ericthered
Lil-Rokslider
I think the idea of a "sleeper" good state is gone. Too much pressure on Elk and everything else now. As a NR, your' best bet is to study the draw systems in each state and go from there. Get a credit card set aside for just applications fees (several thousand) and put in for a dozen eastern and western draws for everything on your list - its just the odds - the more you put in for the better the chance. For example, as an NR in MT, I've managed 100% elk tag success and 60% antelope success over 10 years. Last year I snuck in on a alternate list tag. This year is probably my last year of 100% as I have (2) points going into the draw. After that, it will be a crap shoot. Too many people, not enough resource. The YouTube Videos have educated everyone on the western hunts and demand surged. With that said, over the counter tags are still available for cow elk in CO and Idaho. But Colorado and Idaho will surely go to a full draw in the years ahead. Canada is closed at the moment and expensive...that leaves AK.