Idaho Tag Shake-Up, Youth Hunts Rise, Gear That Gets You Moving 🏹
Nonresident tag draw changes, youth pheasant season, new Access lands, and fresh fall gear.
Pull up a log, grab your brew — here’s what’s worth knowing this Wednesday morning:
🎯 Idaho nonresident general season deer & elk tags move to a drawing system for 2026.
🐤 Youth pheasant hunting season kicks off October 4-10 across Idaho.
🌲 Nearly 27,000 acres added to Access Yes! lands in Southeast Idaho thanks to East Idaho Grazing Association.
🧰 Gear Watch: KUIU drops new fall/outdoor clothing arrivals.
IDFG shifts to drawing system for nonresident deer & elk tags beginning 2026
Idaho Fish & Game has announced that for the 2026 season, nonresident general season deer and elk tags will no longer be first-come, first-served. Instead, there will be a nonresident draw, and applicants must hold a 2026 nonresident hunting license to participate.
Key dates:
• First application period: Dec 5-15, 2025
• Notification of awards: Early January 2026
• Deadline to claim tags: January 20, 2026
• Second application window: Feb 5-15, 2026 (results early March, deadline to purchase March 20)
👉 Read more → https://www.dailyfly.com/2025/07/28/idaho-fish-and-game-announces-2026-nonresident-deer-and-elk-tag-drawing-process/
HEADLINES // DIGESTIBLE SNIPPETS
🐤 Youth Pheasant Season “Stars” on the Calendar
Youth pheasant season in Idaho starts Saturday, October 4, running through October 10. Only hunters 17 & under with Idaho licenses can hunt during youth hunt days.
👉 Season details → https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/youth-pheasant-hunting-season-kicks-off-saturday-oct-4
🌲 27,000 Acres Added to Access Yes! in SE Idaho
East Idaho Grazing Association has enrolled nearly 27,000 acres of private land into the Access Yes! program, increasing public access under new rules for east Idaho lands.
👉 Map & rules → https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/new-access-yes-property-enrolled-unit-69-southeast-idaho
🧰 Fall Gear Drop: KUIU Unveils New Arrivals
The fall apparel & gear catalog from KUIU is live—think camo layers, weather-resistant outerwear, and lightweight packs built for long hikes and cold mornings.
👉 Check out the drop → https://www.kuiu.com/collections/new-arrivals
WESTERN WISDOM // FROM THE CAMPFIRE
• Hunt often. Track always. Regret less.
• A good bugle before dawn beats late breakfast.
• “If the tag isn’t in hand, your boots aren’t done walking.”
FIT TO HUNT 🏋️
Backpack Builder: Full-Body Warm-Up for Trek Days (10 Min)
• 15 squats with 30-lb pack or equivalent load
• 10 single-leg Romanian deadlifts each leg (use any weight)
• 20 mountain climbers
• 10 pushups
Rest 60 sec → repeat x3
Carry that pack like it’s part of today’s hunt. Your knees will know.
VIDEO // WATCH THIS
🎥 Wild West Roosters Idaho Youth Pheasant Hunt – 2024
Young hunters, dogs, flushes, and early sunrises in Idaho upland country.
👉 Watch → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bor5cK8iDo
ONE MORE THING…
What did you think of today’s newsletter?
🦌🦌🦌 Loved it
🦌🦌 It was OK
🦌 You gotta do better, man
— Western Vantage Team