What's states do you hunt?

[lintond]

I'm starting to think about applying for out of state options for elk. Currently I was thinking of building points in Wyoming, Utah and Arizona. Then keeping Colorado, Montana, and Idaho as options for OTC. I realize each state has very different application systems, costs, and herd management. I'm trying to develop a strategy/portfolio that will work both short and long term. What states are the best $$ wise to build points in? Just curious what other people are doing and the states they try to hunt?

 

[lintond]

Nobody hunts out of state...

 

[Scoot]

I do the same thing as you, except I haven't bought points in Utah. Points for WY, AZ, MT, and CO with OTC CO, ID, and leftover tags in MT being back up plans. Also, don't forget about NM. Generally poor draw odds, but a great place to make a temporary deposit of cash in hopes of pulling a tag.

 

[shaun]

I do the same thing as you, except I haven't bought points in Utah. Points for WY, AZ, MT, and CO with OTC CO, ID, and leftover tags in MT being back up plans. Also, don't forget about NM. Generally poor draw odds, but a great place to make a temporary deposit of cash in hopes of pulling a tag.

No Utah? That is damn near cheapest state for a non res

 

[Scoot]

Yep, cheaper than most. However, since they changed the rule a number of years ago that NRs could apply for multiple species in the same year about a gajillion (that's a lot) of people got in the points race ahead of me by about two years. So, I decided to cut my losses and not apply there. I have to admit I'm still reconsidering this decision...

 

[lintond]

I do the same thing as you, except I haven't bought points in Utah. Points for WY, AZ, MT, and CO with OTC CO, ID, and leftover tags in MT being back up plans. Also, don't forget about NM. Generally poor draw odds, but a great place to make a temporary deposit of cash in hopes of pulling a tag.

I know NM doesn't do any pref/bonus points. Do you get all or most of your money back?

 

[luke moffat]

I travel over 900 miles in different directions but still in the same state.

 

[lintond]

I travel over 900 miles in different directions but still in the same state.

If only we could trade tags. I'd love to go hunt goats and sheep on a regular basis.

 

[luke moffat]

If only we could trade tags. I'd love to go hunt goats and sheep on a regular basis.

I wouldn't call 2 or more hunts a year for each species a regular basis

 

[justin davis]

Colorado! Have never hunted out of this state. Pretty much have everything a guy could want to hunt here. Plus I'm poor so can't afford out of state stuff.


Someday I dream about hunting AZ for coues and Alaska for moose or grizz.

 

[60x]

I travel over 900 miles in different directions but still in the same state.

Yeah I'm thinking all the traving we have to do up here it should count as at leSt several states.... Not to many states can you drive 20 plus hours and still be in the same state... Lol.

I'm still learning alaska but I am branching out and putting in some tags in other states..

 

[bigeasygator]

I do the same thing as you, except I haven't bought points in Utah. Points for WY, AZ, MT, and CO with OTC CO, ID, and leftover tags in MT being back up plans. Also, don't forget about NM. Generally poor draw odds, but a great place to make a temporary deposit of cash in hopes of pulling a tag.

New Mexico is hands down my favorite state to apply in for a couple of reasons. 1) No bonus/preference points (you technically can draw any tag out there) 2) Three legitimate choices on your application (you can put two long shots and an easier to draw tag with your third choice).

 

[MTbowhunter36]

The last couple of years I've hunted OR, ID & MT for elk. Really would like to harvest a Roosevelt bull elk, but they're tough animals to pursue IMO. When everything is factored in, hunting out of state is pretty expensive, as my wife tells me "We could buy a lot of prime rib for the costs of your hunts". This year I'm just staying in my home state of MT (I'd like to stay married!).

 

[Coyote Commander]

I dont have time to travel, and dont really have a need to.

Ive got elk, mulies, whitetails, antelope, and bear practically in my back yard and only two months to cram it all in. Once late October rolls around, I gotta be killing coyotes.

 

[lintond]

New Mexico is hands down my favorite state to apply in for a couple of reasons. 1) No bonus/preference points (you technically can draw any tag out there) 2) Three legitimate choices on your application (you can put two long shots and an easier to draw tag with your third choice).

I do like the idea of completely random odds each year. Although it does suck if you apply every year and don't get drawn. I am a fan of the multiple choices, unlike Oregon where your second choice needs to be a crappy unit to draw.

 

[Tony Trietch]

The last couple of years I've hunted OR, ID & MT for elk. Really would like to harvest a Roosevelt bull elk, but they're tough animals to pursue IMO. When everything is factored in, hunting out of state is pretty expensive, as my wife tells me "We could buy a lot of prime rib for the costs of your hunts". This year I'm just staying in my home state of MT (I'd like to stay married!).

This is why I am not married.. not that there is anything wrong with being married but I start in Sept. and don't get home till Dec.

 

[luke moffat]

This is why I am not married.. not that there is anything wrong with being married but I start in Sept. and don't get home till Dec.

HAHA...I'm married and spent a total of 12 days at home between starting in July thru November. It can be done just gotta go together!

 

[MTbowhunter36]

This is why I am not married.. not that there is anything wrong with being married but I start in Sept. and don't get home till Dec.

Perhaps I should quantify my statement. My wife is extremely supportive of my hunting endeavors and I'm blessed to have such a great bride.

She just ribbed me a bit when I dropped so much coin on hunting in OR & ID back to back then came home with tag soup :-( I was born and raised in MT, but in the western part of the state. We currently reside in the central part of the state as we just moved back to MT in August. Since I'm not familiar with this part of the state, I wanted to explore and find new hunting ground rather than finance several trips out of state (coupled with the fact that those Roosevelt bulls are hard to hunt!).

 

[lintond]

HAHA...I'm married and spent a total of 12 days at home between starting in July thru November. It can be done just gotta go together!

Luke I agree. If you know of another hunting crazy gal like Becca please pass on the info.