I always worry about drawing an OIL. A lot of pressure to harvest when I’m still trying to cross the veil into getting my first bull or buck.
Tonight, I just applied in NV and UT. I made it a point this year to only apply, no more preference points only unless I have drawn in other states. Swung and missed in AZ and waiting on everywhere else. I have a sinking thought of, “you idiot, if you’re lucky enough to draw that desert sheep tag, what’re you gonna do now?”
Is applying when you know you’re not ready a dumb idea?
perma, you are on the right path. I was blessed with an OIL Arizona DBHS nonresident tag last year with somewhat minimal points. Several helpful people on this forum then privately gave me potential outfitters to call and interview in my unit. Another good source of recommendations was officers and contacts at your conservation organizations like RMEF, WSF, etc.
I eventually talked to several guides and then hired one of the outfits. Then I started the physical training for four or five months.
A huge, often overlooked portion of the premium hunts, I think, is the mental equation. Managing the physical part (cold, wind, mud, heat, bugs, ice, snow, sweat, etc.) is much easier than managing the mind games during the actual hunt to me.
Questions will run through your mind like, “Am I going to miss the shot? When will the weather clear up? Why did we pass that legal ram/mountain goat/moose on the first day? Why aren’t we seeing trophies? Why did I bring this rifle? Why did I take up this hobby?” Etc, etc, etc…
Just gotta keep going to the next ridge. Trust your local guides and always stay professional and maintain a positive attitude. Manage your ego and pride. Everything eventually works out.
Fair-chase hunting is not easy and mountain hunting for premium trophy game definitely is not easy. Good fun all around. Happy planning and happy hunting, TheGrayRider a/k/a Tom.
