How do you organize your application strategy

[saltfork]

I apply for around 40 or so tags every year between my son and I. Epic Outdoors has a point tracker spread sheet that's handy if your a member. There's always the OIL/dream tags I apply for and also the regular tags I can draw every few years. Usually I have a good idea on what I should draw or have good odds to draw on a given year. Also hope to get lucky and draw one of the great tags as well. I have never had a problem ending up with too many tags. LOL

 

[NuclearTsunami]

Procrastinate and then research everything in 2 days and cross my fingers

 

[Cheesehead]

As an accountant I don’t go to the bathroom without a specialized spreadsheet

 

[gtriple]

Just wondering how everyone keeps there applications sorted and organized. Any input or ideas would be helpful! Thank you.

I've got a really slick spreadsheet I built that has costs and dates tracked.

 

[High Climber]

About this time of year I’ll start a page in my notes, I put the states in order of application deadline and what I want to apply for based on points/ expectations. I’ll mostly have all my units picked in the next month or so that way whenever the respective deadline is it’s pretty quick to get it in… I love the homework and love seeing new country!

 

[spencerw]

I've got a really slick spreadsheet I built that has costs and dates tracked

That's awesome. How long did it take to get that dialed?

 

[gtriple]

That's awesome. How long did it take to get that dialed?

A few hours. I can clean it up and share it. The primary purpose is to summarize costs so I can set aside money every month for applications and tags.

 

[LFC911]

I use a google sheet, just so i can access it from home, work, or my iPhone.

I apply for elk in 8 states, 5 of them have pps (AZ, CO, KS, UT, WY) and 3 of them are random/OTC (ID, NM, KY). I also do the LE draw in ID and have gone on OTC hunts in CO but i try to avoid them as much as possible. I also buy pps for Mule Deer and Antelope but haven't used any of them except for Mule Deer in CO a few years ago.

My goal is to go on a 3-5 point elk hunt every year for 2 weeks (last year was WY) and an OTC/random opportunity, which last year was ID. I keep a tab with all my hunting related expenses itemized for the year and roll them up to 5 or 6 categories, for example tags, gear, travel, league/3d's, etc.

Another tab is my plan for that year; what i've drawn so far, current pps, application strategy and draw deadlines.

When i retire in the next 5-7 years I will use the deer and pronghorn points I've accumulated, just don't have enough time off now to use them.

 

[High Climber]

I use a google sheet, just so i can access it from home, work, or my iPhone.

I apply for elk in 8 states, 5 of them have pps (AZ, CO, KS, UT, WY) and 3 of them are random/OTC (ID, NM, KY). I also do the LE draw in ID and have gone on OTC hunts in CO but i try to avoid them as much as possible. I also buy pps for Mule Deer and Antelope but haven't used any of them except for Mule Deer in CO a few years ago.

My goal is to go on a 3-5 point elk hunt every year for 2 weeks (last year was WY) and an OTC/random opportunity, which last year was ID. I keep a tab with all my hunting related expenses itemized for the year and roll them up to 5 or 6 categories, for example tags, gear, travel, league/3d's, etc.

Another tab is my plan for that year; what i've drawn so far, current pps, application strategy and draw deadlines.

When i retire in the next 5-7 years I will use the deer and pronghorn points I've accumulated, just don't have enough time off now to use them.

Sounds like a good system.. I really need to step my game up in this department, don’t know if I truly want know all my expenses though

 

[spencerw]

I use a google sheet, just so i can access it from home, work, or my iPhone.

I apply for elk in 8 states, 5 of them have pps (AZ, CO, KS, UT, WY) and 3 of them are random/OTC (ID, NM, KY). I also do the LE draw in ID and have gone on OTC hunts in CO but i try to avoid them as much as possible. I also buy pps for Mule Deer and Antelope but haven't used any of them except for Mule Deer in CO a few years ago.

My goal is to go on a 3-5 point elk hunt every year for 2 weeks (last year was WY) and an OTC/random opportunity, which last year was ID. I keep a tab with all my hunting related expenses itemized for the year and roll them up to 5 or 6 categories, for example tags, gear, travel, league/3d's, etc.

Another tab is my plan for that year; what i've drawn so far, current pps, application strategy and draw deadlines.

When i retire in the next 5-7 years I will use the deer and pronghorn points I've accumulated, just don't have enough time off now to use them.

Any background as to why you skip on so many states? Just time constraints? Or just feel they are the only places worth the time/effort?