bojangles808
WKR
Currently living vicariously through the meat pole thread but I'm getting close but with point creep I should in the next 5 years draw early rifle WY region G, Az 12aw kaibab or possibly NV if I go in the guided draw. Wondering which one you would do guided and which one would be more manageable as DIY? I could responsibly only afford one guided hunt. Even DIY with flight from hawaii, rental etc. adds up pretty quick.
Some context, I bowhunt and rifle hunt year round in Hawaii on public and private land so experienced in animal behavior and stalking and shooting at least with our deer/sheep. Did AZ archery OTC one year but that was my only western hunt experience (some stalks no kill). Already have all the gear, clothing, equipment for a DIY hunt. Although I could draw archery sooner, I would go rifle because of the higher chance of success. I'd probably be ecstatic with any 4 point 160 plus. In my mid 30s, stay in decent hike hunt shape year round. I would not be able to scout in person for any of these hunts other than showing up a couple days before the opener.
Some preconceived notions about each hunt:
WY Region G early rifle
Seems like I could plan on what year I would draw which is a plus (eg. buy points until I was 100% or close to 100%, currently 8or 9 pts) and pick my outfitter well in advance. Thought of a pack in guided hunt on horses in the high country feels like a bucket list hunt. Guided would give me access to wilderness areas and horses would help me get into more remote areas than if I was solo. Also would help me be more 'bear aware' which I'm sure my wife and 2 year old would appreciate. Also help with a pack out would be a plus coming from sea level to the high country although I'd certainly get in shape well in advance. This is where I am leaning to choose at the moment to go guided.
NV guided early rifle
I originally started applying to NV with the goal of going guided with a reputable outfitter as a bucket list hunt. However looking at the guided draw results, it seems pretty random and not as assured with the squaring system as to when I would go. It's kind of confusing too researching because I don't know what units the outfitter would recommend (seems like a lot prefer the top end units, however my goals are not 200+) points needed (I think I have 5 or 6). but again it seems pretty random as to when you draw. Staying in the draw is also pretty expensive every year. Going guided would give me a boost into better units as I'd be in a limited pool, so I assume trophy potential would be better. But again I'd just be happy with a 4 point 160plus. Also would help me get into remote areas of going by horses or utv that I probably wouldn't be able to do on my own. however The plus with NV is the season lines up perfectly with my fall break and I wouldn;t have to take time off from work (I'm a teacher). I have a friend in California too (that I did the OTC Az hunt with; he's gone on multiple western hunts) who might be able to help if I went DIY. Not sure though about the long term health of the NV herd they seem to be more strained than other states.
AZ Kaibab 12aw early rifle
Probably the most trophy potential but the most point creep (think i have 8 or 9 pts). Would get worse if they cut tags. Terrain I think would be a lot easier for me with more roads and lower elevation however I've never been in the unit. Friend from California would probably help me on this one. I feel like this would be the most manageable DIY to have a good hunt and get on lots of deer but then I get these thoughts where "it's the Kaibab you should go with a guide and make the most of it".
That was way more long winded that I initially thought however more context probably is helpful guiding my decision. Thanks in advance.
Some context, I bowhunt and rifle hunt year round in Hawaii on public and private land so experienced in animal behavior and stalking and shooting at least with our deer/sheep. Did AZ archery OTC one year but that was my only western hunt experience (some stalks no kill). Already have all the gear, clothing, equipment for a DIY hunt. Although I could draw archery sooner, I would go rifle because of the higher chance of success. I'd probably be ecstatic with any 4 point 160 plus. In my mid 30s, stay in decent hike hunt shape year round. I would not be able to scout in person for any of these hunts other than showing up a couple days before the opener.
Some preconceived notions about each hunt:
WY Region G early rifle
Seems like I could plan on what year I would draw which is a plus (eg. buy points until I was 100% or close to 100%, currently 8or 9 pts) and pick my outfitter well in advance. Thought of a pack in guided hunt on horses in the high country feels like a bucket list hunt. Guided would give me access to wilderness areas and horses would help me get into more remote areas than if I was solo. Also would help me be more 'bear aware' which I'm sure my wife and 2 year old would appreciate. Also help with a pack out would be a plus coming from sea level to the high country although I'd certainly get in shape well in advance. This is where I am leaning to choose at the moment to go guided.
NV guided early rifle
I originally started applying to NV with the goal of going guided with a reputable outfitter as a bucket list hunt. However looking at the guided draw results, it seems pretty random and not as assured with the squaring system as to when I would go. It's kind of confusing too researching because I don't know what units the outfitter would recommend (seems like a lot prefer the top end units, however my goals are not 200+) points needed (I think I have 5 or 6). but again it seems pretty random as to when you draw. Staying in the draw is also pretty expensive every year. Going guided would give me a boost into better units as I'd be in a limited pool, so I assume trophy potential would be better. But again I'd just be happy with a 4 point 160plus. Also would help me get into remote areas of going by horses or utv that I probably wouldn't be able to do on my own. however The plus with NV is the season lines up perfectly with my fall break and I wouldn;t have to take time off from work (I'm a teacher). I have a friend in California too (that I did the OTC Az hunt with; he's gone on multiple western hunts) who might be able to help if I went DIY. Not sure though about the long term health of the NV herd they seem to be more strained than other states.
AZ Kaibab 12aw early rifle
Probably the most trophy potential but the most point creep (think i have 8 or 9 pts). Would get worse if they cut tags. Terrain I think would be a lot easier for me with more roads and lower elevation however I've never been in the unit. Friend from California would probably help me on this one. I feel like this would be the most manageable DIY to have a good hunt and get on lots of deer but then I get these thoughts where "it's the Kaibab you should go with a guide and make the most of it".
That was way more long winded that I initially thought however more context probably is helpful guiding my decision. Thanks in advance.
