Keep Big Game Hunting When You Don't Draw a Tag

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

I've had some snake-eye western hunts draws. I hate those years. Luckily, I live in a state with some resident OTC options, one that allows resident and non-resident hunters a secondary big-game draw and a constantly evolving leftover license list. You're wrong if you think your western hunt opportunities are over because you didn't draw a permit in the annual western hunt draw circus.

In 2021, the same year I drew a coveted archery Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep permit, I was denied a first-choice elk tag in Colorado. The cure for the problem was to purchase a second-season OTC rifle tag. I didn't want any August/September hunts to conflict with my bighorn permit.

Then, in early September, the same rifle tag I was denied resurfaced on Colorado's leftover license list. Someone had turned the tag back in the CPW. I turned my OTC tag back in and was able to snag that permit and kill an October bull.

Staying informed and up to date about western big-game tags is key and a GOHUNT Insider membership can be clutch. Focus on these three states that offer plentiful second-chance hunt opportunities.

Idaho

I love the Gem State. Not only is it game-rich, but it's chock-full of public dirt, offers extreme terrain where you can escape the masses, and has plenty of animals.

Recently, Idaho made a strong move. While deer and elk tags are still available through general and controlled hunts, Idaho got stricter with its tag allocation. Gone are the days of non-resident hunters obtaining a trio of archery elk tags. Today, general season elk and deer tags are sold OTC w/Caps, meaning each general area has a specific number of tags. Those tags are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and once they're gone, they're gone. Controlled hunt tags are available during the annual draw. Idaho also has a secondary big-game, controlled hunt drawing, typically in early August.

Once the primary hunt draw is over and general hunting tags that are not gobbled up remain, IDFG (Idaho Fish and Game) launches a leftover tag list. These leftover licenses typically come out in August and are for sale on a first-come, first-serve basis. Leftover permits are available online, via telephone, or at licensed vendors. It's common throughout the West for hunters to turn tags back. They may have been fortunate and drew multiple tags in many states, and they know they can't make every hunt work. Maybe they get sick or must have an operation; who knows? The thing to pay attention to is western tags, even ultra-premium tags, get turned back. In Idaho, the IDFG advertises tags on their website the Tuesday before the tags go on sale. This way, prospective tag buyers can research, find reissued permits, and plan to obtain them.

As mentioned throughout this Western Tag Draw series, staying privy to release dates, game and fish changes, etc., is critical. Subscribe to every state game and fish newsletter list so you can do your research and have a plan to obtain a tag.

Colorado

The Centennial State is a western-hunt go-to for many. The biggest reason is that Colorado has the world's largest elk herd (estimated at 290,000). People love elk, and Colorado has plenty of them. In years past, resident and non-resident tags for over 60 percent of the state's game management units are available in unlimited numbers for archery, second-, and third-rifle seasons over the counter. HOWEVER, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commision voted to disband OTC archery elk hunting opportunities and this goes into effect this year in 2025. So Nonresidents who wish to archery elk hunt in Colorado will need to apply for tags during the spring tag application period. This Silver lining is that, as of now, Colorado will still offer OTC second- and third-rifle tags to non-residents.

Don't fret, though. Like Idaho, Colorado has a secondary big-game draw—typically in July—and a leftover license list available for public viewing hits the online wire in August. Plus, Colorado’s leftover list changes each week via returned tags. Last season, at one point, there were nine archery elk tags available on the leftover list for Unit 76 archery bull, which is a premium stick-and-string unit. A Desert bighorn sheep tag popped up on the list two years ago. You never know when or why a tag will get turned in and placed on the leftover list. All you can do is pay attention to the list, typically updated every Tuesday, with tags going on sale each Wednesday.

Nevada

Nevada calls it the FCFS (First Come, First Served) tag system; you need to know about it. I have an affinity for the Silver State. Nevada's Department of Wildlife manages the state's wildlife, finding a healthy balance between opportunity and trophy potential.

I drew a non-resident early-season archery deer permit in 2024 with eight preference points. I chose not to drop the string on several mature deer. Seeing a 200-inch non-typical spoiled me. I wanted that deer badly but could never get close enough to him for a shot. I ate that tag but will return to the Silver State deer tag draw game this year. I also have points for pronghorn and elk, and I hope to hit paydirt for those species this year.

I will watch Nevada's FCFS tags like a hawk if I don't. FCFS tags become available in July and are designed to increase hunting opportunities by offering big-game tags to hunters while continuing to follow yearly quotas. According to data from Nevada's Department of Wildlife, roughly 1,000 big-game tags are returned each year and placed on the FCFS list.

I also participate in Nevada's annual Dream Tag Program. I love tag raffles, and Nevada's is a great one. For 2025, Nevada will raffle off one mule deer tag, one pronghorn tag, one Nelson (Desert) bighorn sheep tag, and one elk tag. The great thing about drawing one of these permits is that it is suitable for any hunting unit with an open season for the species awarded

Final Thoughts

General Georg S. Patton once said, "Do more than is required of you." I often think about this quote and make no mistake—it applies directly to the western tag draw game. If you educate yourself, develop a plan, and then execute said plan, you'll hunt more out West more than most.

A quick bonus tip: Learn the ins and outs of reissued on-sale tag days. You need to know the steps required and get fast at the process. There may only be one tag that hundreds, possibly thousands of hunters want. The better you know the system and the quicker you are at navigating the system, the better your chances of getting that tag.

---