Experience in a OTC unit versus a new, "Better" unit

[Dakota_Rookie]

I just feel like points help you get into higher quality (normally) hunts so I'd probably go find somewhere to hunt that takes 4 points to draw and then go back in years where I only have 1-2 points if that's all that tag will take.

I guess this is the root of the question. Is it a fallacy that a 3-5 point unit is better than a OTC or 0-1 point unit in terms of quality of hunt?


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[taskswap]

A lot of folks see pressure as a bad thing, but IMO once you really know a unit, pressure can be as much of a tool as bino's. I keep track not only of game sign but also other hunter activities - where common camp sites are, human trails in snow, common areas I see other folks glassing, etc. I even listen for gun shots and take note of their direction and distance.

My experience has been that while every area gets some newcomers, there are plenty of folks who go to the same zones every year - and do the same things there. There's a unit I hunt where I could put 4-5 X's on a map and confidently bet $100 on you finding somebody posted up in 4 out of 5 of them every single year.

The thing about pressure is, if you're quieter and slower than the pressure, that pressure can move game to YOU. My last two elk were taken exactly this way - working very slowly through areas on the "other end" of where I knew the pressure was.

If glassing can cut your walking in half, IMO pressure can cut that in half again. Lots of folks complain about pressure but if you learn to use it as a tool, it can be very effective.

 

[Packer9037]

I guess this is the root of the question. Is it a fallacy that a 3-5 point unit is better than a OTC or 0-1 point unit in terms of quality of hunt?


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I would think the more points a unit requires the fewer hunters you'll see but the number of quality hunters probably increases? I suppose if it was easy, everyone would do it!

Either way, good luck sir!

 

[justinspicher]

I’d rather figure out a unit than bounce all over the place. I’m also fairly simple and don’t like new things or change.

 

[CMF]

I would think the more points a unit requires the fewer hunters you'll see

I would say more points correlates to a better experience(hunters per elk) Than just total numbers of hunters. An area that is below below objective will have less overall tags, so less overall hunters, but likely also has less elk. I would personally choose an area with less elk and less people, than more elk and more people.

but the number of quality hunters probably increases?

I doubt that, but who knows. I know a guy stacking points, I would hardly consider a quality hunter when comes to elk. I would think the "quality" hunters are one hunting every season and not stacking points on the couch. But then, they could be stacking points and hunting every year if they are playing the game, so who knows.

 

[Packer9037]

I would say more points correlates to a better experience(hunters per elk) Than just total numbers of hunters. An area that is below below objective will have less overall tags, so less overall hunters, but likely also has less elk. I would personally choose an area with less elk and less people, than more elk and more people.


I doubt that, but who knows. I know a guy stacking points, I would hardly consider a quality hunter when comes to elk. I would think the "quality" hunters are one hunting every season and not stacking points on the couch. But then, they could be stacking points and hunting every year if they are playing the game, so who knows.

We need to mix in a sports reference to give this some color. If a quality hunter is Josh Allen/Pat Mahomes/Lamar Jackson, I'm probably Daniel Jones...good enough to make you second guess on occasion, but we all know in the long run I'm not in that category. That caveat aside, I hunt every year while stacking some points in various states with a goal to have some neat hunts every now and again with a better chance to see mature bulls.