If you didn’t draw your tag for the 2025 hunting season or missed out on applying, don’t hang up your boots just yet. Some of the best chances to still hunt out West this year come from leftover hunting tags and second draw hunting opportunities. These options are goldmines for smart, flexible hunters who stay alert and know where to look.
Leftover hunting tags are typically licenses that weren’t claimed in the main draw. This could be due to applicants turning tags back in, missing payment deadlines, or simply because a tag went overlooked. These tags often become available in a first-come, first-served format or through a secondary draw, depending on the state.
These tags often include quality hunts in overlooked units, areas with access challenges, or hunts during slightly less desirable seasons, or even hunts with very difficult terrain. While there are challenges to leftover units, just because they are leftover hunts, doesn’t mean you should scratch them off as a hunt that isn’t worth your time.
States like Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming offer second chances via leftover lists or secondary draws. These tags can include opportunities for elk, mule deer, antelope, and more — many of which offer excellent chances if you're willing to put in some work.
The key to success with leftovers and second draws is preparation. Know the deadlines. Understand the state-specific rules and how these opportunities are distributed.
One of the best ways to see these opportunities is through our deadline calendars on GOHUNT. You can view them two ways: our annual application deadline article (which is great to view everything current and in the past, or our dedicated deadline page, which can be an easier page to view (especially if you’re on a mobile device).
Just because it’s a leftover tag doesn’t mean it’s low quality. In fact, some of my favorite hunts have come from second choice or leftover tags. Often these units receive less hunting pressure, or they’re overlooked because they take more effort — maybe it’s a longer hike in, tougher terrain, or limited access. That’s where you can use your GOHUNT Insider research tools to dig in and find hidden gems others miss. And sometimes, you can hunt that leftover unit for many years in a row which helps to learn the unit.
Second draw hunts are often undervalued, but they can offer strong odds and access to quality hunting experiences. For instance, here are some popular secondary/leftover opportunities:
For hunters looking to get a hunting tag out West in 2025, these second-wave options can be the answer.
To capitalize on these opportunities, you need a plan:
Even if a unit isn’t a top-tier trophy producer, it may offer a low-pressure, high-success-rate hunt with solid animals. Many of my own memorable hunts have come from second choice or leftover tags — hunts with less competition, more adventure, and plenty of opportunity.
One of the biggest advantages of chasing leftover tags and second draw hunts is the ability to extend your season. Maybe you didn’t draw your dream elk tag — that doesn’t mean you can’t chase mule deer in a general unit or antelope with an over-the-counter tag.
Hunting more means learning more. You'll gain valuable field time, improve your skills, and maybe even stumble on a new favorite spot.
Don’t overlook antlerless hunting opportunities, especially in states like Utah and Montana, where cow elk and doe deer tags are available in the upcoming draw. These hunts are a fantastic way to get meat in the freezer, introduce new hunters to the field, and extend your season with less hunting pressure. Antlerless tags often come with higher success rates and can be a great option if you're looking to build experience and maximize your time outdoors without the intense competition of buck or bull hunts. Keep a close eye on these draws — they’re some of the most accessible ways to stay in the game.
Keep in mind that Montana's antlerless deadline is June 1, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. MT and Utah's antlerless draw deadline is June 18, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. MT.
You can research for these antlerless hunts on our Filtering research tool. You can do this research in the palm of your hand on our GOHUNT mobile app or on the web version of Insider.
Leftover and second draw tags aren’t consolation prizes — they’re opportunities.
If you’re willing to be flexible with your hunt location or species, these tags can help you build experience, put meat in the freezer, and keep you out in the field while building points elsewhere.
Being in the field — even if it’s not your first-choice unit — means you’re learning country, honing skills, and staying sharp for the tags you’re still chasing. And let’s be honest: it’s way better than sitting home and scrolling social media watching other people hunt.
In a time when draw odds are tougher than ever, it pays to think beyond the primary draw. Leftover hunting tags and second draw opportunities are not consolation prizes — they’re real, huntable options. Whether you're chasing elk, deer, or antelope, this strategy can keep you in the field and fuel your passion all fall.
If you’re serious about hunting the West in 2025, start tracking those deadlines, research units with leftover tags, and stay flexible. The tag you hunt this year might not be the one you planned — it might be better.
Colorado’s Secondary Draw gives you a shot at tags others missed. It’s still a draw, so keep that in mind. The application period for Colorado's secondary draw is June 16 to 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. MT.
Nevada’s second draw allows you to apply again if you didn’t draw, forgot to apply in the main draw, or want another chance at tags others returned. The application period of Nevada's secondary draw is June 9 to 16, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. PT.
Nevada First Come, First Served is a phenomenal opportunity to pick up a returned Nevada tag, but this process is unique in terms of when tags show up. Tentatively, these tags will be available starting around late July 2025. Learn more about Nevada's First Come, First Served process here.
Wyoming leftover tags can include reduced-price cow/calf elk or doe/fawn antelope and deer — perfect for meat hunts or new hunters.
Use tools like GOHUNT Insider to research unit stats, harvest data, and access issues.
Watch for official leftover tag release dates — they vary by state and often come with little warning it seems. But we have you covered with our OTC & Leftover article section of the website.
Be ready to act fast, especially on first-come tags. These can go within minutes once available.
