Late Point Start, Where to Begin?

[Seminole Wind]

Hello All,

Been doing some research and skimming forums to learn. Long story short started hunting around 30, going on 38 but never invested points out West. Would like to do an elk hunt or two before I am older and regret not buying points in the most sensible place.

Question is, which state would make the most sense for me to buy points for if I had to pick one or two? Or at this age is my best bet saving that time and money to book with an outfitter?

Thank you

 

[PredatoronthePrairie]

CO. Just draw and go put in the work.

 

[Idhunter777]

Hello All,

Been doing some research and skimming forums to learn. Long story short started hunting around 30, going on 38 but never invested points out West. Would like to do an elk hunt or two before I am older and regret not buying points in the most sensible place.

Question is, which state would make the most sense for me to buy points for if I had to pick one or two? Or at this age is my best bet saving that time and money to book with an outfitter?

Thank you

Great question. Following: I am in the same boat

 

[rookieforever33]

Best bet is to check state websites and see which system works for you. They are all unique in their complications. Plus they may change by the time you hit the point level you think you need. Dont discount otc options if they are available. Especially if getting out there and learning is your goal.

 

[MuleyFever]

Read this and realize it doesn't just apply to WY.

Thread 'Wyoming Elk General Tag vs LQ Tag'

Yesterday at 10:11 AM

Food for thought for anyone planning a Wyoming elk strategy for 2026 and beyond.

In last year’s regular draw, it took roughly 5.5 preference points to draw a Wyoming general elk tag in the South or West regions. That is about two full points higher than in 2021.

As most of us already know, more and more hunters are buying preference points with the goal of hunting Wyoming someday. Last year alone, over 39,000 people purchased their first elk preference point, and there are now more than 200,000 people holding Wyoming elk points in the system.

With that many people in the pool, it is...

• Laramie
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Elk

• 

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I’d save your money and go elk hunting somewhere that doesn’t require points.

 

[WRO]

If you’re flexible put in for states with no points every year, if you just want to hunt elk, Oregon and co have tags you can get in 1-5 years that are decent. Mt general you can get every cooler years, I think Wyoming is up to 4/5 for a general tag right now. Az always has a random component and a mediocre tag by az standards can be had every decade.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

CO probably has the most Elk and you can hunt easy to draw units more frequently and learn them.

 

[il_cop]

Go hunt otc or second choice units, even cow tags and build points (if you want). But first and foremost, go hunt and learn a unit and the elk that live there upside down. If it's an OTC unit, later you can burn those points for one of the limited tags in that unit. I'm speaking of Colorado fwiw.

And, it's not a late start. You're starting right when you were supposed to!

 

[Traveler]

Hello All,

Been doing some research and skimming forums to learn. Long story short started hunting around 30, going on 38 but never invested points out West. Would like to do an elk hunt or two before I am older and regret not buying points in the most sensible place.

Question is, which state would make the most sense for me to buy points for if I had to pick one or two? Or at this age is my best bet saving that time and money to book with an outfitter?

Thank you

What’s with the weird circle masquerading as a slate call in your profile pic?