Idaho Mule Deer Hunting Units & Draw Odds
99 units · 31.9% avg hunter success
Idaho's mule deer draw is straightforward: it's random, meaning you don't need points to compete. Nonresidents make up a smaller slice of the tag pool, but plenty of units still offer zero-point hunts every year. Applications open in early May and close in early June, with results coming in July. When you apply, expect to pay an application fee and a tag fee if you draw—nonresident costs are notably higher than resident rates. We've compiled data from ninety-nine units across Idaho to show you where tags are available, what success rates look like, and which hunts drew at full odds in recent years. Use this to build your draw strategy across multiple states.
How the Idaho Draw Works
Draw system
Pure random draw — every applicant has equal odds, no points.
Nonresident allocation: 10% of tags
2026 application window
May 1 – Jun 5(nonresident)
Results: Jul 1
2026 fees (nonresident, regular)
$18 app · $185 license · $351.75 tag
Easiest Mule Deer Draws for Nonresidents (2024 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
100% at zero points · Hunt 1071
100% at zero points · Hunt 1125
100% at zero points · Hunt 1127
100% at zero points · Hunt 1120
100% at zero points · Hunt 1151
100% at zero points · Hunt 1128
100% at zero points · Hunt 1128
100% at zero points · Hunt 1157
100% at zero points · Hunt 1059
100% at zero points · Hunt 1128
100% at zero points · Hunt 1121
100% at zero points · Hunt 1128
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 11A | — | 100%Hunt 1071 | 44% | 87% |
| Unit 14 | — | 100%Hunt 1125 | 0% | 68% |
| Unit 16 | — | 100%Hunt 1127 | 47% | 86% |
| Unit 2 | — | 100%Hunt 1120 | 35% | 19% |
| Unit 20A | — | 100%('22)Hunt 1151 | 30% | 100% |
| Unit 21 | — | 100%Hunt 1128 | 50% | 100% |
| Unit 21A | — | 100%Hunt 1128 | 37% | 91% |
| Unit 27 | — | 100%('22)Hunt 1157 | 0% | 100% |
| Unit 28 | — | 100%('22)Hunt 1059 | 58% | 98% |
| Unit 29 | — | 100%Hunt 1128 | 50% | 82% |
| Unit 3 | — | 100%Hunt 1121 | 15% | 61% |
| Unit 30 | — | 100%Hunt 1128 | 44% | 81% |
All Idaho Mule Deer Units
Idaho Mule Deer Draw FAQ
Do I need hunting points to draw Idaho mule deer tags as a nonresident?
No. Idaho's mule deer draw is random, so points don't factor in. Every applicant has an equal shot regardless of how many prior applications you've submitted. You can hunt as a zero-point nonresident right away.
When do Idaho mule deer applications open and close for nonresidents?
Applications open May first and close June fifth. Results post July first. Mark these dates if you're planning to apply across multiple western states.
What are the nonresident fees for Idaho mule deer tags?
The application fee is eighteen dollars. If you draw, the tag fee is three hundred fifty-one dollars seventy-five cents. That's your total investment to hunt.
What harvest success rates should I expect in Idaho mule deer units?
Success varies significantly by unit and year. Recent data shows rates ranging from zero percent to forty-seven percent on zero-point hunts. Check the unit-by-unit breakdown to see which areas match your expectations before applying.
Plan your Idaho Mule Deer hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level and compare every unit in the state.
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