How does a draw work? (Can you only hunt certain areas, I've heard of points what does one need to do to get them just apply I assume)
Whats some of the easier hunts to draw?
Sorry in advance for the long winded response this only scratches the surface
The simplest answer to your question is every state is different and within some states different species are handled differently. You have random draw, bonus point, preference points, and several hybrid methods that do a combination of the above. Also, states can change how they do their draws and the percentages with no recourse to those who’ve been putting money into the pot for 15-20 years.
Some states will require you to purchase a non refundable license to apply (AK, AZ, ID, UT to name a few). Some states require you to prepay for every tag you’re applying for (ex Wyoming & New Mexico). Some you pay a set non-refundable fee then ding your card randomly if you draw and IF you’re card doesn’t go through you’re out that license. In others you buy a non refundable license and pay the entire tag cost up front. You’re in-turn out this money for a couple months (they make interest on your money) and they refund a portion of it when successful. To put this into perspective My total cost to apply in WY (Sheep, Moose, Goat, Bison + 1 for each super tag raffle) this year was a 1time payment of $15,014.20 (that didn’t include elk, deer or antelope since different date windows). My total cost to apply in NM was a 1time payment ($8216 excluding license, and habitat stamp). Thats just 2 states. At any given time during the draw windows, I’d venture to guess I’ve got 5-40k tied up. Like
@bakerb said, I’ve never actually calculated out how much I don’t get back each year because I apply in most every state possible Alaska, California, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota, plus apply for most every raffle when it comes to sheep).
I’ve been applying in several of these states since 2005 when I was in my late teens, and most others since my early to mid 20’s gradually adding a state or two each year because of costs to apply. I now have a separate “Hunting Fund” bank account. This covers all my applications, and has the funds to cover any hunt I might draw. I add a little to this each year that goes above and beyond what I spend. I do this because I’m now at a point where I’m drawing 1-4 tags a year and can pretty much know what I’ll draw minus the random draw states. I’ve drawn some good tags and some Once in a Lifetime tags (no sheep). I have a draw strategy and treat each state and sometimes species within them differently which is reflective in the number of times I’ve hunted a specific species or state. My method isn’t perfect, it’s not all been successful, and I’ve made some costly mistakes, especially when states change a system (Colorado) but since 2012 I’ve never not hunted a western state. I’m far from rich, I did this all while either enlisted in the military or in college. I spend countless hours every year researching units, draw statistics, success, major events in a certain unit (fire, disease, etc) and am constantly tweaking my plan. This year and last year were both meant as “rest years” for the main western states and species. Meaning I didn’t intend on drawing a tag but if I did it’d be a whopper based on my choices for sub 1% chance of drawing since I was focusing on a couple tags elsewhere that had 40-80% chances drawing and I didn’t get drawn. Also didn’t see the biologist cutting tags in 1/2 after the application deadline, but before the draw not allowing me to change my choices.
To answer some specifics and a few tips from my trial and error ….
OTC is possible for elk in CO and ID (kinda) but you’re restricted to certain areas and units. We’ll see how long that lasts in both states since demand has gone up, and both populations and huntable areas have done the opposite. Both these states should be considered opportunity states and populations are managed for Hunter opportunity not trophies. Thats not to say a few studs aren’t killed each year but they’re very limited and normally killed by the same couple of hunters. If you just want to go Elk Hunting apply and when you’re not successful buy a OTC tag and go. I think these opportunities will sadly go away pretty soon for non residents.
There are states like Idaho that have guaranteed outfitter tags for certain units. Idaho guaranteed outfitter tags will also require you to book an outfitted/guided hunt. These are normally wilderness areas and from my last research starts around $7k with success rates normally 30-50%, even less if you’re looking for a mature animal. This was how I did my first Elk hunt, and many times offer the option to do multi species.
New Mexico has land owner vouchers, Utah has CWMU, and Colorado has RFW tags where you buy a voucher entitling you to buy said tag from the state that’s promised to that landowner for access, or herd management. You will pay a premium for landowner tags and many are controlled by outfitters which will require you to book a guided hunt. To put the outfitter tag price into perspective My last NM Elk tag was $773 through the draw in a world class area. A landowner voucher to allow purchasing of said tag in that area (5 day hunt) was over $50k (didn’t include the license, $773 tag fee, habitat stamp, or guide fees if you weren’t doing DIY), the Governors enhancement tag for that unit broke $100k (adds an extra 5 days to the hunt front or back) and the actual Governors Tag was $386k. Again none of those figures included your License, Tag, Habit Stamp, and guide fees if you went guided. Most of these landowner tags are now bought by outfitters so a guided elk hunt in a decent area (250-270 class bulls) is $9-12k. For a better area (270-300 class) $14-18k. When you want a reasonable chance at 300-330 $20-25k, and for and area that consistently produces 350+ class bulls you start talking costs of a new 4x4 Truck.
Overall, I see non-resident hunting opportunities getting tougher to come by as states are battling diminishing access and herd numbers. As they fight this they battle giving their residents the same opportunities which decreases the number of nonresident tags. This will drive the costs up on the guaranteed tag options which have long priced me out. I’m 14-19years on for most of the states mentioned and in my mid 30’s so have a hard time getting out knowing the vast majority of those with more points are older than I wish diminishing health and years left.
If I was 25+ year old and just looking at getting into this I’d only think short term 2-5year draw options. I’d save the money longterm and buy a tag like
@wildwilderness suggested. My 5 year plan would be go OTC Elk in CO in a unit you can draw 1st Rifle or Muzzy with 2-5 points. I’d apply for Elk and Deer as well. Learn it a year or two in a row hunting OTC then draw a better tag during a better time period with less hunters. I’d also look at CO for Archery Antelope, or Wyoming for Rifle Antelope (once herd rebounds from the die off). I’d probably also look at Idaho since it’s First Come/First Serve in their portal for elk/deer. Bear would be OTC or I’d consider one of the Idaho or Canada guided options for $3-5k that have a relatively high success rate. If I had the money I’d also apply in the random draw states but most make you prepay everything or buy an expensive non refundable license.
