Becoming ID resident after purchasing non res tags

[Local577bowhunter]

Good evening fellas, I recently became an ID resident. However, before making the home purchase, I bought my 2025 Idaho non resident elk tag. I didn’t want to risk the home purchase and residency falling through and missing out on a tag so I went ahead and bought it.

Since the purchase, I closed on the home and have changed residency. I will be considered a resident hunted by the time elk season rolls around. Anyone else have experience with this situation? How is it handled? I tried looking on IDFG website and couldn’t find anything addressing the circumstance.

I don’t really mind eating the cost as I’ve been doing for years but i want to make sure I’m on the up and up hunting with a non resident tag once I’m technically a resident

 

[Elktrack]

You’re not going to be in any violation for using the NR tags but you better make absolutely sure that you are in fact a Resident if you plan on returning the tag and getting a Resident tag. You would almost guarantee that you would be investigated. They are real good at it and are cracking down on it. We’ve got so many people moving here that are trying to scam the system.

If it were me and I had any doubts I’d eat the extra cost and ensure I stayed on the right side of the law. And just making a phone call to someone doesn’t cover your ass, make sure you fully understand and you know who you were talking to at Fish and Game. They routinely make mistakes that may not be in your best interest later.

 

[brymoore]

Call IDFG

 

[Wildabeest]

In ID, you need to be a resident for 6 months before you can apply for a resident license.

Idaho Residency Requirements

idfg.idaho.gov

 

[Elktrack]

Call IDFG

This ^^^
The main office in Boise, not a regional office.

 

[Local577bowhunter]

You’re not going to be in any violation for using the NR tags but you better make absolutely sure that you are in fact a Resident if you plan on returning the tag and getting a Resident tag. You would almost guarantee that you would be investigated. They are real good at it and are cracking down on it. We’ve got so many people moving here that are trying to scam the system.

If it were me and I had any doubts I’d eat the extra cost and ensure I stayed on the right side of the law. And just making a phone call to someone doesn’t cover your ass, make sure you fully understand and you know who you were talking to at Fish and Game. They routinely make mistakes that may not be in your best interest later.

Thanks for the advice! I agree, I was leaning more towards just running this season out as a non resident so it didn’t turn into a hassle whether that be missing out on a tag or going through anything with fish and game. I’m on the up and up I would just rather never put myself on anyone’s radar to begin with if I can help it lol. Thanks!

 

[nrpate05]

I'd talk to IDFG. What if you keep the NR tags and down the line you pick up an extra tag as a resident. Now you're in the field with R and NR tags. My guess is any warden would be pretty suspicious of that, but who knows. Maybe it happens more often than I think.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Talk to IDFG. Tell them exactly the date you moved in and the tag you have and want to hunt.

They will tell you if you can drop the NR tag and guarantee buying the other.

Likely you'll be able to drop the NR and buy the R tag once you're considered a resident.

However, certain elk tags you may want to hold on to if you have it because you may not be guaranteed it in the July sale while others your guaranteed to grab at Walmart Aug 29.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Idaho Residency Requirements

idfg.idaho.gov