Utah value?

[buckshot516]

I see it’s being talked about, but I’m coming at this question with perspective that I feel is worth starting a new thread. For those who have hunted limited entry hunts in Utah, both residents and especially nonresidents, does the experiences you’ve had on those hunts seem that they hold value even at the price hikes nonresidents are facing? 2 grand for an elk tag?!? I live in Idaho and can hunt every year. I’m at 11 points for deer and elk, and it feels like the smart money might be to walk away from my points. I need a big bull at some point in my life, but the best units seem impossible to ever catch, or luck into at sub 1% odds. The somewhat drawable mid and late hunts on mid tier units I struggle to believe in anywhere near a 2k value hunt over a hunt at home, or am I wrong? $2k to have a reasonable chance to grind into a 350 bull sounds worth it, but if mid tier units are more likely to be 320 top end for a self guided nonresident, and you can’t ever draw a high end unit, is it even worth sinking money into Utah any longer? People say, “ you only have to pay that tag fee once when you draw”, but even playing the 2 for 1 license system to apply over 30 years adds up. Especially with the very limited chances of ever drawing a quality hunt. Curious everyone’s thoughts, but especially from folks that have experience on limited entry Utah soil

 

[MallardSX2]

Opinions vary, but I can tell you for free that the Wasatch mid-season elk rifle tag was a HUGE disappointment that was 100% not worth the drive or the points to get that tag.

Pretty country though.

And that’s all I’m going to say about it.

 

[wapitibob]

I’ll draw my 2nd UT Elk tag in a few years and the tag cost isn’t a deterrent.

 

[Steve O]

I cashed in my 20 or so Utah elk points a couple years ago on an archery tag. Was not impressed at the old prices…

I’ve only hunted elk in AZ and WY and I would much rather have another tag in either of those “meh” units than another high point Utah tag.

With that said I will be trying to get another Utah tag at the higher prices. Beats sitting home!

 

[voltage]

The incremental difference between an “affordable” elk tag and an Utah elk tag is negligible in the grand scheme of things.

However, the general treatment of nonresidents and the ever growing of point creep are both worrisome and tough to predict.

 

[180ls1]

For you, it sounds like the $$$ is worth saving for a guided/landowner hunt.

I've been on 2 LE hunts and neither were what I hoped for. Bigger bulls, yes, overall hunt quality? You'll likley be disappointed coming from ID.

I think it's worth it but I am not a trophy guy (more after the experience of cool hunts) and I make good money. I also have 22pts and cant draw a bull elk tag in my state so I HAVE to look outwards.

 

[Bull_n_heat]

I draw a LE tag in Central UT in 2024, the year before the price hike, I had an exceptional experience and for me it was a cinch to be worth the $1200 the tag cost. I saw 30+ bulls and 0 hunters (but we worked for it). I thought it was unlike any elk hunting experience I have ever had, but I guess I knew going in that it was an unlikely occurrence I would actually draw.

Now that the application fees (license just to apply) are up, it's tougher to stomach. But, if I was asked if I wanted a tricked out rifle (or other possessions) with my hunting $$ or a sweet hunt, I would lean on the hunt every time. I don't like it, but it's where we are at

 

[LostArra]

I also have 22pts and cant draw a bull elk tag in my state so I HAVE to look outwards.

That's terrible. I was just getting ready to write that I can't believe folks would leave an elk state to hunt as a non-resident in another elk state.

The incremental difference between an “affordable” elk tag and an Utah elk tag is negligible in the grand scheme of things.

That is probably framed and posted in every western elk state G&F department especially when tag fees get bumped up.

 

[mhammond86]

I came to the same conclusion as you after applying for a couple of years. Realized I would likely catch mid tier unit after 20 years of applying due to the limited tags that Utah puts out to nonresidents as a whole. I made the smart decision to pull out and put focus elsewhere.

 

[willfrye027]

It’s a tough call if you are apply in Utah only for the possibility of a trophy elk some day. There’s just not that many tags for the NR to be able to expect

Im invested in the general and dedicated deer because it’s a relatively short travel distance for me. So personally I’m in for elk, sheep, and even antelope for a few extra bucks. If I was to draw a good elk tag, I’ll pay for the privilege because I don’t live in an elk state.

 

[PathFinder]

As a matter of policy, age class (and quality with it) are dropping in Utah for LE elk. They are putting out more tags, on more seasons, in another attempt to address point creep/opportunity.
Quality is going down, and prices are going way up. Both are in response to unprecedented demand. Yet, people will still walk around in their favorite influencer's hat/t-shirt and watch their videos.
Personally, I'm fine with it as long as it means better draw odds. It's still a better hunt than Colorado OTC, and will still only happen at most every 10 years.