Who plays the points game across the Country for Big Game?

[bowkill1978]

For sheep, moose and goat what are your goals? Do you apply to all or focus on one state? What's states in your opinion offer the best odds of drawing a big 3 tag and being successful, best bang for the buck.

Just curious in your 8 years of applying how has your results and success been with public land western hunting

I would suggest you call an application service (TAGS, Huntin' Fool, Eastman's) and ask them those questions. As far as my goals, I want to draw a tag in a good unit where I have a pretty good chance at getting a shot at a decent animal. Basically, I'd rather draw a tag in 10-15 years in a pretty good unit than wait 30-40 years to draw a tag in the best unit with B&C animals. I hope that makes sense.

Colorado is the only state that differentiates between archery and rifle tags. Apply for archery tags and your odds are much, much better. Colorado has a bonus point and preference point system. Colorado is a "must apply" state. Start with that and go from there.

Bowkill

[Hillary]

We put in for most of the western states, 4-6 years now depending on the state. Across the board we are mostly building preference points and planning out about 1-2 trips per year max.
We also are in the pot in some eastern states.

[Bowhuntamistad]

I would suggest you call an application service (TAGS, Huntin' Fool, Eastman's) and ask them those questions. As far as my goals, I want to draw a tag in a good unit where I have a pretty good chance at getting a shot at a decent animal. Basically, I'd rather draw a tag in 10-15 years in a pretty good unit than wait 30-40 years to draw a tag in the best unit with B&C animals. I hope that makes sense.

Colorado is the only state that differentiates between archery and rifle tags. Apply for archery tags and your odds are much, much better. Colorado has a bonus point and preference point system. Colorado is a "must apply" state. Start with that and go from there.

Bowkill

Nevada does archery, muzzleloader, and rifle tags for everything but bear, sheep, and mountain goat. Archery tags are usually left over after both primary and second draws and muzzleloader tags can be had in the second draw as well.

[bowkill1978]

Nevada does archery, muzzleloader, and rifle tags for everything but bear, sheep, and mountain goat. Archery tags are usually left over after both primary and second draws and muzzleloader tags can be had in the second draw as well.

Sorry, I was only talking about sheep and goat. I apologize for any confusion. I'm pretty sure all states differentiate between archery and firearm for elk, deer, antelope, etc.

[James]

OP, I was in your place 10 years ago, I'm 40 and I've been building points for 10 years now. I've been really lucky so far and have drawn a bighorn and two ibex tags(NM) as well as great mule deer tags in CO and NV. I've hunted mountain goat twice in BC when I didn't draw anything in the states, and will only apply in CO and MT for goat from now on. You can hunt moose in AK or Canada any year that you have the cash, but I still apply in CO,MT,UT. As far as starting now, NM and ID don't do points, so I'd start there. CO is a long term plan, as is AZ. Even 10 years ago I didn't think that WY was worth the wait/application costs. Like a whole lot of people I reference Eastman's and the Huntin' Fool, although the huntin' fool isn't a must read like it once was.

This is very encouraging and what I was looking for. Thank you

[Passthrough]

Elk points in CO and AZ for me right now

[Chris Martin]

I am in the process of submitting most of my apps in now, and average 6 points across the board in most of the western states. I've drawn several fun muley and elk hunts over the past few years, and am very happy I invested in building points. One day I hope to see my CC get hit for a trophy tag, but still enjoy consistent deer and elk tags.

For those of you who have used TAGS, have they ever messed up any of your applications? I'm short a sheep point in Colorado, and another issue has popped up with them right before the deadline. I like their service and it's been really handy, but these 2 issues and a conversation with CDOW have me a little concerned about moving forward with them. Eric has always worked well with me in the past, but maybe with the new ownership things have changed?

[Landrover]

Yep, been doing it for years. Got 8 points each in Colorado for ELK and DEER. May cash in this year!!!

[RutnBuk]

Yep, been doing it for years. Got 8 points each in Colorado for ELK and DEER. May cash in this year!!!

What unit are you wanting?

[docmay]

I am in the process of submitting most of my apps in now, and average 6 points across the board in most of the western states. I've drawn several fun muley and elk hunts over the past few years, and am very happy I invested in building points. One day I hope to see my CC get hit for a trophy tag, but still enjoy consistent deer and elk tags.

For those of you who have used TAGS, have they ever messed up any of your applications? I'm short a sheep point in Colorado, and another issue has popped up with them right before the deadline. I like their service and it's been really handy, but these 2 issues and a conversation with CDOW have me a little concerned about moving forward with them. Eric has always worked well with me in the past, but maybe with the new ownership things have changed?

Only mess up I have had was with the huge screw up involving the Arizona elk apps. Lost a point that year and was pretty ******. Otherwise has worked well for me. I apply for 21-22 tags and pretty sure over the past 13 years with that many apps I would have blown more than one. I have been happy with TAGS and there recommendations. I work with Eric as well.

[The Cajun]

Have a little over 10 years in a draw for Idaho Elk hunt