Preference points

Yeah and I'm ok with doing that too. But from my understanding you still have to build up preference points if you want to kill a really big gun even if you are hiring an outfitter because you need the preference points to draw desirable locations.

I say you need but more like its very helpful. I understand that some of the tags are random drawn.

I am also not aversed to attempting to draw easier game in order to practice while I am building preference points.

Speaking of which ^ jgthunt has what sounds like an awesome trip lined up, y’all should talk. I wish I could go but can’t swing it at the moment otherwise I’d have already stolen it from him.

Ive been building points for sheep in several states for years. My son is three and I have already begun building points for him as well, so that when he turns 15 or so he will be near the top of the bonus point systems in most states that use them.

In my opinion the draw and lottery systems are reaching a tipping point. There are more and more people building numbers every year to the point where, especially in preference states, a newcomer will have no statistical chance at drawing one of the top area tags. This is why a lot of folks, like Randy Newburg, keep saying states should revert back to a true simple lottery draw system, at least you would have the same chance as every other hunter applying.

My advice to you would be to pursue OTC tags while you can. In Montana you can buy a combo elk & mule deer tag and hunt public land with success. Will you kill a 360" bull or a 200" buck? Highly unlikely, but you will have a very good shot at a representative of the species. This is where you could travel each year and learn an area. You can forget drawing multiple tags in good areas to hunt year after year, it is far more of a "once in a lifetime" deal for tags now. If you are serious about getting into the tag game then I would recommend calling up the folks at Huntin' Fool, Go Hunt, or one of the other tag application services and pay them to help you. The regulations and rules vary by state and it is EXTREMELY complex to try to learn every application system and deadline.

Not trying to rain on your enthusiasm at all, just giving you the truth. I really hate the application systems in some states and wish it would go to a straight lottery, but this is the game we must play until we hit the powerball.

ETA: I forgot to mention, look up Randy Newburg's podcasts from last year. He does a state-by-state breakdown of the application process. It is gold, although it may have changed for upcoming years, but it will at least help explain things to you.

I have 10 points for Elk in Colorado. 6 points for Mule deer. Max points for sheep and goat. I have points in WY and Montana as well.

It's an expensive proposition every spring. And it is becoming less beneficial as the years pass. For example, on unit might take 14 points to draw. But looking at the draw reports you can see lots of people with 13, 12, 11 points also applied. If the numbers are larger than the number of tags available than the number of points required next year will go up. It's frustrating.

Now, if you want to hunt, apply for 1st choice in a great area and put 2nd choice to an area with leftover tags (even if they are cow tags). You get your preference points and get to hunt and learn during the process. If you can get into an area near where you want to eventually hunt, you can scout as well.

Lastly, don't overlook hunting with a guide with available tags. You will learn a great deal by hunting with an expert. It is expensive but do the comparison. 1500-2000 dollars for a week long DIY Elk hunt in the high country for 3 or 4 years while learning and being unsuccessful would easily pay for 1 quality Elk guided Elk hunt.

That's something I need to learn about.

Does buying a guided elk hunt not require any preference points or is there no chance involved? If that is the case what is the size range that you aren't looking at getting into.

Do you have better chance at shooting a monster elk with experience and enough preference points to get you into a good unit or do the units you buy into with a guide have the same caliber of elk?

I'll definitely shoot a cow before a shoot a bull

Gohunt.com

You are on the right track with Wyoming. Son and I cashed in antelope points in Wyoming this year and had a great hunt. We Plan on burning deer points for Wyoming this year.
One problem with building points is “point creep”. Basically, your points are worth less with every passing year.

When I go it'll be for a week on public land in a tent. I can't wait.

LINK

Hank, son and I applied as a group. I had 10 points and he had 6, so an average of 8. Our unit took 6.5 I think.
We hunted later in the season, so basically had the unit to ourselves.
The units in western Wyoming had a big winter kill last year.