Where To Start

[Mussgrass]

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?

Not sure which.

 

[wtrfwlhunter]

Not sure which.

One idea may be to look at cow elk hunts.

 

[Bonasababy]

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.

Are you applying for the PA elk lottery? Needle in a haystack I bet but looks like it doesn't cost much to apply.

 

[Mussgrass]

One idea may be to look at cow elk hunts.

If I understand correctly Montana has some OTC tags for non-residents. Maybe other states do too.

 

[SAJ-99]

If I understand correctly Montana has some OTC tags for non-residents. Maybe other states do too.

No OTC. Not deer or elk tags. Pretty sure CO is only state with OTC?

 

[Forkyfinder]

No OTC. Not deer or elk tags. Pretty sure CO is only state with OTC?

You are exactly correct

 

[Corn king 60]

Are you applying for the PA elk lottery? Needle in a haystack I bet but looks like it doesn't cost much to apply.

New for 2026 and beyond. Everyone must purchase a regular hunting license to be able to apply. Non residents capped at 10% and residents or nonresident bull tags are OIL .
Good luck to everyone.

 

[Mussgrass]

How do outfitter tags work? Is it the same in all states? This would probably be a once in a lifetime hunt so I owe it to myself to go with an outfitter.

 

[Nick87]

How do outfitter tags work? Is it the same in all states? This would probably be a once in a lifetime hunt so I owe it to myself to go with an outfitter.

That changes a lot of things.

 

[SAJ-99]

How do outfitter tags work? Is it the same in all states? This would probably be a once in a lifetime hunt so I owe it to myself to go with an outfitter.

Check Idaho. They have an outfitter tag system that might be what you are looking for. I’m not sure where it stands in the 2026 draw process l given we have passed a couple of dates already.

 

[Nick87]

If your gonna do a one time thing then I'd recommend going with the outfitter. New Mexico guides have tags you can buy. So does colorado for some hunts. Wyoming some outfitters can get you drawn as well with little to no points.