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
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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.
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.
Check out @Big Fin videos on his YouTube channel. He’s got the most comprehensive videos out there.
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?
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