Application Strategy

[Iowan]

I was looking to begin applying in Arizona in 2012 so that I might draw an archery elk tag there in a decade or so. The cost would be around $160 to apply and build a point. I will be 42 this fall. Since I am now in the 5 year waiting period for elk in Utah I was looking for another option.

I have a 13 and an 18 year old nephew that I want to start building points. I am considering Utah elk and deer for them. I can get two years of applications and points for both hunters for deer and elk at a cost of $210 at current rates and Arizona would cost me $300 for myself for the same two years.

I should add that I put them in for New Mexico and points in CO and WY also.

I would be just as happy to join them on a hunt as have my own tag so this strategy to build them points in Utah hoping to join them on a hunt in 15 to 20 years (when I am 60 or so holy cow)seems to make sense?

If either of my girls (8 and 5) show interest down the road I will build them points too. Within a few years I could even afford to buy conservation or land owner tags in some states if drawing tags is not working for me (house will be paid for, farms paid off, etc. - but then comes college so I may be getting ahead of myself).

What am I missing? This requires a long term committment and I want to make certain I am making a good choice. Both my nephews are great kids and I am confident they will continue to hunt their whole lives. Neither of their dads really hunt so this falls to me which I am fine with. Over time I will hand it off to them to take care of but not until they have their lives up and running.

 

[SDBugler]

Iowan
I know you are only talking about elk, but if you are going to buy the requried NR hunting license to apply for elk in AZ then I would suggest that you maximize your investment and apply for all big game species that may interest you - such as antelope, deer, sheep, etc. each application is only $7.50 after you spend the $151.25 for the huntign license.

I would also suggest applying for UT for all species for the kids. The cost of the license can be spread over two years and you only have to spend the application fee for each species.

Colorado is also cheap for non-res youth. You may want to look into applying there.

I have 3 sons - 11, 16, and 17 (turns 18 in a few weeks). I have been applying them for tags/points in several western states for several species. I keep a spread sheet of all our applications - points balance, deadlines, cost, and most importantly our long term goal for each application. Betwen the 4 of us we will have 173 big game applications this year!!! I told my wife that in order for them to have a chance at some decent tags when they get older, they need to get into the points game at the earliest age possible.

We have a strategy for a few good tags before they finish high school and we will burn a few points on each of them before they go off to college but by the time they get done with college they should have a good inventory of points built up and have a chance at some great tags before they are too old. I look at it as their "college gratuation present". The only stipulations are that they focus on college first (and not hunting) for a few years, and that they take their old man along (if he is still able).

Good luck and let me know if you have any specific questions. I would gladly help you out.

 

[WapitiBob]

If you also buy points for the wife she can party app with the kids after they burn their points so their hunts aren't a one time shot.

 

[Califelkslayer]

Wyoming too on the youth PPs. Get their PPs started yong in Colorado and Wyoming. By the time they're 18, they should have drawn a tag or two if you aren't too picky and they'll want to keep the ball rollin.

Someone has to when we're gone.