States and the different kinds of point systems

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

I have hunted wa since 08 and been around hunting my entire life.  My family hunts.  After venturing out of state for mullies last year for the first time and having success.  Then looking back at my Washington hunts and having little success.  Makes me want to start elk hunting other states.  The point system seems to be completely different for every state.  Can any of you tell me a quick breakdown of the different western elk states and how to accumulate points for a bull, draw tags for a bull and cost/possible cost?  What states offer what as far as OTC tags for bull elk?  I would apply for archery tags.  I love hunting elk in wa and will continue to do so even if I hunt out of state. But I want to do some traveling so I need to start applying.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

[Bigshooter]

If you want to hunt archery elk I wouldn't worry about building pts in any states.  I would just pick a state or two that has otc tags.  States that offer otc tags that I would consider in order would be: MT, ID, CO, and OR.  Cost will be around $600+/- $100 for any of those states.  One state that might be worth building pts in would be WY if you just want to hunt the general season.  It only takes 1pt to guarantee a general season elk tag in WY.  Any other states could take years of gathering pts before you draw a tag.

[Karl Blanchard]

If you want to hunt archery elk I wouldn't worry about building pts in any states.  I would just pick a state or two that has otc tags.  States that offer otc tags that I would consider in order would be: MT, ID, CO, and OR.  Cost will be around $600+/- $100 for any of those states.  One state that might be worth building pts in would be WY if you just want to hunt the general season.  It only takes 1pt to guarantee a general season elk tag in WY.  Any other states could take years of gathering pts before you draw a tag.

Only thing I would point out is that if you just want to get into bulls and have fun then put Colorado on the top of your list.  They KILL more elk in Colorado then the total amount of elk that are ALIVE in Washington!  The sheer number of elk in Colorado guarantee that even the worst units can put out some quality bulls but Colorado manages most of their elk herds for quantity and opportunity so don't expect 330+ bulls screaming around every corner.

If you are looking for a good hunt with really good top end trophy potential then look into Montana.  One thing to remember about Montana though is grizzly bears! 

One thing about out of state elk hunting is it can take time.  You might have to hunt an area or region several years before you really get into game.  You need to put together a plan A, B, C, and D!  Have backup spots for your backup spots!  You might luck out and hit the money spot right out of the gate but don't bank on it.  If you have the time and money to do a summer scouting trip then definitely do it!

As far as points go, if you are gonna fork the cash out for a tag anyways, you may as well apply for some permits.  Colorado has some really good muzzy tags that can be drawn with only a few points.  As Bigshooter stated, Wyoming needs to be on your points purchase list!  They have some killer elk permits to be had and put out some fantastic bulls!  Don't bother with Utah though!  Unless you want to line out a fun hunt for your 80th birthday   Good luck!  The out of state hunting is an addictive game!

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Thanks for the help! Yeah I got hooked last year in Idaho.  What states make you buy the tag and refund no money?  What states make you buy the tag and then refunds a portion and how much is that portion for what states? What states can you buy points without buying the tag?  What about New Mexico and Arizona?  Thanks again for the help.

[Karl Blanchard]

New Mexico has no point system so it is all luck of the draw. 

Arizona is impossible to draw and I don't apply so I can't really help with info on that.

Colorado makes you buy your tag up front but will issue you a refund of all but your application fee and your habitat stamp I believe.

Wyoming you can buy just a point starting in July and ending in Sept.

Utah you have to buy a hunting license and then your app fees, but like I said before, don't bother!  You are too far behind the points curve, unless you don't mind spending $3k on licenses and app fees to maybe draw in 30 years!

Montana you can hunt over the counter but you can also apply for a few special permits and if unsuccessful you can request a refund, but its only 80% so they basically keep about $170.  I go deer elk combo because I deer hunt it every year and if unsuccessful at drawing an elk permit I can return my elk tag for a $300 refund as well as build a point, so I am only losing $150 on my elk and still get to kill mule deer.

Nevada you have to buy a license for $145 and then you can apply.  So your out that license cost for your preference point.

Sounds like you know Idaho already so I won't bother with that.  This is all general info but hope it answered some questions.

[Karl Blanchard]

Forgot to mention, NM makes you buy your license but refunds you the rest so it costs you $65.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Thanks!  I just read up on az.  Its 15 dollars for a point and 650 I drawn.  Seems like a sweet deal just need to find the unit that isn't impossible to draw.

[Bigshooter]

Thanks!  I just read up on AZ.  Its 15 dollars for a point and 650 I drawn.  Seems like a sweet deal just need to find the unit that isn't impossible to draw.

In AZ you have to buy a $160 nonrefundable hunting license to apply plus pay $15 per species for your point.  If you only want to archery hunt for elk and don't need to kill a 350+ bull I see no benefit of building pts in any state.  There is great archery elk hunting in the states that I listed with otc tags.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Thank you and I respect your opinion.  I will look into the OTC opportunitys available.  That's what I did last year was OTC mule deer Idaho.  We saw some elk but believe it was draw only area.  I am more thinking of the points as an edge against inflation.  Some OTC opportunitys may soon become draw and the oil draws are just that and that's how I would think of them.  I would probably be building points with my brother and putting in as party.  I'm still fairly young and have enough time to draw some premiere tags.  The cost isn't an issue now in the future it may be.  But why not.  Thanks for all the help. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Thank you and I respect your opinion.  I will look into the OTC opportunitys available.  That's what I did last year was OTC mule deer Idaho.  We saw some elk but believe it was draw only area.  I am more thinking of the points as an edge against inflation.  Some OTC opportunitys may soon become draw and the oil draws are just that and that's how I would think of them.  I would probably be building points with my brother and putting in as party.  I'm still fairly young and have enough time to draw some premiere tags.  The cost isn't an issue now in the future it may be.  But why not.  Thanks for all the help. 

Then scratch Nevada off of your list.  You can't apply as a group in Nevada for branched antlered bulls.

[Mr Mykiss]

If you're gonna get in the game you can research, research and research the hell out of it, and you need to do that. I spend a few minutes sitting on the ___ each day flipping through any one of several western states' regulation brochures.
Here's my perspective.
1. The OTC hunts in other states are gonna be better than anything you'll find in WA (and OR for that matter)
1a. It's like road hunters. Most hunters are lazy, we just need to get off'n our lazy butts and drive 13 hours for a great hunt. It's worth it when you get off the road!!
2. I consider buying points an "investment" in my hunting future.
2a. I'm putting $50/year into a Wyoming elk hunt. So far I've got $350 paid into an epic WY elk hunt that will be the focus of my 2018 hunting season, of course I've got a few more dollars to invest by you get the point.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

If you're gonna get in the game you can research, research and research the hell out of it, and you need to do that. I spend a few minutes sitting on the ___ each day flipping through any one of several western states' regulation brochures.
Here's my perspective.
1. The OTC hunts in other states are gonna be better than anything you'll find in WA (and OR for that matter)
1a. It's like road hunters. Most hunters are lazy, we just need to get off'n our lazy butts and drive 13 hours for a great hunt. It's worth it when you get off the road!!
2. I consider buying points an "investment" in my hunting future.
2a. I'm putting $50/year into a Wyoming elk hunt. So far I've got $350 paid into an epic WY elk hunt that will be the focus of my 2018 hunting season, of course I've got a few more dollars to invest by you get the po
int.





 

[huntnphool]

I've got a few more dollars to invest by you get the point.

No pun intended?