I am 55YO and have never applied for any western tags. Where does one get started? I don't feel like applying for 10 years and still don't have any tags. Is it even worth it? Not to mention the money wasted just applying for years with no tags to show for it.
Where To Start
- Thread starter Mussgrass
- Start date
Gellar
Well-known member
I think by defining what you want to get out of a western hunting experience will help determine the next logical steps.
SAJ-99
Well-known member
Buy MT pref point and you can probably hunt 2027. WY random draws might have decent odds in some things. Cow elk hunts are usually pretty good odds. Good luck.
Where to start? Buy an OTC rifle tag in colorado and just go.
It's beautiful, there are legitimate chances of success, and you'll learn a lot and badly want to come back. Bring a fishing rod, visit some hot springs before leaving town, it's all worth the while.
Snag some points this year and you'll quickly start to learn how you might want to plan to use em.
It's beautiful, there are legitimate chances of success, and you'll learn a lot and badly want to come back. Bring a fishing rod, visit some hot springs before leaving town, it's all worth the while.
Snag some points this year and you'll quickly start to learn how you might want to plan to use em.
Elktrack
Well-known member
Depends. First, what do you want to hunt? Since you said “western hunts” I assume you don’t have mule deer or elk where you are. So if you want to hunt mule deer or elk for example, you have to put in somewhere. Getting a mule deer or elk tag in the west won’t take 10 years. It’s all about what you want to do. If it’s actually hunting as much as you can then get after it and apply for hunts with good odds. If you’re dreaming of a Kaibab muley, you probably won’t draw. Be realistic and decide what you want to do and do it.
Are you going to kick yourself 10 years from now for not trying? It’s different for everyone.
@TOGIE nailed it, just go otc to CO elk this year! It's overall cheap and can be as big or small of adventure as you want. Get gear together till you go, challenge yourself once there but realize it's not about the harvest. The hunt will be demanding on gear, your physical ability and mostly mentality. It's not for everyone but only one way to find out. Keep it enjoyable, good luck!
LCH
Well-known member
I would just apply in states with random draws and try to have a positive attitude about it.
TheGreek
Well-known member
You can draw a lot of CO mule deer tags as a NR with 1-4 points.
Bullshot
Well-known member
Don't be intimidated.
1) It would be easier to plan to hunt elk this year.
2)Apply online in Colorado. Deadline is early April. Create a user account. Research a couple units and apply for one you like the look of that took 0 points or had leftovers last year. Use 2nd choice, 3rd choice in the lottery using similar logic, based on last years draw results (published on the CPW website). If you don't draw, you can buy an over the counter mid season rifle tag in many units.
3) Create a plan A, B, C, D for camp sites or lodging, access, weather road closures, etc.
4) Prep gear, get in shape, lose weight, work out. If you can get out on vacation to scout this summer you will be WAY ahead.
5) Go hunt and be safe and enjoy it!
I'm sure I missed a FEW details but you get the picture. You can hunt elk this year. So do it.
Nick87
Well-known member
Where are you coming from?
Sorry, forgot to mention that. I am in Pennsylvania. That adds another dynamic for me. When we would visit our daughter we drove one direction and flew the other. did it twice. I don't relish either flying with gear or driving that far out and back. There is plenty of hunting here at home so it's not like I need something to do.
Mudranger1
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Honestly to me if you consider it a waste of money already then don't get in the game of applying. Point creep is real in all states that have points and minuscule odds in states with random draws. Like others have said there are OTC options for elk. And you can hunt mule deer in Nebraska every year but you do have to apply.
ArcheryElkHunter2024
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I guess what is your goal? My friend drew a general tag in idaho this year first year applying so there are chances to get out without waiting for years you just have to be willing to not go for the greatest tags. Are you looking for an elk or deer hunt?
IDiot
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You seem hesitant to jump into point systems and are mindful of your budget, both totally valid. If you aren't looking to do this every year or two, don't go into a point system. There are options out there, as others have already pointed out.
Mussgrass,
I’m not too far ahead of you. I’ve been banking points in 3 western states for 4 years now I think. Sharing the same conundrum. I still haven’t hunted out west yet but am looking forward to it. Best of luck to you with whatever you decide.
I’m not too far ahead of you. I’ve been banking points in 3 western states for 4 years now I think. Sharing the same conundrum. I still haven’t hunted out west yet but am looking forward to it. Best of luck to you with whatever you decide.
wtrfwlhunter
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I would encourage anybody who’s building points and hasn’t hunted yet to draw a tag ASAP. Waiting 10 years and and getting a decent tag will do almost nothing for you if you have no idea how to hunt the animal you have a tag for…
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I don’t think it’s been said, but I’ll add New Mexico to the mix.
They are a completely random draw system where there are no points. Each person has the same chance as others in their specific pools.
If you don’t draw the worst case is you’re out approx $110 +- $10.
Now here is the thing. New Mexico also has over the counter options like bear.
So you can buy a tag and go chase base in a fun elk unit and get experience in the mountains.
Or if you use the plan others are mentioning, you already know you’re going OTC in CO. So you shoot for the moon with NM and then CO is the back out.
To play most of these states (mentioned above) then you need to be able to stomach eating some application & license money every now and then.
They are a completely random draw system where there are no points. Each person has the same chance as others in their specific pools.
If you don’t draw the worst case is you’re out approx $110 +- $10.
Now here is the thing. New Mexico also has over the counter options like bear.
So you can buy a tag and go chase base in a fun elk unit and get experience in the mountains.
Or if you use the plan others are mentioning, you already know you’re going OTC in CO. So you shoot for the moon with NM and then CO is the back out.
To play most of these states (mentioned above) then you need to be able to stomach eating some application & license money every now and then.
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