I am going to start building up preference points for some out of state tags. I know this is about the times to start finishing applications. The problem is, I do not know where to start. I know each state has its own applications,fees, deadlines, etc. But what apps to you send in each year? Which ones have you been drawn for?

I guess priority would be to figure out a species. Then find a state. Also do you only build up preference points for specific zones and then your points only stay within that zone? How would you choose a zone to begin with?

What makes someone decide elk in CO or NM or antelope in WY or wherever?

What are the easier ones to draw? Coolest places to hunt?

Some states I believe you can just buy preference points as well?

I just know that I am 22 next week, if I start building up some preference points now I will be happy I did 5,10,15 years down the road when I am finally getting drawn.

First you need to look at state that use the preferrence point system.

NM is not a pp systems. Only way to improve draw odds is outfitter pool, or become a resident.

CO, TX, AZ, Wyoming, Oklahoma, montana are.


Just be aware building PP can be expensive up front because you have to float tag costs until its refunded.


A lot of people use a tag service

Float tag costs? Meaning you pay for your tag when you apply, but you have to wait until you are drawn to use it? Or do you have to pay the amount for a tag every year?

What is a tag service?

For instance in CO if you put in for elk and Mulies you purchase the tags when you apply so little under 1k, if you don't draw in three months they refund your tags costs.

Tag service you pay small fee upfront and they float the money for tags and enter you in all the drawing you want

There is a lot in what you ask. A lot.

If your scope is limited to one/a few states, then go to those states, learn their systems, their deadlines, and their application requirements and go from there.

If you are serious about applying in multiple states (especially for multiple species) an application service is the way to go. They do all the work and front the tag costs-a huge advantage.

Be prepared. If you DIY, fronting tag money and buying the required licenses is expensive. Even if you use a service, so many states now require you to buy a license before applying it is still expensive.

By way of example, I use a service and apply in 8-10 states for sheep tags every year. The non-refundable license/application costs alone approach $1000/year.

20k np and your shooting BH in Mexico. ..fyi

PM me the particulars please.

So let's say I wanted to hunt elk out of state, but would be willing to do it through a guide. Considering I know nothing about elk hunting. Can you get an out of state guided hunt on say private land thats not highfence? It seems like it might be better to just save up for something like that as opposed to spending money on points and waiting for a draw. Or for most states do you still have to draw a tag somehow?

Or would it be better to save up and possibly be able to hunt OTC in say Colorado on my own for a few years in a row to learn the ropes. Then I would spend about the same I feel like on multiple hunts OTC as opposed to one guided and private.

Or British Columbia.

For elk there are many options for guided hunts with tags provided. If you simply want to hunt elk every now and then and can afford it that is the way to go.

If you want to get serious about elk hunting on your own every year then learning the draws is the way to go.

Ok that was a little low, but still cheaper in msrp on a king ranch truck

Darkhorn adv. is 55k
Amigo guides-40k
Wade lemon is 45k

20K will get you a nice Dall's hunt. Won't touch either bighorn or Stone's hunts outside the draws.

As of now I feel as though elk is more of a bucket list thing, which could change after I get my first taste.

To change my question a little:

What are the more promising or easiest out of state Drawn hunts to have a successful hunt/and get tags, or OTC tags for animals that are not typically Texas game excluding elk like antelope, bear, mullies (even though they are in TX), BH sheep, etc

Because my other goals would be to just get out and see some wilderness in other states and hunt something different.

Just need to work a little harder. Maybe change hospitals. Parklands a good one, stiffer competition but i got faith in your hustling skills.

I'll look for a cancellation hunt for you. A few years ago my buddy got his Stone for $17K that way. (Of course you tack on a few thousand in traveling/brush plane fees).

Jordan, Colorado has OTC elk tags, bull only for 2nd and 3rd season. 1st and 4th are limited draw either or tag (cow, bull). I'd say you may wait 1-2 years to draw Colorado, that has been the norm for me.

As far as Mule deer hunting there, tags are getting harder to draw for. I have 3 buddies that have 5,6,7 (respectively) preference points for deer. Draw can be tougher depending on what unit you app for as well.

Using a guide or outfitter, can get you in quick at a premium price, they get private land vouchers generally, but I have never used one even though I have friends there who own property.

I haven't hunted Elk in any other State, other states may be easier IDK, BOBO, or other fellas know more about that.

You so bad.
Honestly, I just can't make myself make it a priority at today's prices. Did a Yukon hunt back in 2006 and took a nice Fannin. That hunt has now doubled in price. Crazy what any sheep hunt costs these days.

As of late the mule deer and Africa bug has been biting me......

Cow Elk is cheaper in Colorado as well and likely easier to get. Last year when I was finishing up my Elk hunt, There where 11 guys showing up for 2nd, all had cow tags. 2 others in the same camp area had the OTC bull tags.

Yep may as well factor in 6-8K on top of any big hunt for that stuff plus trophy prep, shipping, and taxidermy.

If looking for a license/app service, here's one that has good consultants.

http://www.epicoutdoors.com/license.asp

Of the things you list, antelope is by far the easiest and most affordable hunt. Either guided or DIY.

Think those run North of $450 now.

That's good to know....you wanting 2nd or 3rd season

I thought you would get a good chuckle
Never had the sheep and Africa bug, mulie bug a tad, elk bug bites hard!

antelope is easiest hunt/highest succes

CO elk archery, 2nd rifle & 3rd rifle are pretty much OTC for majority of the units