HUNTING -- With whitetail hunting in full swing and reports of good hunting, nonresidents or Idaho hunters interested in a second tag may want to buy sooner rather than later.

Only about 1,300 white-tailed deer tags remained in the nonresident quota today, and all nonresident general deer tags have already been sold.

In recent years, nonresident hunters have had the option of waiting until the last minute to buy tags before their hunts, says Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game Department spokesman. "Many nonresident hunters, especially in North Idaho, hunt during the Thanksgiving holiday, but with brisk sales, it’s possible the remaining quota may already be sold by then," he said.  

Fish and Game has had its highest sales of nonresident tags in seven years. Part of that is because of an improved economy that’s attracted nonresidents back to Idaho, but it’s also due to improved big game hunting. Sales of resident deer tags are also up this year, but they are not limited by a quota.

Idaho hunters can also buy nonresident tags as second tags, which have also become increasingly popular in recent years. But when the remaining nonresident deer tag quota is sold out, either to nonresidents or as second tags for residents, no more will be available this year.

Hunters buying a tag online must allow time for the tag to be mailed to them.

Residents who are interested in buying a nonresident white-tailed deer tag as a second tag can get details at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/second-tag.