Best OTC out of state mule deer hunts?

[Odell]

I know nothing about hunting outside of Oregon and WA. I'm starting to research a mule deer hunt in other states and thought you all might be able to point me in the right direction. I'm a couple years away from taking this trip, if I can make it  happen.

I'm looking for:
-OTC NR tag.
-lots of public land
-open to backcountry backpacking.
-Mule deer with trophy potential (where a 170ish or up deer would be possible)
-antelope tag or opportunity would be a bonus.

Could be rifle or archery,

Does this exist? What states/general areas would you look at? Are there some web sites/blogs that I should be researching? Cost is a factor for me...not able to spend $ on guides, etc. Looking at DIY.

Thanks guys, any help would be great.

[MtnMuley]

ID.   

[ELKBURGER]

Since your hunt is years away, I would say buy points in a couple of states and research some great units that may take a few points to draw. You will get a few different responses on where to put in but I'm sure once you go on 1 hunt it wont be your last.

[trophyhunt]

ID.

SE idaho used to be good, I haven't been there in a few years. It had potential for big mulies but we witnessed way too much poaching, we were so disgusted we never went back. I did report it to the local police but they didn't seen too concerned, they said there was one game warden for a huge area but they would let him know. Anyway, it might have gotten better and might be worth looking into. It's beautiful area from mountains to sage and I saw one of the biggest buck tracks I've ever seen.

[Bigshooter]

Buy points in wy for deer and antelope.  You can buy points only starting in july i think. A couple loints there and you could do a lot of different hunts.

[Odell]

One of the reasons I wanted to stay away from buying points or entering a draw is that I want to be able to plan in advance where and when I'm going.

Would wy have a otc tag worth getting if I didn't draw? I could see buying points for two years and then going even if I didn't draw what I wanted the third year.

Thanks again, looking for places to start my research.

[ELKBURGER]

All non residents have to apply for all tags in Wy. Buying a point a year for 2-3 years would almost guarantee a tag in most units. Units that have wildernesses within them are tougher to draw and non residents need a guide or resident sponser with them to hunt a wilderness area.

[Ridgerunner]

Wyoming or Montana is your best bet I would buy points in Wyoming this summer for sure

[Bigshooter]

Not many states have otc tags. ID and archery tags in OR are all thats about left.  Some states like MT and WY have left over tags that can be picked up first come first served after the draw is done.  My advice is to buy points where you can. Out of state hunting is a points game.

[Biggerhammer]

Not many states have otc tags. ID and archery tags in OR are all thats about left.  Some states like MT and WY have left over tags that can be picked up first come first served after the draw is done.  My advice is to buy points where you can. Out of state hunting is a points game.

WA State is a points game.

[Ibcnurun]

You (not all) may be suprised when I say South Dakota. I don't go there instead of hunting WA, but as a yearly supplement because SD Fish & Game make NR hunting easy. Not really OTC, but if you send in an application, you get a tag in return. I am stricky talking bow hunting as I believe NR tags for firearm are a draw system. As far as your listed criteria:

- As close as it gets to OTC (archery deer and antelope).
- More accessable public land  than you can hunt in a lifetime.
- Not alot of backcountry opportunity. I have backpacked into isolated BLM locations there.
- I do see 170ish animals every year. Not a whole line-up of them, but always come away excited.
- End of antelope season overlaps with deer - so multiple animal hunt is possible (West side of state).

The harsh winters of 2009 & 2010 did have an impact on the herds (especially antelope), but I have never regretted spending my money in that state. It's just not the "sexy" high altitude state that everyone equates with hunting the West.
 

[Co]

Utah

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

If you are a few years away i would get some points built up in CO. You can plan your hunt there. And every unit holds trophy's. They are a max point state, if you have the most points you win but you can look at last years points and see what it will take to draw this year. Never many changes.

[colockumelk]

As fat as OTC deer goes your limited to ID. MT, NV, NM, AZ, WY, CO, and UT are all draw states for non-residents.  Like others have said start buying points in other states. After 3 years in many units its a guaranteed tag. And in many cases the draw results are posted before we can even apply for our permits so you will have plenty of advanced notice. If your serious I would definately subscribe to Eastman's magazine. Their Big Game Research is priceless. It will explain the draws of other states, list success rates both for harvest % and draw odds of different units. Also it lists the trophy potential of each unit.  I would also look at "On Your Own Adventures" Forum they have alot of good free info as well.

Good Luck. Don't fear putting in for points. It's well worth it.

[Pathfinder101]

As has already been said, ID is your only real "OTC" option.  But, buying points in WY for a couple of years will basically garuntee you a good tag when you do apply for it. 

[Odell]

Thank you all for the information, very helpful!