The original article said hunters could purchase a maximum of 10 entries per species.

That's incorrect.

Idaho Fish and Game states there is no limit to the number of Super Hunt entries an individual can purchase.

Buying more entries increases the number of chances you have in that particular drawing, but it doesn't make winning likely.

This is still a long-shot drawing.

What Are the Idaho Super Hunt Deadlines?

There are two drawings.

First Super Hunt Drawing

Entry deadline: May 31

Winners are drawn in June.

Second Super Hunt Drawing

Entry deadline: August 10

Winners are drawn in August.

Entries purchased for the first drawing do not carry over into the second drawing. If you want to participate in both, you need entries for each drawing.

The original article's December-to-January application period was incorrect.

What Were the 2026 Idaho Super Hunt Odds?

Actual participation gives us a much better picture than hypothetical odds.

For the first 2026 drawing, Idaho reported:

SpeciesEntriesTagsDeer51,1738Elk51,030*8Pronghorn11,7788Moose25,9861Combo13,5091

Idaho Fish and Game's June announcement reported 51,030 elk entries, while its current drawing-statistics page displays 21,030 for that field; because those two official pages conflict, hunters should use IDFG's current published statistics when making decisions and recognize that the elk figure has an apparent reporting discrepancy.

The second 2026 drawing received:

SpeciesEntriesTagsDeer12,6272Elk17,9932Pronghorn4,8622Moose25,0911Combo6,2701

Those numbers show why Super Hunt should be viewed as a long-shot opportunity rather than part of a predictable draw strategy.

Which Idaho Super Hunt Species Has the Best Odds?

It changes from drawing to drawing.

You can't simply say elk, deer, or pronghorn always has the best odds because participation changes.

For example, the 2026 second drawing had 4,862 pronghorn entries competing for two tags, compared with 17,993 elk entries competing for two elk tags. Moose had 25,091 entries competing for only one tag.

Always check recent Idaho Fish and Game statistics instead of assuming one species consistently provides better odds.

What Is the Super Hunt Combo?

The Super Hunt Combo is arguably the most interesting prize in the program.

Instead of winning one species tag, a Combo winner gets the opportunity to hunt:

Deer + elk + pronghorn + moose

during any open hunts for those species.

Idaho awards two Combo opportunities annually—one through each drawing.

Entries cost $20 each.

Like individual Super Hunt entries, there's no stated limit on how many Combo entries you can purchase.

Does Idaho Use Preference Points?

No.

This was one of the most important errors in the original article.

Idaho's controlled-hunt system does not operate as a preference-point system where unsuccessful applicants accumulate points and applicants with the most points draw first.

That means statements about "maximum-point holders," accumulating Idaho preference points for 10–20 years, or preserving your Idaho preference points after winning a Super Hunt tag should all be removed.

They don't describe Idaho's system.

Super Hunt vs. Idaho Controlled Hunts

The systems are separate.

A normal controlled-hunt application is for a specific controlled hunting opportunity.

Super Hunt works differently.

If you win, you gain broad flexibility to participate in an open general or controlled hunt for the species you won.

Super Hunt entries also don't prevent you from participating in Idaho's regular controlled-hunt process.

Idaho Fish and Game specifically describes a Super Hunt tag as an extra tag that doesn't affect your other controlled-hunt applications.

Can You Apply for Controlled Hunts and Super Hunt?

Yes.

You don't have to choose one or the other.

A hunter can enter Super Hunt while also pursuing regular Idaho hunting opportunities.

That's one reason the $6 entry can be attractive.

You're essentially adding another independent chance at an unusually flexible tag.

Can Moose Hunters Enter Super Hunt?

Yes.

Moose is one of the four Super Hunt species.

This is another major correction from the original article, which incorrectly said moose wasn't included.

Idaho awards one individual moose Super Hunt tag in each drawing, for two annually.

Moose is also included in the four-species Combo.

Are Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Included?

No.

Idaho Super Hunt covers:

Deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.

Bighorn sheep and mountain goat aren't part of the Super Hunt drawing.

Hunters interested in those species need to research Idaho's separate controlled-hunt opportunities.

Is Black Bear Included?

No.

Black bear was incorrectly listed as a Super Hunt species in the original draft.

Idaho does have controlled hunts for black bear in addition to other bear hunting opportunities, but black bear isn't one of the four Super Hunt species.

Is Mountain Lion Included?

No.

Mountain lion isn't an Idaho Super Hunt species.

Is Turkey Included?

No.

Turkey also isn't part of Super Hunt.

The program is specifically built around deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose.

Is Idaho's Super Hunt Worth Entering?

For many hunters, it can be.

The biggest reason is the relatively low entry cost.

At $6 for an individual species entry, you can add another chance at an Idaho tag without buying a hunting license simply to enter.

But you need realistic expectations.

Tens of thousands of entries can compete for a very small number of tags.

You're buying a chance—not building toward a guaranteed tag.

When Super Hunt Makes the Most Sense

Super Hunt may make sense if:

• You already want to hunt Idaho.
• You're interested in a highly flexible elk, deer, pronghorn, or moose opportunity.
• You're comfortable spending a small amount on a low-probability drawing.
• You understand that buying entries doesn't build points.
• You want an opportunity separate from your normal controlled-hunt applications.
• You'd make use of the tag if you won.

When It Might Not Make Sense

It may not fit your strategy if:

• You have a very limited application budget.
• You dislike extremely low-probability drawings.
• You would rather spend the money on applications with higher odds.
• You don't have the time or budget to take advantage of the tag if you unexpectedly win.

That's especially important with a tag this flexible.

Winning is only valuable if you can actually turn the opportunity into a hunt.

Should You Buy More Super Hunt Entries?

That's a personal budget decision.

Because Idaho places no limit on entries, you could purchase many chances.

Mathematically, more entries give you more chances in that drawing.

But they don't transform a low-probability drawing into a predictable strategy.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking:

"I've entered for ten years, so I'm due."

Each drawing is a new drawing.

Previous losses don't create preference.

Don't Use "Cumulative Odds" Like Preference Points

The original article suggested that consistently buying entries over 20 years functions somewhat like a long-term strategy.

Mathematically, repeated independent entries do give you repeated chances.

But they don't create draw priority.

You aren't moving closer to the front of a line.

A brand-new entrant can win while someone who has purchased entries for years doesn't.

That's fundamentally different from a preference-point system.

Where Does the Super Hunt Money Go?

There's also a conservation and access component.

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

So even unsuccessful entries help fund hunter-access efforts in Idaho.

Idaho Super Hunt Strategy

A better way to think about Super Hunt is as one layer of a larger Idaho strategy.

You might pursue:

• Regular controlled hunts
• General opportunities
• Nonresident opportunities where applicable
• Super Hunt
• Super Hunt Combo

The important part is understanding that each opportunity operates under its own rules.

How TAGZ Fits Into Your Idaho Strategy

TAGZ helps with the hunt-selection and application side of western hunting.

Use TAGZ to research:

• Idaho draw odds
• Hunt units
• Seasons
• Resident and nonresident opportunities
• Weapon and season options
• Other western hunting opportunities

For Idaho Super Hunt rules, entry fees, deadlines, and annual drawing details, always verify the current information directly with Idaho Fish and Game because these rules can change.

TAGZ helps you build the hunt strategy. Idaho Fish and Game provides the final rules you apply under.

FAQ — Idaho Super Hunt

What is the Idaho Super Hunt?

Idaho's Super Hunt is a special drawing that gives winners the opportunity to participate in any open general or controlled hunt in Idaho for the species they draw.

What species are included in Idaho Super Hunt?

Deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose.

Is black bear included?

No.

Is mountain lion included?

No.

Is turkey included?

No.

Is moose included?

Yes. Idaho awards two individual moose Super Hunt tags annually, plus moose is included in each Super Hunt Combo.

How much is an Idaho Super Hunt entry?

For 2026, individual deer, elk, pronghorn, or moose entries cost $6 each. Combo entries cost $20 each.

Do I need an Idaho hunting license to enter?

No. Idaho Fish and Game states that no hunting license is required to enter Super Hunt for residents or nonresidents.

How many entries can I buy?

Idaho currently states there is no limit on the number of Super Hunt entries an individual may purchase.

When is the first Idaho Super Hunt deadline?

May 31.

When is the second Idaho Super Hunt deadline?

August 10.

Does Idaho Super Hunt use preference points?

No.

Does Idaho use preference points for its regular controlled hunts?

No. Idaho's controlled-hunt system doesn't use a traditional preference-point structure.

Can nonresidents enter Idaho Super Hunt?

Yes. Residents and nonresidents can enter.

Can I enter Super Hunt and apply for a controlled hunt?

Yes. Super Hunt is separate from the regular controlled-hunt process and doesn't affect those applications.

What is the Super Hunt Combo?

The Combo gives the winner opportunities for all four Super Hunt species—deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose—during open hunts.

Is Idaho Super Hunt worth it?

It can be if you're comfortable spending $6 per individual entry for a low-probability chance at an unusually flexible Idaho tag. It's best viewed as an additional opportunity rather than the foundation of your application strategy.

Continue Planning Your Hunt

Idaho's Super Hunt is much simpler once you strip away the misinformation:

Four species.

Deer, elk, pronghorn and moose.

$6 individual entries in 2026.

$20 Combo entries.

No license required just to enter.

No entry limit.

No preference points.

Two drawings each year.

May 31 and August 10 deadlines.

And if you win, you gain access to an exceptional Idaho hunting opportunity.

Use TAGZ to research Idaho hunting opportunities, draw odds, units, and seasons as part of your western application strategy.

For the actual Super Hunt entry rules and current deadlines, use Idaho Fish and Game's Super Hunt information.

For more western draw strategy and hunting content, visit TAGZ Insights.