Late Point Start, Where to Begin?

[RyanT26]

Colorado otc for as long as they last and New Mexico.

I wouldn’t even start in Wyoming. You could always pick up a tag in the random or hire an outfitter to hunt in the east area otherwise best case your looking at 5 years for a general tag. That is assuming there is ZERO point creep during the next 5 years, which is unlikely. By the time you have 5 points you will need 7.

 

[Indian Summer]

best case your looking at 5 years for a general tag. That is assuming there is ZERO point creep during the next 5 years, which is unlikely. By the time you have 5 points you will need 7.

Actually right now it takes more than 5. So call it 6. If point creep is about .5 per year by the time he has 6 he will need 9. By the time he has 9, he will need a 10.5. By the time he has 11 he will need 11.5. So 12 points will do it in 12 years. Pretty grim. When will it end? Or better yet how will it end? I’ll be very curious to see how things play out.

With so many other states going to new systems because of the same problem, Wyoming will become less attractive to elk hunters both new and old. I have a solution, but it would cost the state millions. Well… not really. Idaho did it. No more points! They get their money from the mandatory prerequisite hunting licenses at $185 per application like Colorado.

But you have to have a plan for issuing licenses to the people who have already purchased points…. as long as they apply when their turn rolls around. If not they lose the points. Simply quit selling points and issue tags to the highest point holders as they do now. Work their way down until people with just 1 point get tags and there’s a random draw for applicants with no points. Then either look at a system similar to Montana after seeing how that works out for several years. Or say screw it like Idaho and go to a random draw. Maybe make successful applicants sit out for 1 year after drawing.

I’m rambling. What a mess.

 

[RyanT26]

Actually right now it takes more than 5. So call it 6. If point creep is about .5 per year by the time he has 6 he will need 9. By the time he has 9, he will need a 10.5. By the time he has 11 he will need 11.5. So 12 points will do it in 12 years. Pretty grim. When will it end? Or better yet how will it end? I’ll be very curious to see how things play

Aren’t you a ray of sunshine

I won’t hold my breath for Gohunt or newberg to lead with that info on their application video.

 

[CMF]

Even with a late start, you can undoubtedly hunt elk every year. You didn't specify weapon type, so that could change things somewhat, but you can pretty much get a tag every year in CO, ID, or UT, every year or three in MT. WY is getting more difficult with the point creep, but it's not to the point I wouldn't start if you want to hit different states. If you have the budget, AZ, UT, and NM have a chance to draw great tags. The odds are horrible, but not zero, and get better with time in states like AZ.

 

[Seminole Wind]

Even with a late start, you can undoubtedly hunt elk every year. You didn't specify weapon type, so that could change things somewhat, but you can pretty much get a tag every year in CO, ID, or UT, every year or three in MT. WY is getting more difficult with the point creep, but it's not to the point I wouldn't start if you want to hit different states. If you have the budget, AZ, UT, and NM have a chance to draw great tags. The odds are horrible, but not zero, and get better with time in states like AZ.

Appreciate the feedback. Rifle is preferred as I believe it would give me the best chance at success. I'm fine with archery as well though. I bow hunt and shoot at events so the proficiency is there with a bow, the skills vs getting a shot at the elk remains to be seen lol.