Hunting with no points

RJL · Jan 28, 2014

I'm just getting back into hunting out west. I realize that getting points seems to be the way to be able to hunt the great areas. While I start to get points, I would still love to just get out and hunt. I was looking for any help in finding areas and states that can be hunted without any points. I would say archery is my favorite weapon, but also muzzy and rifle hunt. Any state would be fine. Having an opportunity to see bulls over 260 to 280 would be a bonus. Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

DnkyPunch · Jan 28, 2014

Colorado and Idaho have OTC tags no points needed. You can hunt Montana general season and draw with no points. Wyoming has general tags but you'll have to put in for the premium tag and do it by the 31st of January.

All have elk that will fit your criteria.

littlebighorn · Jan 28, 2014

As was mentioned above, most western states have some general season tags that don't require points. They may limit you to a spike or cow, but opportunities are out there. So you can hunt general areas along with everyone else and still bank points for the limited entry units. If you are just starting, you have a long wait in most states for a good limited entry hunt. But you have to start some time if you want to play the game.

ElkManDan · Jan 28, 2014

Hunt Colorado or Idaho on the OTC archery tags, or Montana leftover tag while you are building points in as many states as you can. That way when you have enough points to draw some of the good tags you'll have enough experience hunting pressured elk on the OTC units that hunting the draw units will seem easy. If you already enjoy archery hunting I would stick with that, it's way easier to draw archery tags and nothing beats calling in a big bull close during the rut.

carterj16 · Jan 28, 2014

Colorado, Idaho, Oregon are all general with a bow. wyoming and montana has hunts that can be drawn every year.

Sherlock · Jan 28, 2014

LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-14 AT 11:14PM (MST)[p]RJL,

Don't forget New Mexico. No points needed (or allowed). Decide what draw odds you want and how 'trophy' you want to go and go for it. My suggestion would be to get a guaranteed tag (or two) in any of the states mentioned above, and then apply in N.M. for a good hunt that gets you excited. Don't draw, fine, you're still going hunting.

Note: same goes for Idaho.

Good luck!