18 points.... next year what would you do

huntzall · Aug 4, 2014

I have 18 freaking points in Utah. I can't decide what to do with them. Part of me wants to partner up with my nephew on a lesser hunt. Part of me just wants out of the draw. And there is the part that's says eff you've waited this long...

What you guys do with 18 points if you had them??

HorseCreek · Aug 4, 2014

18 years is a long time to wait just to throw away.

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deerslayer88 · Aug 4, 2014

I would put him in with you and go for it on a good unit. Nothing like a hunting buddy.

?If men were angels, no government would be
necessary.? John Adams

utarchery · Aug 4, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Aug-04-14 AT 11:14PM (MST)[p]how much time are you willing to take off for your hunt? 18 points would probably get you a premium tag in any unit you wanted if you are in utah

PleaseDear · Aug 4, 2014

+1 on Premium Tag unit with 2 or more tags offered.....presuming you are a ressy.

Being 1 point below max points-----maybe look into muzzy or bow?? if vacation time isn't available for a Premium tag?

You are in a Good and a bad point pool---haha

Robb

Mac88 · Aug 4, 2014

Do a premium hunt, then plan on taking most of the fall off! As of what unit? Hard to say. Either way it will be a great year of hunting. It's all about the experience with friends and family in the end.

SlinginLead · Aug 4, 2014

I'm in the same boat, but with 19 points(NR) now. With so many tags going to the Sportsman for Wildlife auctions, there is little or no movement at the head of the line for the units I put in for.
It's frustrating.

BigTom · Aug 5, 2014

When I find out what I'll do with my 18 points, Robb will be the first to know. ?

rmanwill · Aug 5, 2014

I hear you. Finally drew after twenty one years. These elk hunts are once in a lifetime, with a few exceptions for a few really lucky ones.

krazy · Aug 5, 2014

I get frustrated, and I have far fewer points built up. Based on the sentiments of my family members with 18 or so points who still haven't drawn, I think the sting in those last few years is even worse. But, as has been mentioned, a high quality elk tag has become a once-in-a-lifetime draw, and some may never draw. So if I were you, I would hold off for your unit of choice. Easier said than done, though!

uteman801 · Aug 5, 2014

I'm also in your same boat. Last year I switched from any weapon to muzzleloader for my LE hunt thinking I was a shoe in according to the stats on hunterstrailhead.com and still unsuccessful. Oh well guess I'll have to go find me a nice spike this year

Like others said 18 points is a lot go for the hunt you want most and wait. It will be worth it. That's my game plan.

heartshot · Aug 5, 2014

18 points is up there. I'm afraid that is to many to blow on a lesser hunt. Suggest you wait it out. (assuming you're a resident)

Vanilla · Aug 5, 2014

It all depends. You have 18 going into next year? Without looking up the odds you probably guaranteed any muzzy tag outside of San Juan, maybe not Pahvant. If not next year, in the next 2 years you'd draw about any muzzy tag you want. You could also draw any 2nd tier early rifle hunt guaranteed. Just depends what you want. You're a lot longer out for a SJ or similar early tag unless you get lucky and draw. A lot of 19 and 20 point holders ahead of you.

I would NOT put in a group for a lesser unit. It's tough enough to fill a tag with one good bull, let alone 2. You draw now and then help him when he draws.

PleaseDear · Aug 5, 2014

TJ---haha

Ya know I am one hell of a camp jack!!

Robb

bamacpl · Aug 6, 2014

Vanilla-- you wasn't supposed to mention units by name....that's taboo! Your going to give up someone's "secret" unit?

HorseCreek · Aug 6, 2014

What are your hunt goals? Are you 100% holding out for a book bull? If not then why wait 18 years? Most LE tag holders shoot the first average bull they see. VERY FEW actually hold out and hunt for the big bulls. Sure a couple guys luck out and stumble on a monster.
I don't like hearing these are OIL hunts when you can draw a bunch of units with a few points.

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SPAZ · Aug 6, 2014

I'm in the same boat. 18 points. Wouldn't be opposed to archery but have been going early any weapon in the SJ for 5 years as I'm not entirely ready to commit several weeks in September to Utah. I'm not looking for the first decent bull, live in MT and hunt 350+ every single year. Have taken 4 here over 370, two with archery, looking for something great fun, lots of action and the chance for something XXL. What to do?

SPAZ · Aug 6, 2014

And I have 17 in AZ, max in Wyoming. Going to do some out of state hunting sometime in the near future and would like to start planning/scouting now, a few years in advance.

mickeyelk · Aug 8, 2014

I have 16 non-ressy points and in the same dilema as you. I thought of hunting the late season but changed my mine since I'm starting to build up points and since this is a once in a lifetime tag I'll wait til its my turn. I hunt all weapon types but want a rifle elk tag. Never killed a bull with a rifle. I have with my bow and muzzy. Go figure! I would say hold out your time is coming.