Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Craig on January 24, 2012, 01:56:26 PM
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I have been thinking of starting to build points in AZ. Do you think I would be so far behind in points it's not worth it or just go ahead and start? I'm in no hurry to draw a tag there. I just have to get over the $150 fee just to put in for points.
It it reasonable to think I can draw a decent elk tag in 10-15 years if i start buying points now?
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I say apply appl apply! you can get some good hunts with about 8 points and think time is going to keep on ticking so if you dont 8 years from now you will be like crap i should have put in back in 2012 i could be hunting now!
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As long as you understand that it will be 10 or more yrs before you can draw a tag and it won't be in one of the top units I say go for it. I was in your shoes 9 years ago and decided to go for it,now I'm getting closer to that archery tag. Remember you get a loyalty point if you apply for the same species for five consecutive years. There is also the hunters ed pt if you complete the arizona hunters education class.
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How do you start out? I've been thinking about starting to build points myself.
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I say go for it. I started applying 8 years ago. And even thou I won't draw an early rifle or early muzzy tag anytime soon. I will be able to draw just about any late season rifle tag that I want in the next couple years and I could draw a lot of good archery tags also.
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I have 12 points for elk in AZ and I think Bigshooter is dead on. I'm holding out for an early rifle tag, but I think it's going to be several more years before that happens. My advice....when you have low numbers of points there, try to pick hunts with nonresident application percentages under 10% (compared to numbers of residents), which means that generally you have the same odds as a resident. Most of the best hunts will be way over 10% and all tags will be gone in the 20% "bonus" draw (to maximum point holders only). However, there are some very good, big bull hunts there that do not quite reach the 10% number or are close to it....just do your homework and apply!!! My opinion is that even the 8 year wait Bigshooter mentions above for a late season tag is well worth it. The experience can be awesome...lots of elk and lots of bulls.
