Point Strategy

HuntinFool · Sep 13, 2017

I'm currently a 21 year old Utah resident. I've been building points in Utah since I've been able to and started building points in Wyoming the last couple years. I'm starting to realize that if I ever want to hunt some premium units I need to start building points in other states. I realize with point creep I'll always be behind the game, but it's better than nothing. I plan to continue to build points for all species in Wyoming. This coming year I plan on starting on Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. I've also looked into, but am undecided on Montana, Washington, and Oregon. So I guess my question is am I overlooking any states or opportunities I shouldn't be, and what are your guy's thoughts on Oregon, Washington, and Montana?

Mbogo · Sep 13, 2017

Washington's pricing for non-residents make it a joke to apply in my opinion. You are better off purchasing lottery tickets from the state for OIL species.
You mentioned that you want to hunt premium units. I would say there is not a lot of "premium" in Oregon. The sheep, antelope and mountain goats are great, and nearly impossible to draw. By the time you have enough points for a great elk hunt the wolves will have them mostly eaten. Deer quality across the board is way down. This past winter sure didn't help. I have a lot of points in Oregon and have never drawn a tag for any species. Their non-resident split is really tough.
I know nothing about Montana but I'm sure someone will chime in.
Best of luck to you.

Soj51hopeful · Sep 13, 2017

The only thing with Montana is you can't just buy points. You have to apply. Then you have Idaho which has no point system so it's all luck of the draw. You can't anticipate when you will draw any zone but you should definitely be applying in both states.

wstrntines · Sep 13, 2017

Don't waste your time with oregon as a non resident. It's a joke your odds suck complete a55 and oregon is nothing in quality animals compared to wyo, utah, nv, idaho, colorado, and mt. Also new mexico doesn't have a point system as well so you have good odds there.

bugleb · Sep 13, 2017

Idaho used to be a good bet for over the counter tags and has some good limited entry units. There used to be long seasons and great multiple season opportunities all the way from Sept 1 to late December. My wife hated it.

Unfortunately, the tags are overpriced and the deer herd has never fully recovered from the idiot F&G director 20 years ago who decided to anniolate the deer herd so they wouldn't have to pay so many crop damage claims.

Joe2Kool · Sep 15, 2017

Don't have any info about states to apply for, but I wish I understood the points system when I was 21! I didn't realize it until I was 45. Not trying to build points for premium hunts, just decent hunts. Currently AZ, WY, CO, and IA.

Be aware some states allow you to hunt a general/easy to draw tag AND buy points at the same time.

Good luck with your applications and you have plenty of time.

fullcry · Sep 15, 2017

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Utah400Elk · Sep 16, 2017

I have a ton of CO points and they are no good. In CO, all tags go to max point holder. I wouldn't waste your time. The elk unit I wanted took 3-4 points to draw...almost 20 years later and I am 3 points shy. Their system is the picture of point creep. You will never catch up. I now have the points in case I ever move there again.

You can apply for NM, and ID and have a chance.

For me, I apply for UT, CO, WY, AZ, and NV for points and ID and NM for random draw.

fi have drawn my UT, WY and AZ elk tags. All great hunts but different. I am reapplying in UT and AZ for LE Elk tags but WY for general/easy draw LE tags.

Hope that helps.

dillon · Sep 16, 2017

Apply. Draw. Hunt.

That is my strategy.

Don't aim for the best units out there, because you will probably never draw them. Throw some hail Mary's out there and you might surprise yourself.

New Mexico and Idaho both don't require points and are awesome places.

I could have bought several tags from landowners with all the money I have thrown at application fees.

Dillon

Hunt_the_West · Sep 16, 2017

I would build points for a premium hunt in states such as Nevada and Arizona. Then make a plan to hunt states such as Wyoming and Colorado every other or third year. There is way to many good hunts in both of those states that can be had for very few or zero points (deer in CO, elk, deer and antelope in WY). Swing for the fences in a couple states with no points system and use Montana general tag as back up plan to hunt every year. This is my general strategy anyways hope it helps.