How to Find the Best OTC Elk Hunting Units in Idaho

Idaho is a state of opportunity when it comes to hunting elk. Over 80% of the state can be hunted with an Over-the-Counter (OTC) elk tag. However, narrowing down where to hunt, and understanding the management and regulations within each unit can be a daunting task.
In this video, Elk101.com's Corey Jacobsen explains the entire draw process for Idaho, and shows how to research what hunts to apply for in Idaho. He then goes into detail on how to find the best OTC elk units in Idaho to match your specific elk hunting goals.
If you are looking for an OTC fall-back for hunting elk this fall, be sure to watch this video!
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As a reminder, if you are considering applying for a controlled elk hunt in the state of Idaho, the deadline to apply is June 5. And here is the link to buy your hunting licenses and apply: idfg.huntfishi...
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If you are looking for the most powerful resource for researching elk hunting information, including draw odds, OTC analysis, detailed information, and more, visit: www.gohunt.com...
And if you want to increase your elk hunting success and become a more consistently successful elk hunter, sign up for the University of Elk Hunting Online Course today: www.elk101.com... (and use the promo code KZbin to save $10!)
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if you haven't yet subscribed to the Elk101 KZbin channel, you can do that here: www.youtube.co...

[@Bobb1julie]

You are one fine person Corey .., very articulate & knowledgeable with respect to your profession .. We all appreciate you sharing your expertise with us .. I’m 86 need a new left knee but Elk are in my future..Dreams can be realized. I have harvested over 💯 deer with a bow .. To be continued..Continue success and good health to you !!

[@davegifford3198]

I got a 36 Elk A permit. Can't wait to hit the trail into the wilderness area.

[@BloodChaser]

Wow! Dave I have some questions for you!

[@jonathancaverly6477]

I was lucky enough to grab a sawtooth B elk tag last Friday, can't wait for October! Thanks for the video!

[@mattbasye1625]

Shit those are already on sale LOL!

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

Thanks for sharing this one on your home state of Idaho. I do like that it has no point system and one can hunt elk and mule deer OTC, bear also. Plus the wolf tag is only $37 just in case. Oh and if one had the $$$ and lady luck on their side they could apply for the once in a lifetime animals like goat, moose, and sheep while also falling back on the OTC elk or mule deer that they planned on anyway. Sucks that one can only apply for one of the Big 3 and not elk, deer, pronghorn or if they apply for elk, deer, speed goat they can't apply for mountain goat, sheep or moose. My youngest bro is planning on doing an OTC mule deer hunt during early rifle season, he is going with a buddy and that buddy's dad whom are going after elk. I wish I could afford to go with. Even though he is trying mule deer in Idaho for his first out west hunt, this information and what GoHunt can provide is still rather helpful.

[@abztractone]

Don’t come to Idaho. Idaho has no animals left. They went to Colorado

[@kingferguson1]

I cannot agree more. If you come to Idaho to hunt, you're gonna have a bad time.

[@Sharkdog11b]

It’s true it’s all true Idaho sucks you should never come hunt here

[@dirtdarte]

You'll hunt for elk but not find any.... concentrate on other states and save your money. Idaho is a bad bet.

[@USAFTACP]

They all went in to Frank Church

[@hawkbabby]

I’ve had much better luck in Colorado and Utah. Big bulls in both states.

[@hildalemke4483]

I’m a very good information thank you very much

[@risingsun_]

Is an OTC tag you can purchase online, or is this something you have to try to find on arrival (non-resident here)

[@bradleyr001]

Yes, OTC = Over The Counter. Go to location that sells tags, purchase what is available over the counter. No points necessary. Just be aware that most OTC tag units/locations will be at max capacity with hunters in the field, kind of like a pumpkin patch. But if you want to hunt and have limited or no choices left or you didn't get any draw tags, this will still get you out in the field and around a campfire at night with family or buddies.

[@andrewhutter223]

I’m hearing you say that since I’ve already purchased an otc tag and have tag in hand, that I should now apply for a controlled hunt? If I draw that hunt I can transfer my tag?

[@BloodChaser]

Good questions Andrew I second that

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Don’t forget super draw tag for elk moose ect for $6 dollars yeah no joke it’s a lottery but hey why not

[@levithomas1842]

There's a reason why everybody's talking about hunting elk in Montana, Wyoming ,Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. It's because that's where the big high quality old age class elk are and you can practically pick them off with a Slingshot. All those States have beautiful pristine wilderness. The locals are super nice and will let you hunt their land for free or will at least point you at where are all the big elk are hanging out. Idaho sucks. In the elk are scrawny tiny little things with no headgear. Their spooky and hide under rocks. Malnutritioned and ran ragged by all the terrible Ignorant locals. Pray your truck doesn't break down

[@kingferguson1]

Worst place to hunt. Ever.

[@robertranney5706]

Perfect advice

[@philbow6374]

Well maybe it’s tough , but numbers show you can tag out.

[@eyesopen2694]

Every time a "guest hunter" asks me anything they leave with a polite sarcastic roasting...and i leave with a smile!

[@xfighter1117]

Good stay out of Idaho spread the word so more people don’t come here.

[@pokerman9108]

a mac guy eh... who would of thought.

[@jfI1119]

I’m hunting unit 30 now

[@marjibobiak6370]

Unit 10 is dead Spend your money else where J Bobiak

[@loganmorrison2528]

Unit 30 is covered in archery hunters just don’t even bother 😂😔

[@douglasbyerley3270]

Hunting otc in the Selway units. Mainly 16A and 19. Hunt starts Oct 1st. We will be hunting the first ten days of the hunt. Would you still be using your bulge during this time of the year, for a hunt like this?

[@pace6308]

What is up with the tag numbers this year. Some units (units, NOT zones) have 2500 tags! TWENTY FIVE HUNDRED TAGS!! How many of those units have a total of 2500 elk? A few units even more tags than that. It would appear that Idaho wants to get rid of their elk. Why??? :(

[@eyesopen2694]

Because some of our units have high starvation mortality rates when winter hits. Also a balance of not letting them starve and not letting them decimate ranchers feed for their cattle. Kinda viscous cycle hard to balance

[@eyesopen2694]

Most units hold more than the quota anyways, some are seriously enormous masses of land with very limited access. Where literally thousands of elk can go un detected. Too many people are unwilling to actually hike into our backcountry. Some of the most populated herds here reside in wilderness. No roads no atvs no bicycles even. Foot or horse. Most people are lazy road hunters sadly

[@g-man2228]

ID looking more and more like OR...

[@jedclampett6466]

Go thank a Californian.

[@curtisgore1611]

That's good stuff I sure wish you'd take me bow hunting

[@helok9]

Stay out of Idaho!